Applewood has a really nice mix of good-minded, well-schooled horses for lessons and lease. Some are younger horses who are learning the ropes, others are steady, been-there-done-that teachers, and a few are true schoolmasters who can help you feel what correct flatwork and jumping should be like. All of them are brought along carefully under Marilyn Payne’s eye, so you’re riding horses that are educated, safe, and fun to learn on.
We do our best to match each rider with the right horse for their goals—whether that’s getting more confident, polishing your dressage, or getting out to events. Lease options (from part lease to more involved arrangements) are available, and many horses can also go to clinics and shows with you, depending on the horse and your experience.
Mama is a 2016 Irish Sport Horse mare with experience eventing through Training level and competing up to 3rd Level dressage. She has a wonderful temperament and a strong record, including multiple Training level wins and a top-six placing at the AECs at Novice. A talented, willing partner with both ability and brains, Mama is a joy to ride, and Marilyn is looking forward to the 2026 season of dressage and eventing with her.
Maestro is a 2017 Dutch Warmblood gelding who has competed successfully through Beginner Novice eventing and Second Level dressage. He placed 2nd at the USDF Regional Finals at First Level and is currently being competed in eventing by Reily Thompson and in dressage by Amy Gimble. With an ever-curious personality that is bound to win you over, Maestro is as charming as he is talented.
Jet is a 2000 Percheron/Thoroughbred mare who has evented successfully to Novice and competed in dressage through First Level. She is an easy, comfortable ride with a steady, confidence-building way of going, making her a favorite among students. Honest, kind, and endlessly forgiving, Jet is the type of horse everyone hopes to learn on.
This 2010 Rhinelander has competed successfully through Training level eventing and shown in dressage through 3rd Level. He is a genuine confidence builder for riders learning to jump, offering a steady, honest feel that helps riders progress while having fun.
Born at Applewood in 2001, this Danish/Thoroughbred cross has competed to Prix St. Georges in dressage and is an exceptional schoolmaster for riders learning upper-level work, particularly flying changes. A generous teacher with a wealth of experience, he offers riders the opportunity to refine their feel and develop true sophistication in the saddle.
Zeus is a 2016 Dutch Warmblood with plenty of talent and plenty of personality. He’s a winner at First Level dressage and is schooling Second, with a lovely feel in the connection when his rider is clear and organized. He’s also competed in eventing up through Beginner Novice and enjoys getting out on cross-country. Zeus is quirky in the best way—he keeps his rider honest, makes you ride correctly, and rewards good riding with really nice work. And yes, he’s absolutely convinced that bananas are the greatest treat on earth.
Shown by Valerie Kamp
Buzz is a 2018 Kentucky Thoroughbred and one of Applewood’s newest additions. Cute as a button and in-your-pocket friendly, he is currently developing his dressage and jumping skills in the Applewood program and is on track to begin his competition career in 2026.
This 2020 Dutch Warmblood mare is a lovely new addition to the Applewood program. Sweet, willing, and enthusiastic—she absolutely loves to jump. She is currently developing both her dressage and jumping skills in the Applewood program. By Cantango x Gribaladi x Inspector, she shows exciting potential, and we’re looking forward to her competing in dressage and eventing in 2026.
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