North American Western Dressage Judge Danielle Koeppen
Danielle Koeppen has over 20 years of equine experience. She specializes in the training and instruction of dressage and western dressage horses and riders. She brings her knowledge of posture and balance and bio-mechanics to everyone and every horse in each lesson/clinic/training session. She works with every level rider to achieve their goals in a fun and positive setting.
Danielle started riding at the age of 7 and quickly fell in love with horses. After learning the basic skill of riding with a family friend for a year Danielle started in Dressage and Jumping lessons. After finding her passion for dressage Danielle decided to run with it. Danielle has spent the last 20+ years following her passion for dressage. Along this journey Danielle has also been introduced to natural horsemanship due to a troubled dressage horse. After seeing her horse blossom and transform after adding the natural horsemanship tools to her everyday training Danielle has blended them in to her dressage training program for every horse she works with.
“The horse and rider must always work as a team to achieve their goals and each rider and horse combination must be instructed in a kind and positive way.”
-Danielle Koeppen
Danielle was born with a genetic disease that keeps her muscles in contestant spasms on the right side of her neck called Cervical Dystonia. Over the years of riding and PT work she has gained a better understanding of body awareness for both horse and rider. She is just now stepping into the world of Para riding. She is currently doing Para Reining and working on getting her classification for Para Dressage.
Danielle as achieved her USDF rider performance awards training through second level. Danielle is also working on completing her USDF Bronze and Silver Medals. Danielle has competed through the FEI levels. Danielle has worked with Madeleine Austin, Bo Jena, Michelle Gibson, Jane Savoie, Amy Larson, Tom Nagel, Vaughn Knudson. Jasper Beck, Kelly Underhill, Alison Sader Larson, Sheila Shills, Gerhard Ablinger. Danielle is continuing her education with Amy Larson, Vaughn Knudson and Lisa Coulter. Danielle also attends a few clinics a year to continue her knowledge base. Danielle is also a certified equine massage therapist. This has be a huge asset to her riding and training program bringing a greater understanding of the horse’s body.
Danielle has been honored to receive the USDF rider performance awards. She works with beginner to advanced riders and Para equestrians. She offers lessons, training, clinics, and judging.
Danielle was drawn to Western Dressage because she feels that it offers the western rider a place to learn and understand more about balance of both horse and rider and how to foster a true partnership.
Danielle has personal goals of showing in western dressage but she also has goals for clients. She says “my goals for anyone that I work with is to give them a better understanding of western dressage and how to work with their horse not against it. Understanding the aids, balance of both horse and rider and using the figures/exercises in western dressage to create a harmonious partnership.”
Danielle Koeppen have shown through PSG and trained through Grand Prix
Danielle’s students showing in Western Dressage have scored higher than 65% at Intro Level to Basic Level
Danielle Koeppen
730 160th Street
Amery WI 54001
Phone: (715) 553-1347
Website: Facebook/KND Dressage
