About Berry Hill Farms

Berry Hill Farms was founded in 2004 by Veronika Opitz-Berry, a USDF certified Dressage Instructor and Trainer.

Veronika grew up in Germany and started riding horses at the age of 8. In Germany she began competing at dressage shows at a young age. As a teenager she trained and prepared young horses for their first dressage shows and sales presentations for a private dressage and sales barn. Veronika was trained by an FEI judge and trainer. Her dressage background is based on the classical German system.

Veronika moved to the United States in 1996, and came to the Bay Area in 1997. In 1998 she started to ride and compete in the Bay Area as an Adult Amateur. In 2002 she turned her riding career professional and focused predominantly on starting and training young horses. Soon, teaching was back on her schedule.

Veronika completed the USDF Instructor Certification program achieving her certification through 2nd level in November of 2004. Veronika is currently working on her certification through 4th Level.

Since moving to the States, Veronika has been training with FEI rider and trainer Lynn Roberts-Johnson. She also participates in clinics with riders such as Rogert Seegert, Rachel Saavedra, Gehard Politz, etc.

 

Training Approach

Veronika’s passion for horses and the sport of Dressage is the cornerstone of her teaching and training approach. Veronika adheres to the classical principles of dressage as she was taught in Germany. Her goal, both for herself and her students, is the harmonious development of horse and rider. Her teaching methods emphasize a calm, up-beat, can-do attitude towards horses and students. She focuses on the development of the rider's correct seat and balance to achieve effective, independent aids.

Veronika believes that the student should leave a lesson or training session understanding the methods used to arrive at a certain place in the training. Furthermore, Veronika trains all horses in a kind, clear and precise manner with the horse's health and safety as top priority.

Veronika is a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist and an active competitor, competing horses from Training Level through the FEI levels. As such she is able to understand the feelings that go with competing, which helps her to instruct her students to success in the show arena.

Currently, Veronika teaches at several facilities in Portola Valley. She enjoys working with Junior and Young Riders – a number of whom are competing very successfully with many blue ribbons and high point awards.

Berry Hill Farms offers a variety of training services, all of which are tailored to the individual needs of horse and rider. Veronika is also available for clinics at your barn. For pricing information, please contact Veronika at