IT TAKES TWO FARM
Bringing humans and horses together for over 28 years
Working with animals can move mountains
- Welcome to It Takes Two Farm-
It Takes Two Farm offers quality horsemanship programs within a safe and enriching environment where sportsmanship, community, respect and responsibility are fostered.Horsemanship involves all aspects of handling, caring for and riding horses. By building a strong well-rounded foundation in each of these three skill areas, students gain a deeper understanding of these magnificent creatures, develop respect for them and create the meaningful bonds necessary for long term successful relationships between horse and student. Successful horse and student relationships require patience, responsibility, discipline, perseverance and teamwork. As these traits develop through horsemanship activities they are sure to carry over to many other areas of the rider's life.
Our Program Philosophy
We offer a fun, safe enivronment with terrific instructors and horses for your child to learn all about horses. Each lesson is structured to include time for grooming, handling, and riding. Lessons are individualized based on a rider’s abilities, goals and learning style. All lessons and activities take place in a non-competitive, friendly, and supportive environment which enables students to meet their potential void of pressure and without the fear of failing.
With the close supervision of our experienced and knowledgeable staff, riders are encouraged to stretch their limits, meet new challenges and take appropriate risks as they build a stronger sense of self and increase their confidence.
The indoor ring, the trails, and the classroom are all utilized for lessons. Both English and western fundamentals are taught at It Takes Two Farm. Bareback pads are used to train students to remain balanced and centered on the back of the horse without the assistance of a saddle. Students progress from flatwork to jumping as their readiness is observed and their interest dictates. Lessons in safety, reading a horse’s body language, and appropriate behavior around horses are considered to be of utmost importance as the size and strength of these amazing animals must be recognized and respected. In addition, un-mounted activities provide opportunities for students to hone skills and refine techniques without the added task of managing a horse.
All of the horses used for lessons are experienced, trusted, well trained school horses. Beginning riders work with older, seasoned horses. The older horses are quiet and welcoming and instill a sense of calm and confidence in even the newest and most timid students. To meet the needs of more experienced riders, the farm utilizes horses that are trained to higher levels. These horses are capable of challenging seasoned riders while maintaining a safe and appropriate level of activity.
Who We Are
Crystal Stover, Head Instructor and Barn Owner
I have been teaching since 1994 and have very much enjoyed the journey. I attend numerous continuing education workshops and conferences each year. They include topics such as learning how to be a more effective teacher, learning more about specific challenges, horses, their care and training.My qualifications and certifications:1996 North American Riding for the Handicap Registered instructor2002 Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association Certified Horse Specialist2002 & 2003 Attended Southern Maine Community College in their Behavioral Health Sciences Program2004 Centered Riding Instructor Level I2007 Parelli Level I2008 Centered Riding Instructor Level II2008 Bal-A-Vis-X Level I2010 Bal-A-Vis-X Level II and Adaptive2011 Centered Riding Instructor Update Clinic2012 Bal-A-Vis-X Level I, II and Adaptive2013 Centered Riding Instructor Update Clinic2014 Centered Riding Instructor Update Clinic2018 Centered Riding Instructor Update Clinic 2018 Mindfulness Class
2022 Centered Riding Instructor Update Clinic
Sera Holt, Assistant Instructor
I have known Sera for several years and had talked about her working with us a few years ago. The timing wasn't right then but it is now! Her love of horses started at a young age. Her Nana had a large donkey that was the first equine she rode. When she was 8 her mom bartered her sewing skills for her first riding lessons. She continued her riding in HS and college. After college she got her first horse, a chestnut thoroughbred mare who taught her a lot about the importance of creating a partnership of communication between horse and human. The next few years she rode whenever she could and expanded her knowledge in many disciplines. When I returned to Maine in 2015 that I started working as a barn manager for boarding barns in the area. I am so excited that she will be sharing her collection of experiences with us while learning how to effectively assist in teaching others how to connect and ride horses.
Tayler Bobb, Barn Manager and InstructorTayler spent her childhood taking lessons and helping with chores at a farm near her home in NY. During that time she rode primarily western. Since moving to Maine she has been a regular here at our farm and delved into english riding. Once she graduated from High School she decided she wanted a career with horses and started working with us. She assisted with lessons for 2 years and attended Centered Riding clinics and instructor certification. We are very happy to have her!2019 Centered Riding Instructor Level I
Kristen Rickett, Equine Manager and Assistant Instructor
Kristen has been a part of our farm famiily for most of her life. She started as a student at a young age, helped out as a teenager and came on staff after graduating high school. Kristen's personal experience and knowledge of our program is a tremendous asset.
Lori Harvey, Assistant Instuctor
Lori was born and raised in Florida. She has a Bachelor's in Psychology and worked as a psychiatric social worker before she met her husband. Lori was active in Florida with the girl scouts as an assistant troop leader. She currently teaches English online to children across the globe and has done so for over 4 years. Her online work allowed her to relocate with her husband for his job in Portland, at the NPR station. They both enjoy horseback riding while on vacation out of the country. Lori enjoys taking care of her chickens, gardening and riding her ATV. Lori lists her strengths as patient, compassionate and free spirited.
