Well-Rounded Dressage Training
Vue de Lou Dressage LLC, owned and operated by Alexa Derr, recognizes that a well-rounded dressage training program is the key to success. Through a combination of ring work, ground work, and hill work we are able to help each horse reach its happiest, healthiest, and highest potential. Riders in this program not only learn how to correctly execute each movement, but also learn problem-solving skills when working on their own.
Facility
Vue de Lou Stables is located on the rolling hills of Reinholds, Pennsylvania. It is fully equipped with the amenities you would find at a high performance barn, but has the benefit of being semi-private. There is a full size dressage arena with mirrors & sound system, customizable paddocks attached to each stall, fields and trails for cross training, a theraplate, security cameras, and a viewing deck. It is the ideal spot for clinics and dressage training.
Testimonials
"Having known Alexa for five years and watched her riding, horse care, and sense of responsibility, I only wish I owned a horse to send to her to train and care for."
-Lendon Gray, U.S. Olympian
"Alexa is a bright, enthusiastic young professional . I met her through long lining at her farm. Alexa takes premium care of her horses, has a beautiful facility and clearly loves her horses. What impresses me most about Alexa is her adherence to quality riding and training, her clarity of her goals, what she wants of her career and following her dreams. She is a stickler for the basics as all quality riders are. I enjoy working with Alexa and her clients. I have no doubt she is a name you will hear for decades to come."
-Jennifer Hoffman, Professional Trainer
"It’s amazing how far you can go when someone simply believes in you. Alexa has been the believer that both my horse and I needed after several years of being stuck in our ways of training. Alexa’s training focuses on finding the optimal techniques that bring out the best in both the horse and the rider. Her coaching builds confidence while giving a rider the ability to problem solve on their own. My horse and I had been unable to progress past showing first level for over two years and after less than 6 months in Alexa’s program, we took on 2nd level at a recognized show, winning the 2nd Level Adult Amateur High Score Award! We are now schooling all of the 3rd level movements and we plan to debut at 3rd level next spring. Alexa has helped us to accomplish goals that I never thought would be possible.
My horse is also the happiest and healthiest he’s been since I purchased him. "
-Stephani Bann, Experienced Adult Amateur
"Alexa has a gift... She finds the right way to help riders and their horses to find reasons for their insecurities, tension, mistakes with clear, easy to understand methods. My horse and I had lots of challenges, but biggest one was when we changed disciplines. After struggling on my own for a while, I realized, that being new to the dressage, I need to get trainer who can help us to navigate process. Lesson one was to set clear goals and come up with a training plan.
Alexa not just helped my horse to get straighter and balanced, she also helped me to improve my position so I can maximize my riding experience. She truly understood my struggles, she encouraged me to trust my horse and helped to put all peaces together. With Alexa’s help I am finally getting my horse back and that’s the most amazing feeling."
-Inese Roth, Experience Adult Amateur
"Alexa is amazing to work with. She goes out of her way to understand our goals and do all she can to not only help us as riders but also help us see where we may be able to help our horses. She takes the time to think through everything and looks for ways to help us even outside of the saddle (ie: fitness, show nerves, equine nutrition, the list goes on..).and point us to others who can help in the areas she can’t. We are truly grateful to have Alexa as part of our team...if you haven’t worked with her yet...give her a call today!!"
-Kadie Walmer, Experienced Adult Amateur
"I am currently competing at the lower levels in eventing on my green little Connemara. I have ridden all my life, but have had very little dressage coaching. I came to Alexa with the confidence to gallop fences on cross-country, but with zero finesse for the dressage ring. “Dublin” and I needed real help in the dressage department. Alexa has been incredible. She has a meticulous eye and an intimate knowledge of horses’ movement that allows her to get to the root of an issue and resolve it. She takes her time to fully understand how well both “Dublin” and I comprehend the concept at hand, and explains things clearly until I understand the goal. She is infinitely patient and is always happy to answer my endless questions, as I always want to understand the big picture. In just six months, I have a much better understanding of alignment that is not only improving our dressage, but really paying off in both stadium jumping and out on the cross-country field. Alexa is helping “Dublin” and I realize our goals and I couldn’t be more thankful for her tutelage and guidance!"
-Mary McCormick-Archutowski, Experienced Event Rider
What does 'Vue de Lou' mean? It's French for 'View of Lou.' Lou (Louie) is Alexa's first pony and when the barn was built in 2009, she could see Louie from her bedroom window. 'Vue de Lou' was deemed the perfect name for the stable and training business.