Andrea Adkins: Head Dressage Trainer
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 sportโs 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 Wรผst, 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 riderโs goalsโwhether 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.