- Credentials: USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist (with Distinction); Rider Performance Certificates from Training Level through Prix St. Georges.
- Competition Level: Active FEI Competitor with qualifying scores at Intermediate II (working toward Gold Medal); 2021 CDI Medium Tour Winner; USDF National Championship Top Ten finisher.
- Teaching Focus: Specializes in taking riders from Training Level fundamentals up to FEI-level competition.
- Training Philosophy: Uses classical dressage principles and biomechanics to explain why aids work, not just how.
- Student Success: Students have earned USDF Medals, won Regional Championships, and placed Top Three at the Festival of Champions.
- Continuing Education: Regularly trains with top clinicians (e.g., Lars Petersen, Robert Dover) to bring world-class techniques to her students.
Andrea Adkins is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist with distinction and a highly accomplished dressage professional with experience spanning Training Level through FEI. She competed at the 2018 USDF National Championships, earning Top Ten finishes at both Second and Third Level, and has achieved her Rider Performance Certificates from Training Level through Prix St. Georges on multiple horses. Andrea has completed six qualifying scores at Intermediate II toward her USDF Gold Medal and was the winner of a CDI Medium Tour in 2021.
In addition to her own competitive success, Andrea has coached numerous students to significant achievements, including earning USDF medals, winning regional championships, Top Ten placements at national championships, successful CDI competition results, and Top Three finishes at the Festival of Champions.
Andrea has trained extensively with many of the sport’s most respected riders, trainers, and educators, including Lars Petersen, Leslie Morse, Betsy Steiner, Robert Dover, Lauren Sprieser, Bo Jena, Lehua Custer, Christine Calao, and Ben Albright. She is deeply committed to continuing education and has attended elite judging seminars and training clinics with Wim Ernes, Katrina Wüst, Christian Bachinger, Lilo Fore, Stephen Clarke, George Williams, and Charlotte Dujardin, earning 15 USDF University credits in the process.
Andrea specializes in meeting each horse-and-rider pair exactly where they are in their dressage journey, from building correct fundamentals to developing FEI-level work. Her teaching style is interactive, supportive, and educational, encouraging thoughtful questions and meaningful dialogue. Her approach is grounded in classical dressage principles, sound biomechanics, and clear communication, helping riders understand not only how to apply effective aids, but why they work.
Known for her compassion and individualized approach, Andrea develops tailored training plans aligned with each rider’s goals, whether strengthening the partnership between horse and rider or pursuing high-level competition. At the heart of her program is a deep respect for the safety, longevity, and well-being of the horse, paired with a genuine passion for educating and empowering her students. To ensure progress and consistency, Andrea asks her students to commit to a minimum of eight dressage lessons per month.
