References
1. Written By: Eliza Rothenburger
"I have been horseback riding for 10 years, and have transitioned through several barns and trainers. I can say without a doubt that riding and having the opportunity to work with horses for so many years has helped define me as a person, a rider and helped me determine the ideals I really value in life. Riding can be the most enjoyable, exhilarating, scary, and frustrating experience of your life, but after you ride a horse for the first time, you can't stop. There is no way to describe the connection a rider has to a horse they have ridden, trained and taken care of for years. The bond between horse and rider is something incredibly special, and is only truly understood when you begin riding. I do not show or compete in riding . I much prefer to learn about riding and training horses in a relaxed, comfortable setting without the pressure of and stress to perform in a certain way. I have learned how to clean tack, and take care of horses, as well as walk, trot, canter, gallop and jump a horse. These skills have taken me years to learn. I can honestly say that the years have been completely worth it. I am a skilled rider who truly has a passion and love for riding. I have been working with Ruth at Cornerstone Equestrian for 3 years, and it has been an amazing experience with Ruth. I have learned how to train young or untrained horses, and make them into working school horses that can work for all ages. She has helped me greatly improve my own riding skills and knowledge, and now I know much more on how to properly take care of a barn, a horse and myself while riding. I have made many connections to many of the horses I have ridden, which has made my time riding that much better for me. Ruth is a fantastic instructor. She is patient, informative, and always makes sure I understand what is going on while I am riding, why we are doing certain actions while training. She has given me so many opportunities to expand my knowledge and abilities to work with horses, and has even provided me with the opportunities to learn how to work at a working barn. With an amazing facility and an awesome instructor, Cornerstone Equestrian is the perfect barn for a rider who wants to learn how to ride and understand horses without the pressures and stress of a show barn.
2. Written By: Abby Spano | Delaware Valley University Equine Student
"Looking for a riding instructor that can handle not only your horse problems, but your psychological issues as well can be very difficult. Another woman at the barn had suggested that I talk to Ruth, for not only had she known her for years, but she took lessons from her as well. Thus knowing her capability and that the issues that I was having she would be able to help me with. So, I gave it a chance and working with Ruth is something I will never forget. She was not only able to help get my mindset right but be able to work on my horse and handle the issues I was having with him as well. The thing I will never forget her say was "I don't train people’s horses because they want it done overnight and it doesn't happen that quickly". This phrase is what helped me get through my issues, for any tantrum or trick my horse tried on me, Ruth was able to talk me through how to handle it safely. Without working with Ruth, I most likely would have sold the horse that meant the world to me because I was so afraid of falling or something worse.
Another moment I remember when working with Ruth was the first ever lesson I had with her. She had come just to see what my horse was like and how he was on the lunge line all tacked up. After she finished, she looked at me and went "Okay now get on."
I'll never forget the feeling of being so terrified but did it anyway, and nothing bad happened. Throughout my four years of working with Ruth I have never been more comfortable and even though we always pushed it outside the comfort zone. Ruth always made sure that if my horse had gotten to his breaking point for the day we would stop and pick up where we left off next lesson.
Though I don't take lessons with Ruth anymore due to being away at college, I will never regret the time and effort she put into working with me. To ensure that when the time would come for us to part that I would be able to handle almost any situation that I would come across. I have always said that Ruth was my saving grace because without her, who knows if I would still be riding today. Without the help of Ruth I would have never been able to be at the riding level I am currently. I am currently a Delaware Valley University Equine student. With the help of Ruth, I was able to enter their riding program last year at the highest level a freshman could come in as."
3. Written By: Lisa Rothenburger
"My daughter and I have been taking Lessons from Ruth for the past year. Prior to this we had been at a number of different barns. I find Ruth to be one of the best instructors we had. She is a very competent, caring and patient equestrian teacher.
Ruth knows the horses she works with and understands the best match for her clients. She enables the rider to relax and become in tune with the horse. She recognizes that the horses feel our energy and her calm demeanor allows even the most novice or nervous rider to feel comfortable on the horse.
She has patiently worked with me to get into riding shape. When I get on the horse now I feel confident and capable. She explains things very clearly and helps me understand what I need to get better in the saddle. I have started to really enjoy riding again.
Ruth has enabled my daughter to grow and progress as a rider. IN addition, my has had the opportunities to learn more about horse care and training.
We love that this is a no pressure environment. Safety, not showing is the main objective. I highly recommend Ruth Szilagyi as an equestrian instructor.
If anyone has any questions they are more than welcome to contact me. Lrothenburger@comcast.net "
4. Written By: Angela Miller | Centenary University Equine Student
"I have been riding with Cornerstone Equestrian since 2019 and Ruth is one of the most understanding and level headed trainers I've had. She is very professional and focuses on teaching you how to ride and have an understanding of what you are doing instead of just sitting on the horse. She recognizes the importance of keeping a horse balanced and has really made me a better rider all around. I can't say enough good things about her because she helped me put the fun back into riding and has truly made me a more confident rider. She is always very supportive and helps me to work through any problem I face. Ruth has genuinely changed my knowledge and outlook on riding for the best.
Not only did she improve me as a rider, but she assisted me in purchasing my very first horse. This was a big step for me but she helped me through it even when problems occurred. Ruth was even kind enough to let me use her equipment until I could purchase my own before we knew my horse's sizing. Through Ruth training me and my horse Jax we have been able to accomplish more than I ever thought he would be able to. She took the time to teach me how to train him instead of doing it herself which is not something many trainers can accomplish. No one can believe the progress Jax and I have made and everyone who watches me ride goes out of their way to compliment us as a team. I was even able to compete in online shows during covid and won series grand champion as well as high point champion every month thanks to Ruth’s amazing training skills. "
5. Written By: Michelle Albanese
"We started going to Ruth in 2016 When my daughter was 3.
Ruth came highly recommended by several people.
Well she did not disappoint.
Ruth is extremely knowledgeable, detailed and safety oriented.
She knows and is trained in various styles of riding.
She is calm and inviting which helps younger riders to be comfortable in the saddle.
She is a wonderful instructor who will help novice to advanced riders alike."
