Eckart Meyners doing some bodywork with Vicky at the German Riding School. (October, 2007)

Even though EES is no longer in business (it became a victim of a poor economy in April 2010) the importance of it's influence in Vicky's profesional development cannot be overstated or measured. Vicky’s role with Equestrian Education Systems (EES) and ultimately the BalimoTM Program began as a result of her search for the very best educational opportunities available for instructors in the equestrian world. No stranger to academia, as an instructor, Vicky knew that book knowledge without practical application was not enough. She also recognized that the key to success as a rider and trainer is being able to put these theories into action on the horse. But success as an effective instructor also requires the ability to teach a largely kinesthetic experience – that elusive “feel.” Dissatisfied with the quality and incomplete nature of instructor educational programs available at the time, her search for a more comprehensive program led Vicky to Jill Hassler-Scoop, a noted equestrian educator who was at the time based out of Hilltop Farm in Colora, Maryland. Jill’s approach to instructor education which she called "integration", was the kind of comprehensive program Vicky had been looking for. 

Thus, in 2001, and for the next 5 years, Vicky began to pursue instructor education with Jill. During this time Vicky and her students participated in a series of unique clinics that included Kathy Kelly PhD, a clinical sociologist. These clinic formats were a precursor to the approach of the current BalimoTM Program and dealt with the emotional, physical  and cognitive development of the rider and instructor. One important element of this broad approach to equine education was regular trips to Germany and it was during one of these trips that Jill (with Vicky as one of the rider guinea pigs) met Eckart Meyners.   

From this meeting a working relationship between Jill and Eckart developed and over time this partnership became the BalimoTM Program which was offered in the United States under the auspices of EES.  Jill understood that to effectively spread the unique ideas and kinesthetic techniques of Mr. Meyners’ life work, instructors would have to be trained in it's use. To this end Jill worked tirelessly until her death in October of 2006. Upon Jill’s passing, Vicky filled the roles of EES/BalimoTM event organizer, board member and distance learning faculty and played a pivotal role in the transition of EES without Jill’s leadership and “larger than life” presence. As of November 2008, Vicky, along with Alison End became Executive Co- Directors of EES.  Even though the program was a tremendous success in educating instructors in this important work, EES succumbed to the consequences of a poor economy in May of 2010.

One of the advantages of having been with the BalimoTM program from the start, Vicky has a very thorough understanding of Mr. Meyners’ teaching techniques and philosophies.  

Vicky wearing one of her many hats (literally) as she supervises one a Balimo Seat Symposium with Eckart Meyners in Santa Fe, New Mexico at beautiful Pinon Farm.