Vanessa has a B.A. in Human Biology from Pitzer College but she began her riding career when she was 8 years old in Arvada, CO at Equinox. Her Grandfather owned and operated the Colorado Saddlery in Denver and both Vanessa and her mom, Susan, wanted to support the family business by learning to ride. Although the intention was to began western riding lessons, Vanessa and Susan both began riding English. As time went on, Vanessa started showing English pleasure and saddle seat in the Stock Show and other local shows. Vanessa trained her first dressage horse, Kentucky Rain, to second level and won many RMDS and USDF Championships at each level. She also trained her second dressage horse, Malaki, to second level and then found him a home as a hunter jumper.    After an extensive search to find a horse that Vanessa would be able to grow and learn with, the search ended with an 8 year old Oldenburg gelding named Que Cir Que.  "Cirque" and Vanessa quickly became successful in the show ring.  Vanessa earned her Bronze Medal in 2003 at age 16 and competed at the USAE Junior Team Championships and the North American Junior and Young Rider Championships and at age 17, Vanessa earned her Silver Medal.    Vanessa has been fortunate to have Sandra Hotz (FEI 4* Judge) as her trainer and mentor for over 20 years. In addition, Vanessa spent time training with Olympic judge Lilo Fore in Santa Rosa, CA and with David Wilson in Chino Hills, CA. Vanessa has been able to clinic with Sonja Vracko, Conrad Schumacher, Debbie McDonald, James Shaw, JJ Tate, Chistoph Hess, Alfredo Hernandez, Bill Warren and many others.

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ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

 

2023 USDF L Judge Program  

2016 USDF/USEF Young Rider Graduate Program

2006 North American Junior Young Rider Championships

2008 International Young Rider Dream Program

2004 USAE Junior Dressage Championships

2004-2008 USDF Youth Executive Board