Susann is a USDF Certified Instructor through Fourth Level, an “L” Graduate, and a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist. She began her early riding career in Germany and then moved to Hawaii in 1995, where she was a founding member of the Hawaii State Dressage Society. She has her own business, Regal Equestrian, which is located at Courtship Ranch in Lake View Terrace, California.
How did you get started in dressage?: I got started in dressage at a very young age in Germany. Not even 10 years old, I was participating in group lessons and quadrille riding at the Reitinstitut Egon von Neindorff. A few years later, my passion turned towards jumping, which I successfully did for several years. In my twenties, I got drawn towards dressage again and especially developing young horses. I started a Bereiter apprenticeship in Berlin where I did both disciplines, dressage and jumping.
Why did you decide to become a Certified Instructor?: Coming to the United States in my thirties and realizing that education never stops, I heard about the USDF Instructor/Trainer Program and felt compelled to participate in it. I loved the workshops where I learned so much more about teaching and riding in detail.
What did you learn from the program?: I believe that education will make our sport/passion for dressage so much stronger. Certified instructors can help amateur riders find their highest potential in this sport, while certified trainers have the skill set to develop horses correctly throughout the levels.
My horse(s): Last year, I purchased a promising four-year-old gelding by Sir Donnerhall. I’m excited to develop this talented youngster through the levels and will hopefully start his career in the show ring this year. I also have been competing with a client’s horses—a Lusitano stallion through Prix St. Georges Level and a Swedish Warmblood gelding through Third Level.
Training tip: Education is an ongoing journey, jump on any opportunity that will come your way, set goals, and stay committed to the process.
Contact me: s.regal@juno.com or (951) 515-7133
