An Interview with Megan McIsaac of Lindinhof Equine Sports Zentrum
Megan McIsaac of Lindinhof Equine Sports Zentrum in Oregon, Wisconsin has not only built a successful business of her own but gives back to the equine industry in more ways than one. As the co-host of the Dressage Radio Show as well as the Barn Besties YouTube Channel, she is dedicated to help further educate and provide opportunities for upcoming professionals. Her journey in the equine industry started early, and through years of dedication, education, and mentorship, she has cultivated a successful training and lesson program that caters to riders from beginner to Grand Prix.
The Importance of USDF Certification
As a USDF Certified Instructor through Fourth Level, Megan is a passionate advocate for certification in the sport. “This program isn’t about learning from trainers—it’s about proving that you already have the knowledge,” she explains. “The certification really helped me with my lessons, especially in learning how to verbalize what I’m doing. It was the first time I was truly evaluated in teaching, lunging, and training. This certification means something. It gives you confidence in your abilities and assurance in your knowledge.”
Megan emphasizes the importance of preparation for certification, highlighting the value of mock testing and mentorship. Currently, she is pursuing her FEI certification and encourages other trainers to seek grants and financial support to pursue education and professional development.
“In our industry, anyone can call themselves a trainer. That can be both great and detrimental. Certification ensures credibility and helps trainers develop confidence in their skills.”
Lindinhof Equine Sports Zentrum
Megan’s training program at Lindinhof, located in Oregon, Wisconsin, is deeply rooted in German dressage principles, emphasizing a structured, systematic approach that consistently returns to the fundamentals. Influenced by her own training with German instructors, she instills the importance of the training pyramid and correct rider balance in her students. Many of her riders spend significant time on the lunge line, learning to control their bodies to avoid interfering with their horses. Though running the program like a structured school has presented some challenges, Megan believes it is essential to uphold these principles—not only as a business model but as an educational responsibility. She mentors instructors by having them teach under her supervision, ensuring that they understand and apply these foundational methods.
Lindinhof accommodates a diverse range of students, providing a variety of school horses, ranging from safe beginner lesson horses to an advanced I-1 horse. Megan’s program also includes monthly kids’ horsemanship camps, giving young riders hands-on experience in horse care, grooming, and stable management. With 200 students and a small instructional staff, she relies on a strong team dynamic, ensuring that her assistants and working students are well-trained in all aspects of barn management, teaching, and client relations. She believes in fostering independence in her staff, allowing them the freedom to develop their own instructional styles while maintaining the integrity of the training system.
By running her program with efficiency, and scheduling lessons like a doctor’s office, Megan is able to minimize distractions and keep her rider’s focus on training. Her approach allows the farm to function seamlessly, even in her absence, as she has built a reliable team capable of maintaining high standards. By prioritizing education, discipline, and a strong support network, Megan has created a thriving dressage program that balances business success with a deep commitment to classical training.
Supporting the Next Generation of Equine Professionals
Megan recognized the need for change within the equine industry and took action by launching Barn Besties, a platform designed to support and educate equine professionals. Hosted on Facebook and YouTube, Barn Besties provides valuable resources on topics such as barn management, footing, facility design, and professional development. Megan, skilled in running a barn, collaborates with her partner, who brings a hands-on, practical approach to projects. The platform extends beyond dressage, highlighting insights from professionals across various disciplines, including Western and Arabian training, to emphasize the shared challenges within the horse industry.
Megan’s mission, through Barn Besties, is to help young professionals navigate the business side of the equine world, offering guidance on writing business plans, understanding profit and loss sheets, and addressing mental health struggles within the industry. She hopes to continue to expand the platform and provide DIY plans and practical strategies to help equestrians avoid the struggles she faced. Megan believes that if one sector of the horse industry is under pressure, the entire industry is at risk. By working together and sharing knowledge, equine professionals can create a sustainable future where horses remain accessible and integral to people’s lives.
Advice for Aspiring Trainers
For those looking to establish a successful lesson program, Megan emphasizes the importance of mentorship and gaining experience as an assistant trainer before venturing into business ownership. While passion drives the equestrian industry, business expertise and strategic planning are equally essential. Writing a detailed business plan, understanding financial management, and setting appropriate pricing are critical steps to sustaining a viable business.
Additionally, Megan highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with a strong support system. Having experienced mentors and industry peers provides invaluable guidance and accountability, fostering both personal and professional growth.
