Professional Equestrian Trainer

Professional Equestrian & Pony Trainer: Shannon Loven

Trainer Profile

EARLY LIFE

Spending time with horses and ponies unfolded during the first moments of life for Shannon.  Some joke about whether walking or riding came first for her.  The more vivid memories of horses and riding begin with competitions while still only five (5) years old.  Competing in one particular local show, Shannon rode a Shetland pony named Tuff.  She won first place in the Open Bareback Equitation Class at the all youth show in Chicago, IL.  The best part of the first place victory included beating her top competitors, her older sister and brother.

Disciplined instruction, training, and the equestrian focus would forever be a part of her life’s passion.  Success found Shannon early in life.  She became the Thirteen (13) and Under Champion at the New York Classic at the age of eight (8).

Shannon raised many Shetland, Welsh, and various other pony breeds throughout her youth.   Equestrian experiences ranged the entire spectrum.  Shannon gained experience, knowledge, and even those  equestrian social pleasures that come with living the horse trainers daughter’s life.  She thoroughly enjoyed the management of breeding farms as a teen.  This experience enhanced her knowledge of the significant role genetics play in a horses conformation, performance, and behavioral disposition.

PROFESSIONAL EQUESTRIAN TRAINING

Shannon pursued additional training from senior equestrian professional trainers across the Midwest.  Including the direct tutelage of notable professional equestrian trainers:  Jim Wofford, Chris Kappler, Diana Amato, Paul Lindsay, and other U.S. Olympic instructors.  Shannon studied a variety of equestrian training concepts.  These concepts later became reality while participating in regional and national events including Palomino World, Quarter Horse Congress, Shetland Congress and Shetland Nationals.  Three times she competed successfully at the Pony Club Championships.

Combining an in depth experience with her own training theory, Shannon achieved a winning track record at state, rregional and national championships with various pony and horse breeds including: POA, Welsh, Shetland, Quarter Horse, Morgan, and Thoroughbreds.

CURRENT ROLE

While trained in both, English and Western, Shannon stays in touch with current trends through affiliations  including: GDCTA, USEA, AQHA, and as a Pony Club Alumnus.  She has over ten (10) years experience managing, delivering clinics, and rider ratings.  Also for the past three (3) years she served as the local Pony Club’s D.C..

Her successful business operates on 60 acres just northwest of the Atlanta, GA metro area.  Currently, she has over twenty ponies in training.  Shannon regularly provides riding lessons and equine instruction to approximately 30 students.  Her students compete regularly and are often among the event leaders.  Competitions include the Georgia State 4-H Championship, Pony Club Championship, Pinto Nationals, Quarter Horse Congress, GDCTA events, and local hunter shows.

SPECIALIZED EQUESTRIAN YOUTH TRAINING

2008 GDCTA Awards

Expanding her profession, Shannon now specializes in equine education for young children  by utilizing quiet ponies.   These special ponies enable the unfamiliar student to develop a deeper confidence.  These students eventually progress into being a competitor and finally into an accomplished equestrian.

Shannon Loven values the companionship and memories that form between a child and a pony.  As an instructor, Shannon instills the  following values: goal setting, hard work, achievement, and student evaluation.   These goals can be as simple as staying on at the first show, putting in a good dressage test, or winning that first blue ribbon.  A rider with an enviable character is the result of disciplined training and experienced leadership.  Shannon is a strong believer in ponies as an alternative for first time riders.  She believes a ponies behavior is the product of quality training.  When ponies are selected with care and trained well, they can be the mount of choice for youth riders.

Shannon gently encourages even the smallest of riders to try.   She instills confidence in students by helping them realize their potential.  Even with the youngest children and smallest ponies at a show, her students are respected at all levels.

Shannon’s mantra is hard work, dedicated training, and inspirational teaching.

Shannon currently retains a large group of child safe ponies.   Areas of specialization include: early youth riders, equitation, dressage, show jumping, and three (3) day eventing.   Shannon uses the Socratic Method of teaching to engage her students.

You can check her progress at a local Atlanta area show or simply subscribe to PonyClick by Email for regular updates (yes, it’s free).

CONTACT SHANNON LOVEN

Phone: (770) 316-6600