Sue Lyman - Hunters - (2-day) OTTB Foundational Clinic

​Clinic Overview

This two-day Hunter Clinic is designed specifically for Thoroughbreds transitioning into second careers. The program will emphasize correct flatwork, rhythm, balance, and safe jumping techniques while incorporating the expectations and style of the hunter discipline.

The clinic focuses on developing a confident partnership between horse and rider while creating a safe, progressive learning environment. Particular attention will be given to common safety concerns encountered when restarting Thoroughbreds, helping riders build confidence through correct fundamentals rather than simply increasing jumping height.

Meet the clinician: Sue Lyman!

Sue Lyman has been operating West Riding, a training business near Middleburg, Virgina, for over 30 years. During this time, she has started or retrained many successful show hunters, including Roxdene, Irregardless, El Roy, Movado, and Simbalu, her horse of a lifetime. Simbalu was a thoroughbred stallion who began his career on the racetrack and found his way to Sue. Together, they rose to the top of the hunter divisions.

Sue’s particular talents include recognizing potential in young prospects, starting young hunters and jumpers and diagnosing and developing untrained or difficult horses so that they become easy for others to ride. Recently, her keen knowledge and skill set bolstered her to 1st place in the inaugural $25,000 Upperville Thoroughbred Hunter Derby at the 2026 Upperville Colt & Horse Show.

OTTB ReStart Clinic Series at Great Meadow

The goal of the program is to showcase best practices in Thoroughbred retraining and highlight the versatility of these horses across disciplines. This clinic focuses on developing OTTBs from foundational work through the demands of a horse show environment. Under professional instruction, riders and their horses will learn through the lens of a top-level professional, with an emphasis on understanding and navigating the unique complexities of working with OTTBs.

This clinic is supported by a grant through the Virginia Horse Industry Board.