— Taylor's Story —
Taylor Golden is a United States Dressage Federation Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist. She is also a USDF Judges L-program graduate. Taylor has a diversified background with horses starting at a young age, competing first in Hunters, and later Jumpers throughout her high school years. After graduation from Texas Tech University in the fall of 2009, Taylor began pursuing a professional career in dressage.
Taylor sought out a working student position which quickly opened the door for an assistant trainer position in Texas. After graduating from the USDF Judges L-program she jumped at the opportunity to train in Germany serving as head rider and barn manager with responsibility for over 30 horses under German native Roger Seegert. Taylor was given the opportunity and experience to work both ends of the training spectrum daily, spanning young horses to FEI, including 4 Grand Prix horses. Germany was an invaluable experience which helped prepare Taylor to return to the United States and start her own training business. Once returned to Texas, Taylor earned her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals and began teaching and training her own clients.
The fall of 2016 was a milestone for Taylor when she relocated her training business to Steffen Peters’ beautiful Arroyo Del Mar in San Diego, California. The following year Taylor acquired her international ring hopeful a 2012 Rheinländer stallion (Diamond Hit x Florestan) and the pair trained for 5 years under Steffen’s experienced and watchful eye. By 2019 Demetrios became the Number 1 Ranked Rheinländer Stallion in the USA at Prix St Georges. With sights set on competing and not breeding, Demetrios was gelded in early 2020. Demetrios made his Grand Prix debut early 2022, a highlight of Taylor’s career thus far. The pair were able to spend a season in Wellington competing and training under Debbie McDonald and Tracy Roenick.
Taylor is not only dedicated to her own dressage education, she is also dedicated to helping other’s achieve their desired goals. She firmly believes it is our job to learn the language of the horse we are riding, not their job to learn ours. Simplicity is key and Taylor prides herself in the ability to break difficult concepts down for horse and rider to easily understand. Her approach quite literally “tailors” each program unique to each client’s needs while adhering to the principles of classical dressage. The goal is always to enhance the abilities of our horses and riders alike, while enjoying the process along the way! Taylor is available for full or partial training, as well as online virtual coaching.
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— Training Testimonials —
Taylor is based in San Diego, California. She is also available to travel to barns locally for those seeking full or partial training for their horse and/or lessons. Additionally, Taylor offers online virtual coaching for those not local to San Diego. Please get in touch to discuss your needs!
“Taylor is an exceptionally clear instructor, she is patient while being quick & effective. Taylor’s training philosophies always have the horse’s physical & mental capacity set as the highest priority. She emphasizes clear, kind communication from rider to horse. Taylor has helped me personally prepare two horses to compete in the Young Rider CDI’s in California, as well as recently get to know, & learn to ride my new Grand Prix horse.”
“As an instructor, Taylor gracefully balances compassion, grit, and encouragement. Her training approach leaves you feeling both challenged and empowered. Increased confidence and growth as a rider is inevitable when working with her. “
“I have trained with Taylor for the past 5 years. Taylor is able to uniquely relate to her students ensuring that they have an understanding of what she is teaching. She goes beyond just giving the correction and explains the reasoning behind each thing she says. She is supportive of her students in all aspects of riding helping them to achieve their goals.”
“To find a trainer like Taylor is a gift. She is someone who understands the finest details between horse and rider. She has taught me to ride with grand prix expectations at a level anyone can understand. I am no longer learning from my mistakes. Instead, her experience has translated to ability to read my horse perfecting my timing and independent seat.”
“Taylor is reliable, detailed, and highly knowledgeable. She ensured that I knew why we were doing things and that I knew how to clearly communicate with the horse. She ensured the horse and I always had a positive experience. Every lesson was designed around and dependent on what the horse and I needed to progress. She is great at explaining complex movements. She focuses on fundamentals to build a strong foundation for success moving forward. She’s no nonsense yet so much fun. Her training is high quality, thorough, consistent, caring and considerate of both horse and rider.”
“Three of my horses have been in training with Taylor for over a year. They came to her with diverse backgrounds, the needs of each were different. After a couple of months under Taylor’s training, their transformations became visibly apparent & expressed by others who see & care for them, including my barn manager & equine veterinarian. Taylor is a fair & talented rider, & trainer. She rides them beautifully with knowledge, skill & respect which they accept & they enjoy their work. She is also an exceptional instructor for the rider- it’s not easy, or common, to find someone who can ride AND train with equal competence. Every lesson with Taylor is dense with constructive information & delivered in a manner that is understandable, respectful & encouraging for the rider. Each lesson inspires me to do better & I look forward to the next session. She is professional, accomplished & considerate. If you genuinely want to learn & improve your riding, I unequivocally recommend Taylor Rowsey. You will not be disappointed.
“Teaching is a very noble profession that shapes the character, caliber & future of an individual. If people remember as a good teacher, that will be the biggest honor for me.”
