Caroline Stevenson is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, as well as a Gold Medalist with Distinction. Caroline has competed internationally at the 3* Grand Prix level, and recently became a USDF Certified Instructor through Fourth Level. She graduated from Oklahoma State University (OSU) in 2018, having ridden on the National College Equestrian Association (NCEA) Division I Equestrian Team and contributed to OSU’s 2016 Big 12 Division Championship title. Caroline began riding at age seven, progressing through the United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) circuit, the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program, and earning her United States Pony Club C-3 Dressage certification.
How did you get started in dressage?
I started riding at a young age, and through years of Pony Club, the Emerging Athletes Program, horse showing, and my collegiate team experience, I became drawn to the technical side of riding and the process of developing a horse. My mom had encouraged me to pursue dressage from the beginning, and once I finally listened, I found my passion and haven’t looked back.
Why did you decide to participate in the USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program?
I began the USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program in March 2025 because I believe that, as a professional in this industry, it is my responsibility to continue my education, and strive to provide the best possible care and training to my clients and horses. Bill McMullin is one of my mentors, and is a strong advocate for this program, and I’ve been very grateful for his support throughout this process.
What do you feel is the most valuable thing you learned from the Instructor/Trainer Development Program?
The most valuable thing I’ve learned throughout the USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program is how important a purposeful approach is through every step of training, and how everything really comes back to the Pyramid of Training. It’s helped me sharpen my eye for both horse and rider, and be able to communicate in a clearer and more effective way that builds confidence and correct development. The program has also reinforced a lot of what I already believed, giving me more confidence as a young professional that I’m on the right track.
A big focus for me now is making sure that clients understand and apply the Pyramid of Training in their own progress. As I progressed through each session of the program, my confidence has grown, and the structured feedback has confirmed that my approach to riding and training is effective. Being able to learn from and be evaluated by some of the best in the industry is a really unique opportunity in our sport.
How have you implemented what you learned in the program into your own teaching and training programs?
I’ve learned to bring more purpose and structure into my daily training programs. Everything I do is now built more intentionally around the Pyramid of Training, and I’m much more aware of how each step connects to the next. This helps me problem-solve in a productive way for both horse and rider, and has improved how I evaluate horses and riders to create clearer, more consistent, and more effective training plans.
Tell us about your horses.
Dee Clair is a 2008 Dutch Warmblood (KWPN) mare by Sir Sinclair, out of On Pointe (Rolls Royce). She was purchased by my mom, Diane Morrison, as a three-year-old from Belinda Narin. Clair represented the USA on the 2020 FEI Dressage Nations Cup Team with Anna Marek in the irons. Clair took me to my first CDI 3* in 2025, where we placed third in the Grand Prix and fourth in the Freestyle. Now 18, she is still happily training and competing at Grand Prix, and remains incredibly special to our family. Her dam, OnPointe, inspired the name of my business.
Haiku is a 2012 KWPN mare by Sir Sinclair out of Melvira (Gentleman), who was bred by Belinda Narin. My mom purchased her at six months old, and our journey together has been deeply rewarding. We debuted at Intermediate A this year, and teaching her to piaffe and passage, and to do one-tempis has been a highlight of my riding journey.
Ritz Royale is a 2021 KWPN mare by Vasari out of a Blue Hors Romanov mare, whom my mom purchased at just 48 hours old. She is kind, easy-going, and thoughtfully produced, and we are excited to begin her first year of competition.
It would seem that I have a type, as all three are bay KWPN mares, bred in the USA, and around 16.1 hands.
Do you have any tips for young riders or those interested in participating in the USDF Instructor/Trainer Development Program?
My biggest tip for anyone participating in the USDF Instructor/Trainer Certification Program is to keep an open mind, stay curious, and embrace the feedback process.
Don’t rush your progress—take the time to build a strong foundation, and always come back to the Pyramid of Training in both riding and teaching. I also think it’s important to trust your educational background, while allowing yourself to grow through the process.
I’m always happy to connect with anyone considering or going through the program—feel free to reach out, as I’m glad to share my experience or help mentor in any way I can.
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