USDF Bronze, Silver & Gold Medalist – Born and raised in California, Susannah Hamlin began her riding career at a very early age in Dressage and jumping. She studied for 8 years as a working student with Creeky Routson (S judge and longtime student of Charles DeKnuffy) and earned her USDF Bronze Medal by the time she was 15 years old in 1989.
During two summers of high school, she traveled to Jan Ebeling’s farm in Golden, Colorado in order to be a working student. With opportunities riding training horses and getting daily lessons, it was an enriching and fulfilling experience.
Susannah earned a BA from the University of California at Davis. During this time, she continued riding and taught adult dressage lessons at the UCD Equestrian Center. Ballet and modern dance were integral parts of her education and have made a large impact on her riding and instruction.
Boris and Susannah – First Level in 1988
After working at Yarra Yarra Equestrian Center in Pleasanton, California for Carolyn and Patrick Adams, Susannah moved to Florida in 2002, becoming a working student for Michael and Sharon Poulin and purchased Tango who would become her first Grand Prix Horse. She was afforded many opportunities riding horses with Michael and Sharon and learned a great deal from their enormous volume of knowledge and skill.
Tango- Holsteiner gelding by Contango Grand Prix Region 3 Champion 2005
Tango schooling GP
In 2003, she earned her USDF Silver Medal and after three years of classical dressage education from the Poulins. Susannah earned her USDF Gold Medal on Tango and then went on to win the 2005 USDF Region III Grand Prix Horse of the Year Champion Award at the USDF Regional Championships in Jacksonville, Florida.
Working as a trainer and instructor based in the Gainesville, Florida area, Susannah is an enthusiastic and positive teacher who is glad to pass on the correct training methods to students. Lunge line lessons are a large focus to strengthen and help balance the rider, as well as time in the Dressage arena working on movements and gymnastics with the horse and rider. Please feel free to contact Susannah anytime!
Red Diamond 4th Level Freestyle US Dressage Finals 2014
Tango- 2005 Grand Prix Region 3 Champion