Bert De Nemethy, Nelson Pessoa, Kathy Kusner and George Morris. After a successful
the equitation and jumper divisions, I became a professional at the age of 22.
I worked for Mike Nielson at the Huntington Beach Equestrian Center and then became the assistant trainer for Rob Gage and Cyndi Grossman Merritt in Los Angeles. Rob, Cyndi and I coached many top riders from the Short Stirrup division to the top Medal Finals and Junior Jumpers. Devon Jackson and Michelle Yang both won the USET Finals West a few years ago. I am proud of former students that continue to enjoy success, Josephina Nor, Stevie Mc Carron, Amanda Tallman, Mavis Spencer and Ricky Neal were all dedicated, hard working pupils.
Sophie Benjamin, who I had the pleasure of coaching her last few Junior years, was an inspiration to me as a coach. She took pride in grooming her own horses at home, and even at the shows when I’d let her. She was a member of the Gold Medal winning Young Rider Team in 2008 and also won the Hunter Derby in Colorado and the USET Final East that same year.
SB: What's the best part of being in the horse business? SA: The best part about the show jumping business to me is the camaraderie among my fellow competitors. While walking a Grand Prix course as a competitor, we all discuss strategy regarding a technical line, a distance or an inside turn. Even though each of us wants to win the class, we all know that ultimately it will be the horse and rider that best executes their individual plan that day who will be the winner!
I have had success in the Grand Prix arena over the years, both Nationally and Internationally, on horses that I started when they were youngsters, and was thrilled to represent the USA in 2006 on a tour in Europe. This year I have an especially talented group of young horses that I am bringing along in the Young Horse classes. Some of them will aspire to the Grand Prix and some will find happy new owners and
house in South Pasadena, Ca.
the city’s Historical List and is quite charming.
SB: Family...who and how many in the family. Do any of them ride? SA: My family consists of Max Dolger and our three dogs.
professional rider and we love sharing our daily training adventures with one
49 Max is also a
coming home to my tiny It’s on
Junior career in
riders in the Jr/Amateur classes.
I also love that I never have the same day twice. A bad day galloping around on a horse beats any other good day at a desk job!
SB: What do you miss about “home” when you are on the road? SA: I love traveling to shows and seeing the people that I see only a few times a year.
But I also love
another at the end of each day.
SB: What is your favorite food? SA: My favorite food; now that’s a tough one! Anyone that knows me will tell you that I have a voracious appetite! I eat like a linebacker for the NFL! I guess my favorite comfort food is Kraft macaroni and cheese. I’ve been known to devour an entire box in one sitting!
SB: Favorite music? SA: I like lots of different music, mostly dance and pop but some old rock and classical.
Danny Elfman fan. I’m a big Oingo Boingo/
SB: Something we don’t know about you but would find interesting. SA: Something not everyone knows about me is that I can bark like a dog and make monkey sounds!
I’m good at it! Also, Halloween is like Christmas for me. I collect costumes and wigs and make up, and dress up all of my friends for the occasion.
SB: Any other hobbies? What do you do with your spare time? SA: I enjoy snow skiing and scuba diving, traveling to distant lands and outdoor adventure. I don’t watch much TV, I prefer to experience things first hand. My life is generally entertaining enough!
I do Pilates and weight training which I believe is extremely helpful to my riding. I like to laugh a lot, and try to keep a positive attitude every day.
SB: Goals and what’s in the future for you?
just teaching riding skills. It is teaching horsemanship, sportsmanship and ethics. Our sport is so much more than competing for prizes or striving for perfection. It helps us to develop into better, more patient individuals. I know that I am a better person because my horses demand the best of me every day.
I’ve been obsessed with horses for as long as I can remember.
SA: I’m also looking forward to finding a few exceptionally talented students with whom I can share my knowledge. love to teach, and I feel that good coaching is more than
I Seriously,
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