The covered main arena at Edgemont Farms is dedicated to the memory of Bitsy Shields, who trained many horseback riding champions, and judged many, many Horse Shows. Bitsy was the inspiration for Edgemont Farms, and her spirit lives on there in the memories of her very successful students. Bitsy Shields' training methods and philosophies for the riders, and the horses and ponies under their saddles, are continuing today with Head Trainers Lenny Marconi and Joanna "Joey" Pedroni. Bitsy trained Joey in Hunter-Jumpers, and trained her Sister Danielle Claeyssens from ponies on up to Warmbloods in Hunter-Jumper and Equitation. At Edgemont Farms, Joey has now teamed with Head Trainer Lenny Marconi, who was also a close friend and fan of Bitsy Shields.

Bitsy Shields had been a trainer and horse show judge most of her life. As a judge, she knew intimately what made for a winning performance, and even when to ride or not to ride. As a trainer, Bitsy knew how to choose the right horse or pony for the rider, and how to train both. The results were natural Champions, and "Beautiful Riders".

It seemed effortless for Bitsy to train Riders, Horses and Ponies, as she always took the long-term view: Don't skip any steps in learning the basics, Learn something well to the point where it is automatic before moving on. Honor traditional values and uniforms. Learn to ride difficult horses and ponies, so you can ride anything. Become such a good rider that winning is routine, not a rare emotional event. Don't feel down if a ride fails, but instead, learn from it and become an even better rider. Be a kind, firm, good friend with your horses and ponies, and yourself. If you fall off, get back on again, and learn from it. You can learn how to understand and communicate with your horse or pony. Give your horse or pony pats, loves, and treats. Be open and gracious, be scarce with negative comments, and be generous with complements. Finally, be thankful you can participate in this sport, as it is a privilege.

Bitsy Shields was a good friend, and remembered fondly by many, many people. Nobody forgot her. We will all miss her. Bitsy Shields continues in the hearts and thoughts of those riders she trained. They can still hear her when they train and compete.