About Us
Chaney Dean, Assistant Trainer
Chaney was a student at Woodstock Acres for over 10 years before she started teaching. She specializes in working with children and beginner riders, helping new students feel comfortable and confident around horses.
Her patient and encouraging teaching style makes her especially well suited to introducing riders to the fundamentals of horseback riding and horsemanship - just like the experience she had!
Our History
Nestled in the picturesque New England town of Woodstock, Connecticut, Woodstock Acres Riding Stable has a rich history and long-standing reputation for thoughtful horsemanship and quality, accessible instruction.
The farm was founded in 1989 by Barbara Johnson, a lifelong horsewoman who helped establish the Short Stirrup Division in the American Horse Shows Association, the predecessor to what we know today as the United States Equestrian Federation.
Known affectionately by generations of riders as "Mrs. J," Barbara built Woodstock Acres into a place where riders could develop strong fundamentals, confidence, and a deep respect for the horses they worked with.
In 2014, Mrs. J retired and passed on the farm to its current owner and head trainer, Rebecca Koss Barrette - who grew up as a student at Woodstock Acres herself!
Who We Are Today | Rebecca Barrette, Owner & Head Trainer
Woodstock Acres is owned and operated by Rebecca and her family. They continue the farm's strong legacy, while Rebecca brings decades of her own experience training riders in the hunter/jumper discipline with a strong foundation in dressage. As Head Trainer, she's guided many riders from their earliest lessons through competitive success, with students competing at prestigious events such as the USEF Pony Finals, HITS Horse Shows, and New England Equitation Championships.
Earlier in her career, Rebecca spent two years as a working student in an importing barn under Grand Prix rider/trainer Marina Genn. Not only was it a great opportunity to ride many upper level quality horses, but she applies her learnings from that experience to her young horse training foundation as well as her equitation and dressage instruction.
Rebecca has a particular affinity for developing young horses; she has made it a signature part of her program at Woodstock Acres Riding Stable and welcomes clients who are seeking guidance in starting a horse with a steady, intentional foundation. She has started and brought along some of the farm's wonderful school horses, too!
Whether she's teaching a leadline rider, coaching a competitive junior preparing for finals, or working with an adult amateur balancing riding with a busy career, Rebecca brings the same level of care, attention, and dedication to every student.
Through nearly 40 years, the focus at Woodstock Acres has remained the same: developing confident riders with strong foundations in horsemanship, paired with love and respect for the horse.
A Place To Learn, Grow, and Ride
From first lessons to horse shows and beyond, Woodstock Acres Riding Stable has always been a place where riders can grow their skills while developing a genuine connection with horses.
Many students begin their journey with introductory lessons and continue progressing through the program – participating in shows, clinics, and other opportunities as their riding develops.
The barn family continues the tradition established decades ago: a place where riders support one another, learn together, and share a love for horses.
