Janet Richardson-Pearson, Founder
Founder Janet Richardson-Pearson created the Chesapeake Dressage Institute in 2003 to create the type of learning environment she dreamed of for herself, and other like-minded equestrians.
Never sitting on a horse until her mid-30's, she started riding dressage at Linda Zang's Idlewilde Farm soon after it opened. Busy in her career as a commercial interior designer, plus raising a family, and commuting to Baltimore left little time for more than a once a week lesson. As time went by, she was able to build a small barn and have a horse at home and was able to ride several times a week, mostly on her own. When she retired from active design work, she was able to purchase the former Mas Que Farm Xmas tree farm and build the facility of her dreams.
She has life-time membership in the Potomac Valley Dressage Association (PVDA), was one of the original founding sponsors of the Global Dressage Institute in Wellington, FL and a supporter of the Devon Horse Show and the PVDA Ride-for-Life. Maryland Therapeutic Riding began on her small farm, with her role as first founding sponsor supplying use of her facility and horses. She was on the Board of Talisman Therapeutic Riding on the Eastern Shore and a supporter of numerous horse related charities, including Days End Farm, Thoroughbred Placement Resources, Retired Racehorse Training Project, USDF, USET Foundation and Brook USA. In her 70's now, she is still riding 4 times a week and just completed her Century Ride with the age of the horse and rider equaling 100.
Angie Burnett, Barn Manager
Angie has been in love with horses since she was 7 years old. At age 16 she knew her passion and started working on local farms. Angie worked at Idlewild Farm for 7 years and managed a quarantine barn. She brings with her over 30 years of equine experience; managing private and commercial facilities, working alongside trainers and equine veterinarians.
Angie has worked for Janet Richardson-Pearson for 24 years and manages the day to day activities of our Equestrian Center including the stable, indoor riding center, storage buildings and surrounding grounds. Angie has played a vital role in the principles/practices, proper care/grooming, treatment and safety procedures here at Chesapeake Dressage Institute.
Angie is a hardworking genuine person whose love of horses and all animals makes her a great asset to have at our Institute.
Bernardo Diaz Yarza, Trainer
International Level Eventer and National Level Dressage rider, Bernardo Diaz Yarza, is available to teach at CDI weekly throughout the year. Born and raised in Uruguay, Bernardo earned his certification as an Equitation Professor from the Uruguay Equitation School.
His first love was jumping, where he competed nationally and internationally in 3 days eventing and show jumping. In 1994 and 1995 he was the Federal Champion in Eventing and in 1996 he was the National Champion in Eventing. Bernardo is also an accomplished dressage rider, showing up to medium level.
He trained with Linda Zang for over seven years and clinics with Felicitas von Neumann-Cosel and Lendon Gray. He has a passion for developing young horses and has coached several horse and rider combinations to success at local and regional competitions. When teaching, Bernardo focuses on building his students' confidence by emphasizing sold fundamentals and proper rider equitation. Forty years of riding, teaching, coaching and competition experience, makes Bernardo an excellent choice for the adult amateur looking to improve their dressage skills.
Waters End Farm Facility
The Chesapeake Dressage Institute (CDI) operates at Waters End Farm in Annapolis, MD. Waters End Farm is situated on 75 acres of open fields and wooded trails, yet only three miles from downtown Annapolis.
- Boarding with Training is offered.
- The intimate 14-stall barn features stalls with outside windows, stall mats, fans, video monitors, and deep kiln dried bedding.
- It features a regulation-size indoor arena with mirrors, state-of-the-art Equation footing that is dust-free and shock absorbent, energy efficient LED lighting; as well as a regulation-size outdoor ring with a rubber/bluestone mixed footing.
- Outside there are trails, open fields, and exercise hills.
- Horses receive private turn-out daily (other than in adverse weather conditions) with boots and blankets in individual turn-out paddocks.
- There is a climate-controlled tack room, bathroom with shower, a viewing lounge, and an arena sound system, and heated bleachers.
- A full time groom is housed in the barn apartment where video monitors show the horse stalls and outside pastures, so that along with our scheduled night check, there is an added touch of security.
- Additional stalls are available outside of the main barn area for clinic horses and the intake and processing of new boarders to safeguard against potential transfer of diseases.
First Founding Sponsor
Plaque Presentation to First Founding Sponsors - Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida
Chesapeake Dressage Institute founder Janet Richardson-Pearson and William Pearson, Chris and Rob Desino, Matt Varney, Kimberly and Frederick Boyer, Terri and Devon Kane, Tuny and David Page, and Joseph and Gaye Scarpa.
