October 29, 2024—Practical Horseman is excited to announce Leigh Berman as the winner of the third annual Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year Program.
The Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year Program is designed to honor the unsung heroes of our sport—trainers who work tirelessly to improve the education of both their riders and horses. Entrants were nominated for the contest by individuals in the horse community. Out of all the trainers nominated, 10 finalists were selected, with one earning the title of Trainer of the Year.
Berman started her career as an amateur owner, winning many awards with her off-track Thoroughbred Catch 22. She even ended up on the cover of Practical Horseman magazine and was featured in an article about a horse that came from New Holland Horse Auction that she trained successfully.
Supporting Her Riders and the Local Community
As a professional, Berman has spent many years showing and training at top-ranked horse shows in both hunters and jumpers. The owner and head trainer of Two Bit Farm in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, has also helped young riders and adults go from beginners to winning in the Junior Hunters and the Amateur Owner divisions. Her talent becomes even more apparent when she works with young horses or those with training challenges. She often imports unbroken horses from overseas and develops them into well-rounded show horses. [XXX]
“Leigh not only supports her own riders, but she also supports all of the riding community the as well as the local community,” said Laurie Beson, Berman’s friend. “She’s provided clinics to local barns, sponsored shows and held a local derby at our barn.”
Beson also noted that Leigh strives to create high-level competition experiences for riders who might not be able to afford rated shows or have the time to travel to them…