Are you a junior (18 & under) or young rider (19-21) looking for support as you develop within the sport of dressage? My Youth Dressage Academy debuting in 2025 may be the right fit for you. If you would like to take the leap from local or unrecognized competitions or the occasional recognized competition to striving towards USDF Medals, qualifying for Equitation Finals, Childrens' or Juniors' Finals, this could be the right program for you.
This is an online subscription plan that includes a monthly 10 minute video review by head trainer Diane Brandow.
About Diane: I started riding at a young age, five to be exact. My instructor was an event rider, so I was introduced to Dressage early on and by the time I was 10 I knew I wanted to ride Dressage. At 18, I earned my USDF Bronze Medal on my horse Fury but I never submitted the scores until much later. After High school I went on to attend Cazenovia College where I rode on the Dressage team and graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Business Management. Though connections I made at college , I because a traveling FEI groom for Olympic Show Jumper Beezie Madden. There I developed my horsemanship skills and world class grooming techniques. I also met my husband Rick, who started shipping their horses shortly after I started and still ships for them today. Now, together we own Spruce Valley Stables in Erieville, NY where I train horses, breed Hanoverian sporthorses for dressage, and develop competitive riders. I have helped develop many junior and young riders, some of whom have competed in National Championship shows such as the Festival of Champions, USDF Finals, and Regional Championships. I have several students who have achieved or are going for their USDF Medals. I have also helped many junior riders in the sport of Hunter/Jumpers prepare for hunt seat equitation through the development of their flatwork and understanding of lateral work for all major equitation classes (Medal, Maclay, NCAA, etc.).
What Exactly is the Youth Academy? Success isn't found alone. The phrase "teamwork makes the dreamwork" is true even in an individual sport like dressage. Every successful rider has a knowledgeable and supportive team around them, helping them on every step of their journey.
I would like to use my knowledge and experience to help other juniors and young riders navigate the process of becoming more competitive. I will NOT replace your regular trainer, but instead be another voice helping you examine and improve every aspect of your and your horse's development - from discussing nutrition, to video instruction, helping you develop a schedule for training and competition, techniques to help with show nerves and anxiety, to choosing the right exercises outside of lessons to develop cohesively as a team with your horse, as well as support planning farrier, vet, and body work. Subscription includes access to camps, clinics, and my coaching at competitions, if needed. Participants could live in another state, time zone, or even country and still reap the benefits of my support and knowledge!
Interested in learning more? Fill out this form and Diane will reach out!
"Diane is a dedicated and ethical horsewoman. She cares about the development of her students and their horses, but never loses sight of the importance of good horsemanship." John Madden