TRAINERS
Derek Van Der Burgh | Head Trainer
Derek started riding at the age of 10 at a friend’s farm in Massachusetts and quickly became hooked on the sport. He went on to groom and manage for Stoneymeade Farm in Concord, MA, under Joyce Mersereau and Sarah Tyndall, and also worked with Jennifer Tate of Tradewinds Farm. His career eventually brought him to Wellington, FL, where he managed, rode, and taught for a private family before spending a year in Belgium riding and training with internationally renowned trainer Henk Nooren.
Derek moved to Tampa in 2020 and began teaching at the Tampa Yacht and Country Club, where he remained until founding Bayshore Stables in January 2022.
As Head Trainer, Derek oversees Bayshore’s training and rated competition program. He has guided riders to national finals and specializes in the thoughtful development of horses and riders through the levels. His experience includes producing young horses into successful upper-level competitors, from Performance Hunters and International Hunter Derby horses to Grand Prix show jumpers. Derek’s program emphasizes correct riding, horsemanship, and building confident partnerships for long-term success.
Darlene Warnecke | Assistant Trainer
Darlene Warnecke has spent her life around horses and brings that lifelong experience to her role as Assistant Trainer at Bayshore Stables. Darlene oversees Bayshore’s lesson program, working primarily with beginner and developing children and adults as they build confidence, horsemanship, and a strong foundation in the saddle.
Darlene especially enjoys helping new riders progress through the early stages of the sport, from their first lessons to their first experiences in the show ring. She coaches Bayshore’s lesson riders at local schooling shows and helps prepare those who want to take the next step toward leasing or owning a horse and joining Bayshore’s rated-show program.
Whether a rider’s goal is recreational riding, competing at schooling shows, or eventually making a larger commitment to the sport, Darlene helps provide the foundation to get them there.
