Leigh Berman Named 2024 Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year

Leigh Berman, owner and head trainer of Two Bit Farm in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, is announced as the 2024 Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year.

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. Prizes for the Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year are provided by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc., makers of Cosequin®.

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.

Hunter/jumper trainer Leigh Berman, who owns and operates Two Bit Farm in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, strategizes with one of her Junior riders as they enter the show ring at Devon. Courtesy Laurie Beson

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.

“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.”

Berman helps young riders and adults go from beginners to winning in Junior Hunters and Amateur Owner divisions and also works to provide high-level competition experiences for students on a budget. Courtesy Laurie Beson

Beson also noted that Berman 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.

“She has also supported the community in learning about physical wellness and the beauty of our partnership with these amazing animals by collaborating with a local gym to bring two horses to a local middle school,”Beson added. “It was an amazing experience for the students.”

Hats Off and Our Thanks to Leigh

Prizes for the Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year are provided by Nutramax Laboratories Veterinary Sciences, Inc., makers of Cosequin®, and include a custom arena banner, a custom cooler and an annual subscription to Practical Horseman magazine. Additionally, Berman will be interviewed for an upcoming episode of the Practical Horseman Podcast and will be featured in a future Practical Horseman Extra.

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