The horses raised and trained on Brookhaven Farm in Chico are without limit in their potential as competitors. They are nurtured sport horses from their first days under saddle. This can be largely attributed to Brian Bodarke, head trainer at Brookhaven, who believes that any training program can be improved with the integration of dressage.



The basic principles of dressage: rhythm and regularity in a horse’s gait, relaxation, contact, impulsion, straightness and collection, are staples in all of Brian’s flat work designs. In addition to improving the relationship between horse and rider at the competitive levels and strengthening the physical abilities of both athletes, Brian implements dressage as fundamental training for his young horses and in some cases, to restore horses’ abilities after an injury.
His theories changed the fate of Avantino, who was brought to Brian with a broken pelvis. Avantino had a slim chance of recovery, but with Brian’s therapeutic dressage program, he now shows at Fourth Level with no sign of his prior impairment.
Brian began his training career preparing riders for hunter, jumper, equitation and medal competitions. He attended the West Hampden instructional training course for a year outside of Denver before relocating to Alberta, Canada, where he was located a stone’s throw from Spruce Meadows, the internationally acclaimed show jumping facility.
In his 10 years in Canada, Brian had the opportunity to work with and compete against some of the most accomplished trainers and riders in the world. His biggest influence was his working relationship with Dominique Barbier, world famous for his breakthroughs in dressage. In working closely with Dominique, Brian learned to appreciate dressage as more than a form of competition, but as a form of art created in the harmony between a horse and rider. Any student under Brian’s tutelage benefits from the same passion for balance and absolute accord with one’s horse that so inspired him.
Brookhaven Farm has evolved into a breeding, training and sales facility for Holsteiner horses overseen by Brian from conception to competition. In addition to utilizing established stallions to develop his bloodlines, Brian pairs his older mares with younger stallions that are presently making their names in the show ring. Brian’s meticulously honed breeding techniques are paying off these days. At the last American Holsteiner Horse Association (AHHA) breeding approval inspection, a Brookhaven filly bred from Contester received a Premium rating, which is usually reserved for foreign-bred Holsteiners. Additionally, Showtyme, a 5 year old Brookhaven mare, qualified for the USDF Championship this year.
Because Brookhaven Farm is a small operation, Brian and his staff are truly able to take interest in each patron and each horse that is in the training or the breeding program. The horses bred and raised at Brookhaven are meant for success in any discipline as their training and upbringing are solid foundations for superior sport horses. Just ask Jennifer Bellamy, who owns the dressage horse Avantino. Once never supposed to show again, Avantino now is a staple of the dressage program at Brookhaven Farm, and at 13, heads the stock of up and coming Holsteiners with Brookhaven roots that will soon populate arenas worldwide.
Brian can be contacted at 530-899-2766, bbodarke@yahoo.com or visit Brookhaven Farm at 10176 Alberton Ave in Chico.