Professional Horse Training in Upstate New York

Whether you want a ribbon collector or something safe to putz around on, we’ll help your horse realize it’s full potential.

At Burnt Feather Farms in Mexico, New York, we believe exceptional horses are developed through consistency, patience, and purposeful training. Home to Stephanie Rodman of SR Performance Horses, our training program combines the experience of professional trainers Stephanie Rodman and Heather to develop horses with confidence, willingness, and the skills to succeed in a variety of disciplines.

Our trainer

Stephanie rodman

We’re proud to have Stephanie Rodman on our team as a trainer and riding instructor. Stephanie brings over 20 years of hands-on experience in the equine industry, with a strong foundation in both English and Western disciplines, including hunter and western pleasure, as well as six years competing on the AQHA circuit.

A 2023 graduate of Morrisville State College with a Bachelor’s degree in Equine Science, Stephanie has continued to expand her knowledge through real-world experience- working with sale horses, starting colts, and preparing and showing horses in the ring. Her background is not just academic- it’s built on years of practical, proven success.

Stephanie specializes in: Colt Starting, Tune-Ups, Show Prep, Western Pleasure, Hunter under saddle, Sales & Marketing.

She offers a complete program that takes horses from their first rides all the way through show preparation and competition, with the skill and experience to produce results both in and out of the ring.

Stephanie is a true professional whose experience is rooted in doing the work- training, showing, and producing quality horses and top-notch riders firsthand.

Hours in = Dependability out

Our Training Philosophy

There are no shortcuts to producing a trustworthy horse. Confidence comes from miles, repetition, and positive experiences. Every ride is an opportunity to build understanding, reward effort, and create a horse that is reliable both at home and away.

We believe in:

Rewarding the try and building confidence.
Developing willing, happy horses that enjoy their jobs.
Creating strong foundations before asking for advanced skills.
Recognizing every horse’s natural talents and helping them excel where they are most gifted.
Producing versatile horses that are safe, broke, and enjoyable to ride.

Rather than forcing every horse into the same mold, we evaluate each individual and tailor their program to maximize their athletic ability, temperament, and long-term potential.

Building versatile horses

Horse training for a variety of disciplines

Our program develops horses for numerous riding disciplines and competitive goals. Because every horse receives a correct, balanced foundation, they are prepared to transition into the discipline that best suits both horse and rider.

Our training experience includes:

Western Pleasure
Hunter Under Saddle & English Pleasure
Hunter Jumper
Show Jumping
Dressage
Eventing
Trail Class
All Around Performance Horses
Driving Horses
Trail Horses
Youth and Amateur Horses

Whether you’re looking to produce a competitive Western Pleasure horse, develop a Hunter Jumper prospect, prepare a driving horse, or simply create a dependable family horse, our program focuses on building confidence, responsiveness, and lasting rideability.

Western Pleasure

Designed to produce quiet, willing, and responsive horses, the western pleasure program emphasizes smooth, consistent movement, softness, balance, and self-carriage. Progressive training builds confidence while preserving each horse’s natural way of going for success both in and out of the show pen.

Hunter Under Saddle

Focused on correctness, consistency, and quality movement, our hunter under saddle program develops horses that are relaxed, balanced, and responsive. Emphasis is placed on softness, proper carriage, and polished manners to create confident, competitive partners in the show pen.

Hunter Jumper

Developing confident, athletic horses is the focus of our hunter/jumper program. Training emphasizes a strong foundation in flatwork, correct jumping technique, balance, rhythm, and adjustability to prepare horses for success both at home and in the show ring.