theplaidhorse.com • September 2016 • 91
not their weaknesses, and then keep them moving forward at an appropriate pace.” EDSS is the sole tenant of Malibu Vista, a private, five-acre farm owned by Drew and Janice Leonard. The facility offers 22 stalls with paddocks, a ring, state-of-the-art footing and all the amenities that top show horses require. Clients have direct access to both the beach and hills of Malibu, as well as world class dining and shopping. “When I opened the barn in 2010, I really thought about how much time was invested in the sport for everyone in the family, not just the rider,” Duffy says. “I wanted parents and spouses to enjoy watching the juniors and amateurs in a great environment while also staying active themselves. My clients hike together in the mountains behind the barn, cross the street and run stairs to the beach, paddle board and surf. You can go to Soul Cycle, yoga or just enjoy a great meal. This location offers a great experience for all.”
where she won the Medal and Maclay, numerous Grands Prix, successfully completed many Nations and World Cup team finals as well as other top honors. We have long respected one another's training and philosophies, so I thought what a great addition to the mix.” Equally adept in all three rings, Duffy mindfully keeps her barn at a size where she can be intimate with her horses physical condition and training program, while designing a highly individualized coaching plan for her riders. Her style fosters loyalty with clients who praise her approach to horse management and rider development. “With Erin you get all three of the qualities one would look for in a trainer,” long-term client, Marcelle Frey comments. “She is a great rider, great teacher and provides impeccable horse care. My kids have been given a tremendous riding foundation while learning self reliance and adapting a work ethic that carries through all aspects of their lives. Erin helps them to define and
FAR LEFT TO RIGHT: ERIN AND HER DOGS JACK AND LILLY ENJOY A WALK ON THE BEACH JUST ACROSS THE STREET FROM THE BARN; DUFFY AND ARCADIA (OWNED BY JACQUELINE ATTWOOD-DUPONT) AT THE 2016 MENLO CHARITY HORSE SHOW. PHOTO © DEB DAWSON; ASSISTANT TRAINER ISADORA DUHAIME-TROWBRIDGE IS AN INTEGRAL PART OF ERIN DUFFY SHOW STABLES; ERIN DUFFY AND FRANCIE STEINWEDELL CARVIN HANG WITH JACK AND LILLY WHILE TAKING A BREAK FROM RIDING. PHOTOS © KATE HOULIHAN; ERIN PILOTS RUMBA TO 1ST YEAR GREEN HUNTER CHAMPION, AND GRAND GREEN CHAMPION, AT CAPITAL CHALLENGE IN 2008. DUFFY DISCOVERED THIS FAMOUS FELLOW WHEN HE FIRST ARRIVED IN THE U.S. AND PURCHASED HIM FOR THE WILKINSON FAMILY. PHOTO © DENNIS O'NEILL.
Duffy is aided by long time assistant, Isadora DuhaimeTrowbridge, a Canadian from Montreal that trained under Olympian, Ian Millar. “Isadora is the backbone of this barn,” Duffy says. “She is almost full time at home, so that riders and horses experience consistent, top-notch training even when I am away at a show.” In addition, FEI world-renowned show jumper, Francie Steinwedell Carvin, is at EDSS part time and involved in all aspects of the barn. “Francie’s knowledge in this world is unparalleled,” Duffy says. “She continues to be one of the sport’s great riders and has invaluable experience to offer coming from a background
reach for their own personal goals and ambitions, not someone else’s. At the same time, she teaches them it’s not about how much you have but what you do with what you have. There is no greater life lesson than that.” Frey’s teenage daughters have ridden with Duffy since short stirrup, through the pony divisions and now horses. Her youngest child, Ella, took several years off riding after ponies. Returning to the show ring this March in her first experience on a horse, Ella has had a successful year in the Children’s Hunter and Equitation divisions, currently ranked fifth in the World Championship Hunter Rider Regional Standings.