"Curated Dressage training for the independent equestrian"
Vue de Lou Dressage LLC, owned and operated by Alexa Derr, recognizes that a well-rounded dressage training program is the key to success. Riders in this program not only learn how to correctly execute each movement, but also learn problem-solving skills when working on their own. Alexa has a systematic approach to her coaching and training and will give riders the tools to help each horse reach its happiest, healthiest, and highest potential.
Facility
Vue de Lou Stables is a private facility located on the rolling hills of Reinholds, Pennsylvania. It is fully equipped a full size covered 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.
Testimonials
"Having known Alexa for {ten} 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 displayed a depth and breadth of knowledge coupled with a willingness to continue learning that betrays a level of maturity far in excess of her years. This allows her to creatively overcome any training roadblock. Unlike many trainers, when faced with a challenge, she seeks help from her own mentors- an impressive trait in the ego driven business of horse training. Her approach to training is systematic and demanding while always retaining sympathy for the horse and never putting the rider’s needs above the horse’s welfare. My own horse is a sensitive and confrontational mount. An Andalusian, he takes offense easily. When I first brought him to Alexa, our rides were careful, mechanical, and always on the edge of explosiveness. I couldn’t get him to take and maintain the contact, and his flying changes- which we had been working on for years at that point- were a terrifying nightmare. In my time with Alexa, she has transformed my horse, my riding, and our relationship. He is now a horse relaxed and happy in his work, I am riding him clearly and correctly, and his flying changes are lovely! Alexa has helped me to unlock his beautiful natural movement, and we are currently preparing for our FEI debut. Team VDL is a family of riders she has brought together who support each other with no drama, jealousy, or negativity. Additionally, with her horse-first approach to training, Alexa has used her connections in the equine industry to bring together a collection of vets, saddle fitters, clinicians, and more, for her students- giving us access to people we wouldn’t otherwise have.
Alexa really is a trainer in a class of her own."
-Gwyn Bohara, 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 pieces together. With Alexa’s help I am finally getting my horse back and that’s the most amazing feeling."
-Inese Roth, Experienced Adult Amateur
"I am so pleased to be riding with Alexa. Her insights for both horse and rider are always on point. Alexa is always an advocate for the horse and teaches with their best interest at the forefront. I have ridden with some top riders and trainers in the past and Alexa holds her own in that category. She is a young and rising talent. I feel fortunate to be one of her students and encourage anyone interested in becoming a better rider and horseman to seek out her help."
-Bonnie Stetson, 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 training business and private stable.