Training

Alissa Dragstedt on Don Carlito

Alissa Dragstedt is a dressage enthusiast and has dedicated her riding career to harnessing a fair and harmonious approach to the wonderful equestrian discipline of dressage. 

Alissa's training began in Germany, where she rode for 8 years in a German riding club that focused on Dressage, Jumping, and overall quality horsemanship. Alissa was able to secure her Bronze medal from the German National Riding Federation prior to moving to the United States.

Alissa has taken multiple horses to FEI level and has earned her USDF Silver medal. Her teaching approach is patient, kind, and fun. 

Give us a call. We will be happy to help you with your dressage training needs.

Shelly Francis on Dante

Shelly Francis is one of the few elite high-performance trainers in the U.S. with a long career as a successful international competitor aboard horses she has trained herself. Her long list of accolades includes representing the U.S. as an alternate at two Olympic Games, as well as making the U.S. teams for two World Equestrian Games, two World Cups, and many Nation Cups. Some of her most notable victories include her 4* Grand Prix Freestyle wins at Aachen in 2018 and at Hagen Horses and Dreams in 2019. 

Shelly’s talent extends beyond just training as her ability to teach riders is second to none. Shelly’s students range from green to international Grand Prix competitors. Shelly’s training focuses on teaching riders to be fair, clear, and effective to create a harmonious relationship with their horse.

After taking a brief showing hiatus the past couple of years to take the time to develop him, Shelly is excited to be now competing Dante, her own 17.3h black Hanoverian gelding by Danone I out of the same dam as Danilo. Shelly has high hopes for Dante and is looking forward to working towards exciting goals for the future.

Find out more about Shelly at www.shellyfrancisdressage.com