Nadine Schwartsman

My name is Nadine Schwartsman. I’m an International Grand Prix rider and trainer, USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist, and Diamond Achievement recipient. I graduated from the L program with distinction and was recently accepted into the “R” judges program. I’m originally from Germany where I received my classical and horse welfare centered Dressage education. I immigrated to the United States in 2008 and since 2012 I have owned and operated my Dressage training stable, Les Bois Dressage, in Eagle, Idaho.

I started riding and competing in Germany at age 5 and ever since then horses have been a huge part of my life!

My day starts at 5:45am, answering the overnight emails and texts. I arrive at the barn around 6:30am and bring in and feed the first few horses on my list for the day. My staff team arrives at 7:00am and provides the support that I need in order to ride 10-12 horses before 1:00pm. From 1pm to 7pm I teach lessons and finish up the work day by organizing the next days schedule. Then it’s back home to get dinner ready for my family. I spent the evenings working in the office and whenever possible I try to squeeze in an extra workout.

Apart from my wins at national and international competitions I would consider training many horses from youngster to Grand Prix my greatest achievement. No matter how many times I take a horse that I have trained for the first time down centerline at FEI it still feels magical to me.

Becoming a better rider and trainer for my horses and students motivates me. I have been a Dressage trainer for over 20 years now and have never once been bored. Every day brings a new adventure and every day I learn something new!

Be prepared to work hard every day and always be ready to learn. Find a great mentor and learn their system. Always put the horses ahead of the sport. Don’t forget why you got into the sport in the first place: your love of horses!

My goal is to represent my chosen home, the United States, in international competition. But I make sure to enjoy the journey every day and find happiness in the little things.

I typically ride through the tests or freestyles two to three weeks ahead of a competition. After that I just fine tune things and keep the horses happy and feeling their best. I’m a planner so I like to be completely packed a week before a show so I don’t have to worry about forgetting anything. I’m the queen of lists and have check lists for everything! The night before the competition I visualize every test that I’m going to ride the next day. Thankfully I don’t get nervous at competitions. I truly enjoy the experience, especially being able to spent more one on one time with the horses.

I absolutely love all the Uhip technical tops. I wear them for training and as show shirts. Idaho can get quite hot in the summer and jackets are often waived so I have been showing quite a bit in my Uhip tops! In the winter I live in my Ally coat. I have one for the barn and one for “real life” and wear them 7 days a week!