About Eric

Eric Dierks began riding by following in his father’s footsteps in Dressage before discovering Eventing, graduating as an “A” from the Fox River Valley Pony Club in Barrington, Illinois. He went on to compete at the North American Young Riders Championships and earned a B.S. in Environmental Health Studies from Illinois State University.

Pursuing horses full time as both a competitor and instructor, Eric was long-listed for the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain, and the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, Greece. His competitive background spans Eventing, Dressage, and the Hunter/Jumper arenas, with a strong emphasis on developing Thoroughbreds both on and off the track.

A dedicated educator, Eric won the 2012 National Retired Racehorse Challenge and has coached at the Area IV Young Rider 3-Day Event Championships. He has served on the Board of Governors for the United States Pony Club, currently is VP for Eventing on the Illinois Dressage and Combined Training Association board, and has published numerous articles on training and horsemanship.

Today, Eric teaches and trains at his family’s Stonehedge Farm in Union Grove, Wisconsin. His lessons and clinics focus on developing clarity, accountability, and harmony between horse and rider—drawing from classical dressage principles across all disciplines.

If you’re interested in learning more about my approach or working together, I invite you to get in touch.

"Good horsemanship is not about control, but understanding - clarity for the rider and confidence for the horse.”

—eric Dierks

The Farm

Stonehedge Farm is a full-service equestrian facility located near I-94 between Chicago and Milwaukee, offering a quiet, professional environment focused on thoughtful training and horsemanship.

The farm provides ample space for horses and riders to develop with consistency, care, and intention.