About Grace

Grace has been an avid equestrian for nearly twenty years. Her passion is dressage, and she has competed up to Second Level in shows across the Pacific Northwest, scoring in the mid seventies at Training Level and qualifying for Oregon Dressage Society Championships at First Level. Along with her dressage experience, Grace also has a background in eventing, high school equestrian team, Western riding, and sales. She is a Mount Hood Pony Club C3/HB graduate, and currently studies under Hood River local dressage trainer Tedi Paasch (2024 ODS Prix St. George Champion), as she has throughout her riding career.

With each of her students Grace emphasizes basic balanced position, safety, and confidence in the saddle. She takes pride in choosing new and engaging exercises that help her students advance in basic riding, dressage, and over fences. Her teaching philosophy is influenced by Sally Swift’s Centered Riding principles, which help students understand correct riding through images, as well as Mary Wanless’ rider biomechanics methods. She teaches to the United States Pony Club standard, incorporates classical dressage concepts, and also teaches Western riders. Grace excels at communicating concepts in language that resonates with her students. She believes in cultivating curious, confident, and independent riders.

When Grace isn’t teaching riding lessons, she can be found training her dressage horse Orlando at York Hill Stables, writing, or birdwatching.

“I’ve been riding in lessons with Grace for over a year and have seen a big advancement in my riding. I love her calm and positive style and her focus on Centered Riding, which brings a peaceful and grounded dynamic to how I connect with my horse. I would highly recommend Grace to anyone who is looking for a great coach and trainer to deepen their riding connection and skills!”

– Molly