About Crystal Welsh

Crystal Welsh has been dynamically involved in the equine industry for more than 20 years. Being passionate about horses from a young age led Crystal to receive her Bachelor of Science, specializing in Equine Science, in 2005.

After obtaining her Bachelor's Degree, Crystal proceeded to complete her Master of Science degree in Equine Reproductive Physiology in 2009.

Crystal teaches with the experience of how the horse and rider work from within. Her knowledge on the physical anatomy coupled with her experience as an award winning equestrian make her unique as an instructor. With several years of teaching experience, Crystal has familiarity instructing an array of students, aging from 3 to over 70.

Crystal is currently President of the Illinois chapter of the Western Dressage Association of America. She is a leader in the Western Dressage industry. Her riders, horses and herself earning Championships at the Western Dressage World Championship shows each year in Guthrie, Oklahoma.

She has a wealth of experience and knowledge in:

Her Philosophy

Crystal's first priority is the safety of her students and horses. Communication is a fundamental key to all her methods, which is about understanding the language of the horse and pairing it with the local thinking of its rider. Crystal considers the biomechanics and the biodynamic of the horse and rider partnership.

The philosophy of Crystal's instruction is to train in a way that the horse and rider can successfully perform to the full extent of their capabilities with ease. She is passionate about using positive reinforcement methods with her students and horses, training with the classical principals of Dressage & Natural Horsemanship.

Crystal has a history of producing successful, award-winning students decorated at all levels, from local fun shows to State, Regional, and Nationally rated shows. She is honored to produce not only award-winning students, but educated equestrians. Her horsemen and women do not just know how to ride, but also how to effectively understand, communicate, and succeed with their mounts.

The benefit of working with horses can produce confidence, patience, a sense of accomplishment, and how to efficiently analyze as well as respond to situations for not only yourself, but another being. Therefore, riding lessons are treated as a formal subject rather than just a hobby. Lessons are structured with realistic goals and supplemented with an abundance of educational information outside of the arena.