Desert Sun Training

Having a great time in Kentucky at the AECs, today was our first show day and everyone successfully went down centerline and ended on a number! A few bobbles here and there but overall the horses have been great considering the long trek to get here and the hectic large environment. Can’t wait to tackle XC tomorrow, both courses look quite doable!
Here’s our “tacky tourist” group photo in front of the iconic Bruce Davidson statue at Rolex arena, after watching Boyd win the Adequan Advanced final.

We’re gearing up for AECs! Here are our ride times and where to watch us if anyone wants to join in the fun from home!! Note that they usually don’t film the dressage rides, and stadium times will be more exact on Saturday when we know order of go based on placing.

https://useventing.com/news-media/news/catching-up-with-usea-classic-series-winners-at-coconino

From a trainer and student double win to an airline pilot who's brought her horse along since a weanling, last weekend's USEA Classic Series winners at Coconino Horse Trials had some amazing stories to tell! Read more below. 👇

What a whirlwind two weeks we have had up in Flagstaff at the Coconino Horse Trials! Between the threat of the Pocket fire week one, and the extra work of the 3 day Classic week two, the show kept us very much running (on little sleep and lots of caffeine!). But, both weeks were beyond successful!

Week one:
Dri catch rode Borgo for Rylee who was unable to show, and competed in her first BN event. She handled Borgo very well, ended on her dressage score and placed 2nd! Earned Borgo’s much needed qualifying placing for AECs next month.

I rode Gatsby at his second BN event, with the hope to get him his qualifying placing for AECs. We had a great dressage and stadium day, but unfortunately he is still a bit cautious of the water and we ended ONE second over time in XC which pushed us into third.

And then Winx made her horse showing debut… showing with me in starter and she was a pro! Was lovely in all three phases, ending on her dressage score and getting the win! Considering she’s been under saddle maybe 40/45 rides I am impressed with her willingness to go out and do her job. I can’t wait to see what her future holds.

Week two:
This time Dri got to ride Maple in BN to prep for AECs next month. Although she had a couple brain mix ups with her dressage test, she received a good score, and cruised around XC. Stadium proved a bit difficult for her keeping Maple focused, but she was able to end with a 5th place ribbon.

Gatsby went BN again, this time I was determined to avenge my time on XC! He was a bit wiggly in dressage but was a rockstar around both jumping phases and got his qualifying placing with a win in Open Beginner Novice! One more show to go, to get that last qualifying score for him for AECs.

Samy and Baila joined the group this week, with the goal to get thru the water, and she accomplished it easily! Baila behaved in the dressage ring, jumped easily on XC and barely had a hesitation schooling the water jumps, which left her a bit of time on XC but so much better than May! Samy had to ride a bit hard in stadium as Baila was distracted and spookier than normal but they ended successful and took home an 8th place ribbon.

Rylee was able to ride this weekend and took back over Borgo with the hope of getting her second qualifying score for AECs. And they did it! She had her best dressage ride to date (she’s only been on Borgo since April), and easily sailed thru both XC and Stadium to finish a solid 4th.

James brought Vivo along for his first show back since his hoof injury almost a year ago! They had their most controlled and well ridden stadium and XC rounds ever, ending on their dressage score, which earned them the win in his Starter Division!

Jess stepped up and tried out the BN Classic 3 day at this show. She and Jazzy had a blast and besides going a bit too fast on steeplechase, she finished on her dressage score on all the other phases. Earning her a 5th place, and definitely increasing both their confidence.

Shannon and Bounce finally conquered their XC water demons (hopefully for good)! They competed in the Training Classic 3 day, and ended with the win, as well as the best conditioned award! Bounce was the most civilized and relaxed I have seen him at a show yet, and easily handled the extra demands of the 3 day.

Sarah had an unfortunate oopsies with Tesoro day one… He thought it would be better to jump instead of dressage and nicely showed his skills by jumping out of the arena! But Sarah was able to continue with the other two phases to school and get in last minute AEC practice.

Ari came along with me this week, and we tried our hand at the BN Classic 3 day as well. She was better than I ever expected and I was able to figure out the pacing and expectations of me as well with the extra phases. We were two seconds fast on steeplechase but clear everywhere else, and ended with a blue ribbon as a last practice before Kentucky!

Unfortunately Dri was planning on riding Winx this week, but Winx decided it was a great time to form an abscess and we were forced to withdraw.

I don’t have many photos because I don’t have my phone on me most of the day at the shows, but I’ll try to add more if I can find them…

Had to have proof of Shannon and I all dressed up lol. Both horses were accepted for the Classic 3 day at Coconino!

DST - Team work makes the dream work 🐴

Picture by team member Jared.

We had such a great time, and horses/riders had lots to learn up in the pines this last weekend! Thank you Adrian for all the wonderful photos!!

🚨 Last Chance to Lock In Your Ride 🚨

This clinic typically sells out!

Join us April 4th & 5th at Raven Ranch for the Jeremy Steinberg Dressage Clinic, hosted by Desert Sun Training.

If you’ve been thinking about riding… now is the time.

🐎 Limited rider spots remaining
🌵 Tucson, AZ
🎯 Ride or audit opportunities still available

Don’t miss your chance to train with an international-level coach and get real, individualized feedback for you and your horse.

Secure your spot now:
https://www.desert-sun-training.com/events

Desert Sun Training welcomes Jeremy Steinberg back to Tucson April 4th & 5th at Raven Ranch.

Join us for a focused dressage clinic with an accomplished international rider and coach. Each ride is tailored to you and your horse, helping you build connection, clarity, and confidence.

🐎 Ride or audit
📍 Tucson, AZ
⚠️ Limited availability

This clinic typically sells out! — and for good reason.
Reserve your spot today:
https://www.desert-sun-training.com/events