Born to Ride

“I don’t know if I walked or rode first. I grew up in Northern California and have had a love and passion for horses ever since I was a little girl. My grandfather and mother both rode so I am a third generation rider. I grew up being held on Peruvian Pasos with my grandfather at our 7 acre ranch in Fair Oaks, California. When I was 6 years old I started dressage lessons.

“Horses have always been a huge part of my life. My passion for riding and dressage just gets stronger as the years go on. I’ve had the honor of riding and training with some of the best trainers in the world including Willy Arts, Steffen Wolfe, Anabelle and Klaus Balkenhol, Guenter Seidel, Steffen and Shannon Peters, and Scott Hassler.

“For 5 years, I trained at Arroyo Del Mar, home of Steffen and Shannon Peters, where I successfully competed in the Grand Prix and received my USDF Gold medal. I’ve also competed in the international CDI Small Tour and ranked in the top 10 in the country.”

-Shayna Simon