Sunnybrook Equestrian Center in Scarborough Maine

We spend a huge amount of time in Scarborough Maine and now that my daughter has started horseback riding – we needed some options while we are away from home. Sunnybrook Equestrian Center was the perfect solution.

Sunnybrook has an outdoor arena but they also have this covered space. They have a beautiful seven-acre farm, just minutes from Route One and Dunstan Corner. Quality is important to them as evidenced by their organized tack room, pristine custom built barn and healthy horses.

They instruct riders of all levels and with all interests. Rebecca Nelson is the instructor and she and Tellie (not sure I spelled that correctly), pictured above with Sephora were national champions together.

Isn’t Tellie gorgeous?

Rebecca Nelson holds a 1996 Bachelor’s Degree in Equine Science from William Woods University in Fulton, MO, where she studied Teaching Techniques I-V, Equine Behavior and Training, Equine Anatomy and Farrier Science, Equine Evaluation, Equine Nutrition, Equine Health and First Aid, Stable Management, Applied Riding in Dressage, Western and Hunt Seat, Jogging and Driving, and more.

Since graduation, she has continued her education by riding with some of the industry’s top instructors, including George Morris (USET), Linda Allen, Emily MacGowen (1987 Pan American Gold Medalist in Eventing), Jeff Cook, Ken Edwards, and others.

Sephora having a nice chat with Tellie

Attending most of the shows on the Maine Horse Association’s show calendar, the Sunnybrook Show team is comprised of students on their own horses as well as Sunnybrook horses and is active throughout Maine and New England.

Training is the single most valuable tool you can provide to your horse. All horses, regardless of their training history, can benefit from the right professional training. Rebecca Nelson specializes in horses with less than ideal training histories or those horses who are considered ‘difficult’. From trailer loading, clipping, and ground work, to under saddle training and continuing on to the show ring, Rebecca’s resistance-free methods are designed to create a willing partnership with the horse that is built on patience and confidence.

The custom built barn, complete with cathedral style ceiling is bright, open and well lit, housing eight 10×12 box stalls. The sand outdoor riding arena is 72 x 120, has three-rail wooden fencing and is groomed regularly to assure the perfect footing for your horse. Their 60′ covered arena boasts wonderful lighting, a sand mixture for the footing and removable side walls for cross ventilation during the warm months while still protecting from the weather.

Daily turn out is offered for groups or individuals, with access to six pasture and paddock areas. There is also access to plenty of trails and Pine Point Beach is less than 5 miles for beach riding October to May.