Organized by top Olympic groom, Emma Ford
World Class Grooming Aiken Equine Educational Series
Presented by Shapley's
Join us for 6 weeks of World Class equine instruction from some of the best in the business!
World Class Grooming Career Development Grant
Aiken Horse Park Foundation - Supporting Education
Establishing the World Class Grooming Career Development Grant
2026 WCG Aiken Equine Educational Series Guest Lecturers
Glenn Reed
January 13, 2026 - Equine Dentistry
Glenn Reed from Reed Equine Dental
The importance of equine dentistry in the performance, health and longevity of the horse
Lauren Garrett-Bond
January 20, 2026 - Saddle Fitting, the Relationship Between Performance and a Good Fit
Lauren Garrett-Bond from Mid Atlantic Saddlery will be joining us for a second year. She is a Society of Master Saddlers Saddler Apprentice. As part of her apprenticeship she became a trained and skilled saddle fitter. The SMS apprenticeship program lasts 7 years. Lauren will complete the process by 2026 to gain her Master Saddler Certification.
She works closely with a network of fitters and saddlers around the world to ensure she has the best options for clients. She can also provide training for customers, pony clubs, trainers, and people interested in the field of Saddlery or Saddle Fitting in the US.
The tree and panel of the saddle must fit the horse in its work, but what about the rider? Pelvis shape, leg length, build and discipline all require different seats and different flaps for the rider. Come and learn how cantles, blocks and angles affect rider/saddle interaction.
Dr. Nikki Scherrer DACVO
January 27, 2026 - Caring for the Mature Horse
Dr. Scherrer, DVM, currently serves as Associate Professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. Dr. Scherrer received a bachelor’s degree at DePauw University in Greencastle, IN, and attended Purdue University for her doctorate in veterinary medicine. She completed internships at Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center. This experience opened the door to an ophthalmology residency at New Bolton Center. She became a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 2019 and was hired on as faculty soon after.
Nikki will focus on ocular problems in the mature horse such as corneal ulcers, corneal injections, inflammatory diseases and cancer.
Sarah Louise Lilley
February 3, 2026 - Emotional Freedom Technique
Clinical EFT Practitioner | Equestrian
Confidence isn’t just mindset, it’s safety in the nervous system. In this lecture, Clinical EFT Practitioner Sarah Louise Lilley will introduce EFT (Emotional Freedom Technique or “Tapping”), a trauma-informed somatic tool that helps equestrians release past experiences, regulate emotions, and retrain their nervous system - so they can ride with more ease and connection.
Pat Parelli
February 10, 2026 - Communication, Psychology, and Partnership
Pat Parelli is a renowned American horse trainer and co-founder of Parelli Natural Horsemanship, one of the most influential training programs in the world. He transformed traditional horsemanship by emphasizing communication, psychology, and partnership between horse and rider. He has educated millions through clinics, courses, and global certification programs.
Join us for an in-depth seminar without horses, where Pat Parelli will share his knowledge and philosophy with you. You'll have the chance to ask questions and gain insights to take your training and relationship with your horse to the next level.
Amy Gibbs
February 17, 2026 - Performance Enhancement and Injury Prevention
Founder of Be Balanced Physical Therapy, PLLC
Amy Gibbs is a lifelong equestrian and physical therapist with over 20 years of professional experience. She works exclusively with equestrians, improving their form, performance and safety in the saddle. In addition to working closely with individual clients, she shares her expertise with equestrians at events ranging from local pony clubs to the national USEA annual meeting.
Amy will be covering performance enhancement and injury prevention for equestrians from a biomechanics view point.
Previous WCG Aiken Equine Educational Series Lectures
2025
Emma Ford - Best Practices for Clipping
Kim Gentry "The Bit Lady" - Finding the right Bit and Bridle for your horse
Sponsored by Vaughn Equestrian
Dan Martzall CF - The Importance of Healthy Feet & the Art of a Good Farrier
Lauren Garrett-Bond - Saddle Fitting, the Relationship Between Performance and a Good Fit
Dr. Tyler Murray - Effective Goal Setting, Managing Focus and Intention in the Saddle
Dr. Kate Echeverria - Best Management Practices for Horses with EMS, IR, and Cushing's Diease
2024
Saxon Alexandra - Actuality Equine: Interactive lecture about fascia and functional anatomy
Boyd Martin - FEI World #3: Getting horses fit for the occasion
Stephanie Simpson - Head Groom Windurra USA (Boyd Martin): Traveling with horses
Anna Pesta Dunaway PhD. - Purina Animal Nutrition: Nutrition for equine athletes at any level
Dr. Kate Echeverria - DVM KE Equine PLLC: Gastric Health
Julie Robins - Aiken Horsemanship Academy: Equine behavior and how we can all improve our bond with our horses
World Class Grooming
World Class Grooming (WCG)
It is our mission to help elevate the level of care and understanding that all horses experience, no matter what discipline they are involved in. We hope that through our book, clinics and training to teach that hard work, patience, and time will strengthen the relationship between each horse and his or her caretaker.
2026 Educational Series Partners
Park Sponsors
