About | Three Lessons Farm | Dressage Training

Meet the TLF Team

Three Lessons Farm is dedicated to the wellbeing of both dressage horse and rider. Built on the principle that everyone deserves the highest quality of care and education, the team of TLF is literally world class.

Owner

Mary Ellen Russell

Known for her get it done attitude and love of horses, Mary Ellen is a valuable member of the dressage community in North Central Florida.

As an amateur, Mary Ellen knows that community and team is everything to the success of the partnership. As the owner of TLF, she knows that the most important thing is a safe, happy environment for both horse and rider.

She is excited to provide both a welcoming community and safe environment for all levels of dressage.

Barn + Horse Manager

Matt Roberts

Dedicated to both horse and rider, Matt started riding at the age of 14 in Upstate New York. Matt is known for his ability to smile in almost every situation and for being a positive member of the TLF team.

Not only does he love riding, but also truly enjoys caring for the horses and creating connections. He believes every horse is an individual with unique attributes and traits that make him laugh every day.

As the Barn and Horse Manager, he lives on site and is able to help with anything that you might need.

His big goal is to develop each of his horses as far as they will go and to eventually ride for the United States on a team.

Head Trainer

Trisha Bell

Trisha Bell is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist, USDF Certified Instructor
through Second Level, and a USDF L Graduate with Distinction. With decades of experience developing dressage horses and riders from Training Level to Grand Prix, her approach emphasizes classical principles, clear communication, and a strong foundation of trust and understanding between horse and rider.

Whether working with young horses, amateur riders, or advanced competitors, Trisha offers individualized training, lessons, and clinics that prioritize correctness, feel, andpartnership. Her goal is to help each horse and rider team reach their fullest potential – building both confidence and performance in the arena and beyond.

The Story

Owned by Mary Ellen and Dave Russell, Three Lessons Farm was officially opened in early 2010 at their 55-acre facility in Broadalbin, NY. As first-time training/boarding dressage facility owners, their learning curve was steep but possible. Three Lessons Farm quickly earned a sterling reputation for their superior horse care and their commitment to excellence in providing a clean and safe environment for their clients and horses.

Mary Ellen and Dave moved to Summerfield, Florida, in late 2022 with the intention of downsizing and building a small barn for their retired horses. That changed in September 2025 when they purchased a new 26-acre equestrian farm that is attached to their home property.

Three Lessons Farm was “re-opened” in October 2025 and is excited to offer clients the same superior training and boarding experience the farm was known for in upstate New York. Our commitment to every client is that they never have to worry about their horse’s care as every horse is treated like one of our own.