Meet our Trainers

Erika Kurtz Bio for Linden Hall School
Erika Kurtz, Riding Coordinator and Trainer

With nearly twenty years in the equine industry, Erika Kurtz is unique when it comes to instructors and trainers. Her extensive experience as an equestrian and trainer is backed up with a degree from one of America’s best private colleges, The University of Findlay in Ohio, where she studied English Equestrian Studies and Equine Business Management. Her equine experience, knowledge, and horsemanship is extensive, serving in the capacities of Barn Manager, Riding Director, and Trainer for various facilities throughout the region and as Head Coach of the Franklin and Marshall Equestrian Team. Erika also serves as Trainer and Owner of Serenity Farm in Berks County. She received her trainer certification from the United States Hunter Jumper Association and instructor certification from Certified Horsemanship Association. She holds memberships in several prominent equine organizations including the United States Equine Federation, United States Hunter Jumper Association, Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, Arabian Horse Association, Pennsylvania Arabian Horse Association, and the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. Erika also holds her 'r' judges license for hunters and equitation from the United States Equestrian Federation and the United States Hunter Jumper Association.

Over the course of her career she has served in a leadership capacity in organizations such as the Pennsylvania Arabian Horse Association for South Central, Saddle Cinches 4-H Club, 4-H Therapeutic Riding Program, and been on the 4-H Judges list. But perhaps Erika's best talent is her innate connection with the horses themselves. This understanding fosters a unique synergy between horse and rider, enabling both to grow together to achieve realistic goals and expectations.

When not giving lessons, training horses or managing her business located at Serenity Farm, you can find Erika either participating in equine events or judging them.

Scott Burkhart, Equestrian Trainer at Linden Hall
Scott Burkhart, Trainer

Scott has been in the horse business for over 40 years and is well known for his expertise in the hunter/jumper arena. We feel so fortunate to have Scott on our team! As a trainer, instructor, coach, and former competitor, Scott has a long standing reputation in the equestrian world. He has been an "R" judge in Hunters, Jumpers, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Hunter Breeding. Scott has owned and operated his own show, sales, and boarding farm for 30 years before teaching out of various farms in the area and has also served on the Zone 2 hunter committee. Scott also has experience in the intercollegiate world where he and Erika Kurtz coached the Franklin and Marshall Equestrian Team for several years. Many of Linden Hall’s more advanced students ride with Scott and he has a particular talent for polishing riders for the hunter and equitation ring. He’s frequently found with competitors on the weekends at some of the best shows in the area.


 

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