Lu Thomas

Lu is an expert at refining and perfecting the partnership between horse and rider. She is known as, and epitomizes the quintessential hunter rider. The fact is, however, she is very accomplished in both the hunter and jumper rings. Not only has she won the top hunter classes at the most prestigious shows around the country, but Lu was also the American Grand Prix Association Rookie of the Year, and rode in the FEI World Cup Jumper Finals in Switzerland.

Now retired from the show ring, Lu utilizes her skills to help the riders at Willow Tree to form winning partnerships with their horses by concentrating on the rider’s part of the equation. She excels at teaching riders two key elements critical to their success – the mechanics of riding, and the typically overlooked, but absolutely essential component of rider confidence.

The rider and horse need to form a symbiotic relationship in order to create a winning partnership. The rider must not only employ the optimum level of technical riding skills, but also instill the confidence required for the partnership to succeed. Coaching by Lu provides a major component of Willow Tree’s ability to create champions by allowing riders to learn a high level of technical skills, and to develop the critical component of confidence that any successful partnership requires. (Source)