CF Trainers

RACHEL MCINTOSH

Rachel has been riding her entire life. Growing up on her family’s boarding barn in Monticello she knows everything from riding horses to farm management and horse care. She has competed through the Preliminary level and has started horses from the ground up. Rachel has been an assistant trainer on and off through the years. She is also a PA working in Minneapolis fulltime. Rachel has been head of the winter training program and assists in summer lessons and coaching.

EMMA BECKETT COZINE

Emma has been working for Liz on and off since 2017. Emma has experience with starting young horses and competing at the lower levels. She teaches a variety of lessons at Copeland Farms as well as does some horse care and management. She has successfully shown through Novice and enjoys passing her knowledge on to others as well as continuing to explore and learn new methods. She also owns and runs her own equine massage business - Serenity Equine Massage.

ELLEN GRADY

Ellen has been training and showing dressage and event horses for almost 40 years. She has competed up to Intermediate in Eventing and fourth level dressage. She has worked closely with Mary Wanless in clinics and in four day teacher training sessions. This work is focused on rider biomechanics and in helping riders better understand how to ride in a balanced way to get the best from their own riding and from their horses. Ellen is committed to always learning and finding ways to help students get the most joy and success from their relationship with horses.

DANA THOMAS

Dana has successfully trained and shown on her own for more than 35 years. Training horses and clients in Open Dressage classes from Training level through Prix St. Georges. Dana has obtained her education from top trainers and clinicians and believes in continuing education. Reading, watching and participating to help herself stay up to date on new issues and techniques, yet continually reaffirming the basics of correct training methods. Dana has participated in the L Judges program as well as the USDF Instructor Certification Program. Dana teaches dressage and flat work for all riders.

GRACIE BALDASSARI

Gracie came to work for Liz in late 2019 as her first working student position.  She leased Hannah and competed her through the Novice level while producing her first off the track thoroughbred.  Since working for Liz she has worked for a variety of trainers including dressage trainers, FEI grooms, she rode on the equitation team in college, assisted with all the USEA grooming symposiums, produced more young off the track thoroughbreds and other breeds of horses and loves learning everything and anything to pass on to students and horses.  She joins the team to help teach lessons as well as assistant with operations coordinations.

HISTORY

Liz is based out of Copeland Farms in Independence, MN, and spends winters at Copeland Farms South in Ocala, FL. Over the years, Liz has had the privilege of training at several wonderful facilities. She began her business at Katy & David Holub’s Trophy Hill, then expanded into Peter & Tracy Kooman’s Elysium Farms, and eventually moved to the original location of Copeland Farms owned by The Kelly Family. Today, Liz operates out of a larger facility just a few miles from that original site, allowing her growing business and clientele to continue thriving - thanks to Maura & Jim Tierney.

The Copeland Farms team offers a highly personalized training program tailored to each rider’s goals and needs. The regular clients are based at Copeland Farms North, and many others trailer in regularly for lessons. Copeland Farms trainers are also available for clinics—contact our team for more details. The Copeland Farms program includes riders of all ages and disciplines, including but not limited to Eventing, Show Jumping, and Dressage. We also have riders that do three day driving, western dressage, horseman ship and more.

Lessons on school horses are offered on a limited basis. Half and full leases are also available for lesson students looking to gain more hands on and frequent opportunities.

Each winter, Liz heads to Ocala, FL for just over six months of training and competing. Opportunities are available for both horses and riders to travel south with her, or to send a horse independently. Deposits and contracts are due early fall to hold your spot for winter training. In Florida, Liz operates out of Copeland Farms South, a beautiful facility that offers everything needed for top-notch training. She also works with a wide range of experienced instructors to further her knowledge and bring the best to her students and horses.

While Liz is in Florida, a fantastic team remains at Copeland Farms North to keep the farm running smoothly and continue teaching and training. Liz also travels back to Minnesota monthly to stay connected with her the students and share her latest knowledge.

Spending winters in Ocala allows Liz to deepen her expertise in all areas of horsemanship—including lessons, starting young horses, training, instructor education, sales and coaching. A variety of training packages are offered in both Minnesota and Florida to suit your individual needs. Liz’s long-standing relationships with top trainers have provided valuable guidance in continued education, horse purchasing, importing horses, clinics, coaching and more. Lessons and training with Liz’s coaches are sometimes available to her clients in Florida, and our team also brings select guest trainers to Copeland Farms North throughout the year—contact our team to learn more!

Thank you for considering Copeland Farms as your potential new home or training barn! We specialize in individualized horse care and training. Our facilities include a heated grooming and tack area, indoor arena and lounge, and full care services such as hand walking, rehab, tack cleaning, grooming, trailering, and more. We feed Unbeetable Complete along with the option to feed owner-provided feeds, supplements or medications.

Above all, we offer a fun, supportive, drama-free environment where riders of all levels can thrive and enjoy their horses. We regularly organize schooling events, clinics, and travel to shows and events both locally and nationally.

Copeland Farms North Pricing

Independence, MN
(Current board pricing under construction)

  • Lessons for boarders: $60

  • Haul-in lessons: $75

  • Haul-in XC lessons: $100 (includes XC fee)

  • Lessons on a lesson horse: $85

  • Practice ride on a lesson horse (no lesson): $60

  • Arena fee (haul-in without lesson): $35 (May–October), $50 (November–April)

  • XC haul-in field use (even if not jumping): $50

XC field is open to everyone. Please contact our team to schedule time to come and school. All riders must have a signed release and wear a helmet, XC vest, and proper riding boots.

Copeland Farms South Pricing

Ocala, FL

We offer a variety of flexible options, including dry stall rentals, boarding, full training, and more. Pricing varies depending on the length of stay and services required. Please contact our team for more information.