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About

Siobhan, Ghost and Mouse

I have loved horses since I was a small child, and started riding at the age of seven. I am extremely lucky to have grown up with two very supportive parents, who saw how horses helped nurture responsibility and character. I was able to participate in the USDF Advanced Young Rider program, in addition to riding a lot of young horses and starting them under saddle. I also spent nearly three years at Steffen Peters’ barn in San Diego, where I was able to work with both Steffen and his then-assistant, Allyson Rogers.

I continued to ride while attending Rutgers University and earning my B.A. in Philosophy. While a philosophy degree is often the topic of jokes, I actually credit my degree with much of my approach to teaching–that it should be a shared dialogue between teacher and student.

My parents visiting with Waki at Lamplight in 2019.
Siobhan Byrne and Mouse
Mouse, my 1993 Hanoverian gelding, who has been a wonderful teacher for me and my students. He is currently enjoying retired life.

I have lived in Maryland since 2007 and have been working regularly with international FEI riders Jessica Jo “JJ” Tate, and Jeremy Steinberg for many years. Additionally, I have had the opportunity to participate in clinics with a number of excellent trainers, including Arthur Kottas, Georg Theodorescu, Charles de Kunffy, Christoph Hess, Olivia LaGoy-Weltz, Allison Brock, Lars Petersen, and Scott Hassler. I am an alumna of the Harmony Sporthorse/Hassler Dressage Young Dressage Horse Trainers Symposium. 

I truly enjoy the process of bringing horses and riders up through the levels. Every horse has something to teach us, and even the average horse is capable of more than you might expect with good training.

Mission Statement

I believe that dressage can make any horse a better version of themselves. 

I believe in training horses in a fair and ethical way that nurtures their spirit and unique personality while gymnastically developing them to their potential. Through multi-faceted, systematic training, I seek to produce willing partners while remaining appreciative of their individual strengths, and mindful of their weaknesses.

I believe in using instruction to develop thinking riders, who understand the “why” behind the exercises. I encourage my students to watch, read and listen to good horsemen in all disciplines, to think for themselves, and to ask questions. I want them to understand when and why to use different techniques and exercises, so that they can feel confident riding on their own.

I endeavor to never stop learning, to approach each horse and student with an open mind and a willingness to think outside the box when necessary.

Learn More About Training

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qualiadressage

Siobhan Byrne
USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist
Dressage Training and Instruction
Poolesville, MD

Qualia Dressage LLC
Amazing sunset for my final ride of the day. #nofi Amazing sunset for my final ride of the day. #nofilterneeded #sunset #dressagerider #marylanddressage #equestrian
Despite all of the anxiety and uncertainty, there Despite all of the anxiety and uncertainty, there was plenty of good in 2020. I’m grateful for my fantastic group of friends and clients, who were so supportive and understanding of my physical issues this year. Not to mention my friends and colleagues (Rebecca Douglass and Sara Spofford) who took time out of their busy schedules to keep my horses going while I recovered. I am very lucky. Here’s to new dreams, goals, and adventures in 2021. My team has some big ones in mind, and I can’t wait. #dressagetrainer #dressage #equestrian #marylanddressage #newyearsgoals
Sierra and Donnlei bringing the Xmas spirit to the Sierra and Donnlei bringing the Xmas spirit to their lesson this morning! 🎄🎁 Donnlei is a very good sport. 😂 #dressage #dressagehorsesofinstagram #swedishwarmblood #holidayspirit
Waki is so beautiful, he could be an oil painting. Waki is so beautiful, he could be an oil painting. 🖤 #squawkiwaki #horsesofinstagram #dressagehorse #dressagehorsesofinstagram #hanoverian #equestrian #dressurpferde
I’m excited and grateful to be one of the recipi I’m excited and grateful to be one of the recipients of the Lindgren Instructors Grant from @dressagefoundation. I’ll be using this grant to do intensive training with @teamtatedressage in April 2021. Huge thank you to The Dressage Foundation for this wonderful opportunity, it is so appreciated. #dressage #dressagetraining #dressagehorse #dressagehorsesofinstagram #equestrian
Great lessons with Jeremy Steinberg this weekend. Great lessons with Jeremy Steinberg this weekend. Hans was a superstar, as always. 💖 #kwpnhorse #handsomehansi #dressage #dressagehorse #dressagetraining #roadtograndprix
Looking forward to working horses with @jeremy_ste Looking forward to working horses with @jeremy_steinberg again this weekend. I always come away from these clinic weekends energized and inspired. #dressage #dressagetraining #dressagehorse #hanoveriansofinstagram #alwayslearning #squawkiwaki
I’m very grateful to have Cate Fiolka and Theres I’m very grateful to have Cate Fiolka and Theresa Keyes on my team. These ladies always take such good care of me and my clients. 🥰 Thrilled to be a @customsaddlery sponsored rider.
Hans stepping it up in the long lines with Richard Hans stepping it up in the long lines with Richard Malmgren  @richard.malmgren yesterday. So fun to watch. Thank you Richard! #kwpnhorse #dressage #dressagetraining #longlining #roadtograndprix #handsomehansi
When your doctor tells you you’re “technically When your doctor tells you you’re “technically healed, but it will probably feel better if you wait a few more weeks”. Sorry Dr. West. 😬 Shoulder is sore, but heart is happy. 🖤 #handsomehansi #dressagehorse #dressageridersofinstagram #kwpn #latarjet
You can’t see his halo, but it’s there. 💕 😇#dressagehorse #dressagehorsesofinstagram #kwpn
My life goals include aging as gracefully as Mouse My life goals include aging as gracefully as Mouse! He is loving the beautiful fall weather here in Maryland. #devilmouse #hanoverian #dressagehorse #retiredlife #oldiebutgoodie
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Get In Touch

Qualia Dressage
Poolesville, MD
732.406.9606
siobhan@qualiadressage.com

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