Waterford Equestrian Center

Waterford Equestrian Center One of Western Maine's top Dressage, Lesson, Training, and Youth Summer Camp facilities. Owned and operated by Sara Bradley.
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Sara Bradley is one of a small handful of people in Maine who currently trains and competes at the FEI (International) level. She has produced multiple horses who compete at the FEI level either under her guidance, or who have been sold and are successful with their new owners. A serious rider since the mid 80's Sara's main focus for the past 23 years has been dressage training and competition. Sh

e has an impressive show record on a Regional and National level, and has had great success on many different horses. Notable awards:
USDF Bronze and Silver medals
-2021, two 1st place Prix St George wins, NEDA Fall Festival, Fabelhafte
-2021 Dubai’s Dream, 3rd level debut, NEDA fall Festival, 67%
-2021 GMHA June Dressage Day, high score 3rd Level, Fabelhafte
-2019 NEDA year end, Dubai, 4th place 1st level, 73.1%
-2019, Student Casey Cossar received 4th level silver medal scores
-2018 NEDA Reserve Champion at Training level with Dubai's Dream with a 75%
2018- Student Casey Cossar received USDF Bronze Medal with Baffin
-2017 Qualified for PSG Regional Finals with Champion Of Hearts
-2016 PSG Debut for Champion Of Hearts at NEDA Fall Festival.
-2014- 8th place USDF 3rd level Championships, Champion Of Hearts, qualified for National Finals
-2013 Baffin Qualified for Regionals at Intermediare 2
-2012 USDF Region 8 Intermediare 1 Freestyle Champion, Baffin
-2011- USDF Region 8 Reserve Champion, Intermediare 1 and Freestyle- Baffin
-2008 USDF Region 8 Training Level Champion- Draco
-2006/2007 USDF National Welsh Cob Champion, Clearview Sunrise Bakara

Prior to 2006, numerous Regional and local wins throughout the levels on a variety of horses. Sara's students are also avid competitors and are regularly seen in the young rider and AA classes. Sara enjoys teaching riders of all ages and abilities as well as training horses from training to the FEI levels. In addition to working with "traditionally" bred dressage mounts, Sara specializes in the training of sport ponies. WEC offers private or small group lessons year round, in our all weather facility. Due to the popularity of our program, we often have a wait list for new students.

Another amazing trip to US Dressage Finals!!! So thankful for the amazing people on my team ❤️🥈 2nd place in the open fr...
11/12/2024

Another amazing trip to US Dressage Finals!!!
So thankful for the amazing people on my team ❤️

🥈 2nd place in the open freestyle with a 74.05!!

🏆 5th place in an incredibly competitive 3rd level freestyle US championship class with a 69.9

🥈 2nd place in an open 4th 3 with a 65.2
🎉already qualified for 2025 regional championships with SO much room for improvement!

Thrilled with another amazing show in Kentucky, Dubai handles the long trip and high pressure with grace! We loved having both my parents and Melanie and Jen along to cheer us on!

Very excited to welcome the delightfully personable and lovely Tomas to our stable! Most of you know Lydia, as she has b...
10/22/2024

Very excited to welcome the delightfully personable and lovely Tomas to our stable!
Most of you know Lydia, as she has been part of our barn family since she was SIX!
To see her matched up with this stunning guy is really thrilling. Nothing makes me happier than seeing my students find their perfect partner 🤩 Many thanks to the team of people who helped us to make this happen!

A great final competition of 2024 for Jessica! She scored a 2nd level personal best of 71.4 at the Life's A Ride Equestr...
10/09/2024

A great final competition of 2024 for Jessica!
She scored a 2nd level personal best of 71.4 at the Life's A Ride Equestrian Center show this past weekend. So proud of how far this pair has come!

September wrap up! Region 8 Championships was a great success. Sara and Dubai were reserve champions in the 3rd level op...
10/06/2024

September wrap up!
Region 8 Championships was a great success.
Sara and Dubai were reserve champions in the 3rd level open freestyle, and are heading to Kentucky in November for US finals!!
Melanie and Fabi made the big move to second level and did so with great capability. Not only were they top 3 in both their classes, but also earned all second level scores needed for Melanie’s USDF bronze medal! Very exciting 🤩

Final show last week before we head into the fall/championship season!I’ll be coaching at the SMDA show in Hollis in Sep...
08/26/2024

Final show last week before we head into the fall/championship season!
I’ll be coaching at the SMDA show in Hollis in September, and at Region 8 Championships at HITS. Always happy to jump in for a pre test warm up (particularly if you schedule a pre show lesson or two!)
I tend to get very busy- especially at regionals- so call or text to get into my schedule 207-461-2295

HITS Hudson Valley treated the whole team so well this weekend!Such a big show in a venue that is truly world class. Thi...
08/19/2024

HITS Hudson Valley treated the whole team so well this weekend!
Such a big show in a venue that is truly world class. This was the first big time outing for my clients Jessica and Aria- and they shined on the big stage! Lots of hard work went into these results and both riders went to the show ready to learn and grow as competitors. So happy for their success!

Dubai and Sara
🥇 1st in Friday’s huge USDF Open freestyle class (all levels were included in these Freestyle classes) with a 72%

🥈 2nd in an equally large Saturday freestyle class with a personal best 75.6!!

🥇 1st in 4th 1 on Sunday with a 71%

Jess and Sam

🏆 5th in 2nd 1 AA on Friday with a 63%
🥇Blue ribbon winners in 2nd 3 AA with a 66%!

🥈2nd in 2nd 3 AA Sunday with a 65%
🥈2nd in 2nd 1 AA Sunday with a 68%

Aria and Sam

🥇 1st in 1st 1 JR with a 72% (actually had the 3rd overall highest score in the whole class of 15!)
🥇1st in 1st 2 JR/AA with a 70.6

Some low quality photos of a high quality weekend at Life's A Ride Equestrian Center! Very proud of my students for work...
07/22/2024

Some low quality photos of a high quality weekend at Life's A Ride Equestrian Center! Very proud of my students for working hard, learning a lot, and rising to the challenge of taking on harder new levels!

Aria Priola and Sam
🥇 1st place 1st 3 Saturday, 69%
🥇 1st place 1st 3 Sunday, 71%
🏆 High Score Jr/yr Sunday
🥉1st level scores earned for USDF bronze medal, with distinction!
🏆 first time competing this test 😃

Jess Priola and Sam
🥈2nd place 2nd 3 Saturday, 68%
🥇1st place 2nd 3 Sunday, 67.9%
🥉 2nd level scores earned for USDF bronze medal, with distinction!
🏆 First time competing this test 💪🏼

A super show at Mt Holyoke last week! Sara and Dubai🥇 1st in 4th 3 with a 67.7- heading to Region 8 Championships!🥇1st i...
07/01/2024

A super show at Mt Holyoke last week!

Sara and Dubai
🥇 1st in 4th 3 with a 67.7- heading to Region 8 Championships!
🥇1st in Freestyle with a 70.7- currently 3rd in the national standings 🏆

Melanie and Fabi
🥈 2nd in 1st 3 with a 67.7
🥇1st in 1st 3 with a personal best 71.6
🏆High Score Adult Amateur 🎉🎉

Sara will be coaching at the two big southern Maine recognized shows in July (SMDA AND life’s a Ride) get in touch for warm up coaching

So special to see my student featured in the NEDA Tip! Jessica Priola
06/20/2024

So special to see my student featured in the NEDA Tip!
Jessica Priola

BaffinJune 26 1995-June 13 2024I find it difficult to eulogize a horse who gave so much to so many, but as we celebrate ...
06/14/2024

Baffin
June 26 1995-June 13 2024

I find it difficult to eulogize a horse who gave so much to so many, but as we celebrate his amazing life, I find it easy to remember the wonderful times we had with him.

For me, Baffin taught me about who I would become as a trainer. I was a child when he came into my life and what I learned from him I will never forget. He was unique in so many ways, and the normal training path was very rarely the one we could take! There is one horse in every trainers life who stands out as the one who “created” you, and for me, it is him. He became an absolute rock star, who would walk into fire and beyond for me, because of the trust he asked me to build. Thankfully- we had Susanne Hamilton Dressage by our sides- and she never doubted his ability to be the amazing horse he turned into.

My biggest goal with him was to give him the best and most fair life I could. I retired him from
FEI competition the second it felt beyond his ability. He then went on to have an absolutely smashing second career with Casey who he had unbridled affection for. It was so thrilling to watch my student grown and accomplish so much on a horse who meant so much to me.

When he needed to move on from the show arena life, he enjoyed teaching Aria (Jessica Priola) the ropes of dressage with patience, kindness, and the occasional non stop canter.

I was able to give him several seasons of true retirement, which he enjoyed thoroughly (and mischievously- in true Baffin fashion!)

Keeping with my hope to never let him have a bad day, we let him go yesterday. He had enjoyed a beautiful few weeks with his friends getting more attention than he knew what to do with. I can’t thank Dr Flaherty and Back Cove Equine Veterinary Care enough for helping him peacefully and comfortably pass.

The first photo is from 1999 when he was 4 (and wild) I was 19 and our steadfast friend Amy Fuentes was probably 16.
The second is out last photo together, taken yesterday ❤️

RIP Mr Beef, you deserve comfort, health, and plentiful grass. While I mourn your loss, I truly celebrate the long and amazing life you had with me ❤️❤️

A great NEDA spring last weekend!Sara and Dubai🥇 1st in 4th 1 with a 67.7🏆Qualified for Regionals in 3rd Level Freestyle...
06/11/2024

A great NEDA spring last weekend!

Sara and Dubai
🥇 1st in 4th 1 with a 67.7
🏆Qualified for Regionals in 3rd Level Freestyle

Melanie and Fabi
🥈 2nd overall (1st AA) 1st 2 70.4
🥇1st in 1st 3 (debut at 1st 3!!) 69.4
🥇1st in 1st 2 70.4

A great outing in gorgeous weather, and a lovely and well run show. 🤩

More to come, but what a great weekend at NEDA Spring! We really are living the dream here at WEC and I have the best te...
06/03/2024

More to come, but what a great weekend at NEDA Spring! We really are living the dream here at WEC and I have the best team of clients!
So many wonderful goals met this weekend- I’m thrilled to see my students thriving every year and growing as educated horse people and compassionate riders. The ribbons are the icing on the cake 🤩

First show of the season in the books! We had a great trip to HITS Hudson Valley last weekend to get 2024 started off ri...
05/15/2024

First show of the season in the books!
We had a great trip to HITS Hudson Valley last weekend to get 2024 started off right 🤩
Both of our horses were relaxed and happy to compete and we had a wonderful time. The improvements to the showgrounds were very impressive- nice to see the continuing renovations, this is truly a top class facility.

Dubai’s Dream and Sara
🥈 2nd in the USDF freestyle test of choice (top of the leaderboard for 3rd level!) 71.425

🏆 5th (out of 17!) in his first 4th 3 65.5

Melanie and Fabelhafte

🥇 1st in First 2 on Saturday with a 69.5

🥇 1st in First 2 on Sunday with a 66.8

Wrapping up the 2023 season with some lovely year end awards!Sara & DubaiUSDF- 5th place 3rd Level FreestyleNEDA- Reserv...
01/29/2024

Wrapping up the 2023 season with some lovely year end awards!

Sara & Dubai

USDF- 5th place 3rd Level Freestyle
NEDA- Reserve Champion 3rd Level Freestyle
National Dressage Pony Cup- Champion 4th Level, Reserve Champion Freestyle 1st-4th level, 3rd Place 3rd Level

Jess Priola and Sammartini

SMDA- 🥇Champion 1st Level AA

A perfect photo from a perfect Fall day!Bethany P Photography
12/08/2023

A perfect photo from a perfect Fall day!

Bethany P Photography

Lots of new followers lately, happy to see new faces!I’m Sara Bradley, owner and instructor at WEC. I have been in busin...
11/26/2023

Lots of new followers lately, happy to see new faces!
I’m Sara Bradley, owner and instructor at WEC.
I have been in business here since 1999, and truly love running my small, friendly stable.
We specialize and believe in dressage, and I have a strong classical background, and kind approach. While I am proud of my competitive success, I am even more proud that I have a history of producing happy, sound horses and riders who have impeccable basics and a true love for the sport.

I am currently available for limited off farm clinics, and am delighted to work with all levels of rider and am well versed in developing “no traditional” breeds.

I am welcoming haul in lessons at WEC at this time (until the weather prevents safe shipping!)

I have very limited availability on my fabulous lesson horses at the moment. Please reach out if you are interested, and I will let you know how the schedule looks!

I am available for coaching at shows in the 2024 season- please reach out if you are interested in connecting with me and my team across New England this summer. 🎉🎉

*I do not currently have training stalls available. However, I’m happy to chat with you if you are considering opportunities in the future!

11/18/2023

A couple helpful tips about how to get the best communication!

-please don’t message me here! Many, many messages end up in the “message requests” box and I often do not see those for a very long time.

-text or call! 207-461-2295

-email! [email protected]
(I respond to messages between 7AM and between 6-7PM. I do shut my phone off 👍🏼 Urgent queries are best sent during business hours, although I VERY much appreciate late texts if you need to cancel your “tomorrow” lesson!)

Long story short- I always, always get back to emails and texts/calls within 24 hours. If I don’t- I simply have not received the communications 👍🏼😊

Exciting news this morning with ONE WEEK to go until we depart for US Dressage Finals. Dubai and I earned the "alternate...
10/30/2023

Exciting news this morning with ONE WEEK to go until we depart for US Dressage Finals.
Dubai and I earned the "alternate" slot for Third Level Open Championships at Regionals, and just learned that we moved up the list and will be competing in this division at Finals as well!! So exciting to be representing Region 8 (and NEDA) in this division, as well as in our Third Level Freestyle.
Our fundraiser has been very successful so far- with the final countdown on let's keep the momentum going!

Several weeks ago at Region 8 Dressage Championships, my horse Dubai's Dream … Sara Bradley needs your support for Send Sara and Dubai to US Dressage Finals!

Address

420 Mill Hill Rd
East Waterford, ME
04088

Telephone

(207) 461-2295

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Our Story

Sara Bradley is one of a small handful of people in Maine who currently trains and competes at the FEI (International) level. She has produced multiple horses who compete at the FEI level either under her guidance, or who have been sold and are successful with their new owners. A serious rider since the mid 80's Sara's main focus for the past 20 years has been dressage training and competition. She has an impressive show record on a Regional and National level, and has had great success on many different horses. Notable awards: USDF Bronze and Silver medals -2018 NEDA Reserve Champion at Training level with Dubai's Dream with a 75% 2018- Student Casey Cossar received USDF Bronze Medal with Baffin -2017 Qualified for PSG Regional Finals with Champion Of Hearts -2016 PSG Debut for Champion Of Hearts at NEDA Fall Festival. -2014- 8th place USDF 3rd level Championships, Champion Of Hearts, qualified for National Finals -2013 Baffin Qualified for Regionals at Intermediare 2 -2012 USDF Region 8 Intermediare 1 Freestyle Champion, Baffin -2011- USDF Region 8 Reserve Champion, Intermediare 1 and Freestyle- Baffin -2008 USDF Region 8 Training Level Champion- Draco -2006/2007 USDF National Welsh Cob Champion, Clearview Sunrise Bakara Prior to 2006, numerous Regional and local wins throughout the levels on a variety of horses. Sara's students are also avid competitors and are regularly seen in the young rider and AA classes. Sara enjoys teaching riders of all ages and abilities as well as training horses from training to the FEI levels. In addition to working with "traditionally" bred dressage mounts, Sara specializes in the training of sport ponies. WEC offers private or small group lessons year round, in our all weather facility. We can usually schedule lessons with 24 hours notice and are always happy to have new students contact us.


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