Stephanie Oliveira

Stephanie has loved horses from the moment she could walk and talk! Her draw to horses is stronger than she can explain! She has no doubt that her purpose in this lifetime is to advocate for the fair and loving training of horses, and their riders/handlers. Her mission extends to educating students of all levels on approaching horsemanship with a blend of gentleness, compassion, confidence, and self-assertiveness. For her it’s pure joy to watch kids light up and fall in love with horses, and for adults to become more confident in their personal connection with their equine partners! This spark ignited early in Stephanie's childhood - when at the age of two, she fearlessly ventured into a turnout pen with a mare known to be a kicker. Unfazed by her mother's trepidation, she clung onto the hind leg, yelling, "Look, Mommy, I hug the horsey." This bold encounter marked the beginning of Stephanie's unwavering determination to make horses an integral part of her life. Her Mom knew from that day on, that horses were going to become a part of their lives. However, no one ever imagined how big of an influence and guiding force horses would be for her.

 With persistence, Stephanie never stopped the conversation around wanting a horse of her own. Eventually, her family yielded to her relentless pursuit and bought her a horse. The turning point came when she showed up for a riding lesson and tears began swelling in her eyes; she wanted a horse so badly she couldn’t look at them without crying. Her campaign for a horse of her own became undeniable. Her family realized this would not be a passing fad or phase. Her parents graciously committed to an older morgan gelding, who taught Stephanie many, many lessons - mostly how to fall off (especially on top of, to the side of, and in front of jumps; he was more of a dressage guy)! Nonetheless, she fiercely loved her first horse and the many lessons she learned with him. Growing up in a small Oregon coast community, with few trainers and riders around led her to be creative about her education and resources. Stephanie started giving horse riding lessons to other kids in her community when she was a young teenager. She always eagerly shared her knowledge and experiences from 4-H, Pony Club (USPC), and the horsemanship clinics she was fortunate enough to attend with her horse. She hasn’t stopped teaching or sharing her knowledge since (Over 25 years of experience). 

Stephanie’s journey with horses evolved as she embraced roles beyond being a rider. Inspired by her rescued horse Dexter, Stephanie delved into understanding equine behaviors and motivations. Dexter had many traumas and behavioral issues; refusing to load in a trailer, bolting, rearing, kicking out (especially at farriers), etc. Stephanie saved him from going to slaughter and spent countless hours rehabbing him emotionally,mentally, and physically. Her horses’ rehabilitation journey, coupled with Stephanie's voracious pursuit of knowledge, connected her with renowned experts in natural horsemanship. She devoured all literature and training opportunities that she could get access to in the early 90’s (pre-internet and google days), she sought out Linda Tellington Jones (TTouch method), John Llyons, and other natural horsemanship experts to guide her in her learning journey. Dexter ultimately became her best riding horse and partner! Dexter proudly carried Stephanie through her teen years, and full circle, he saved her when she experienced her own personal setbacks. As a Jr. rider she won many championships in dressage, show jumping, eventing, showmanship, trail and both english and western pleasure (mostly on Dexter). 

In large part to her training journey with Dexter Stephanie was awarded many scholarships for college, including a full scholarship to the University of Oregon. At UofO she earned her degree’s in  Business Management and Spanish Literature, while also riding and interning for a reining trainer - these years really solidified her love for starting horses under saddle. She also saw the need for the western horsemanship and the english equestrian communities to share and collaborate with their horsemanship knowledge! She happily works with all breeds and all riding disciplines. There is always space for improving your foundational work!

Stephanie is finding immense joy in the current chapter of her life, where she gets to share her passion for horses with her own children. Being a part of the "Mom’s Club" has brought a newfound enlightenment, enriching her horsemanship journey in countless ways. As a mother, Stephanie embarked on a journey of personal growth by pursuing a Master's degree in Psychology (a continued work in progress)—an ongoing endeavor that mirrors her dedication to continuous learning. This dual role as a student and a mom has given her a fresh perspective on horse riding lessons. Now, Stephanie approaches teaching with a refined lens.  Her lessons go beyond the saddle, delving into the realms of emotional regulation, the establishment of neural pathways supporting self-esteem, mindfulness, self-acceptance, and the balance of mind, body and soul. Through her studies and motherhood, she has seamlessly integrated these aspects into her teaching philosophy. The foundation of Stephanie's lessons, catering to all skill levels from beginner to advanced, revolves around cultivating an independent seat and balance through every activity. Her guiding principle is universal—no matter your current skill set or experience, the pursuit of a more balanced self is a journey worth taking in the realm of horsemanship.

Stephanie has a pure love for horses, and loves more than anything to help people on their horse journey! She’s always excited to guide people with their horses, and be a witness to others growth and transformation.

 

Some of her most memorable career highlights to date are:

 

• International clinician and Instructor - Stephanie created the “Dressage for Jumpers” program and teaches clinics and private lessons in Brazil at competitive show jumper barns. Teaching clients abroad about natural horsemanship practices and helping horses become their best through relaxation and gentle riding techniques.

 

• Founder and Owner of SC Riding, full training program for horse and rider formerly in the Bay Area, CA (Beginner through Advanced horse lessons and full horse training)

 

• Liberty performances - Choreographing, training, and performing liberty and dancing horse performances with the company “The World of Dancing Horses”

 

• Part of the founding team of Bay View Pony Club - Middle CA region

 

• United State Pony Club HA Rating

 

• Cowboy Dressage, Highest test score 2012

 

• USPC Oregon region Showjumping Champion and 4th overall in the Nation (at 3’6” with Dexter)

 

• Starting colts for working cowboys and ranchers 

 

• Judging USPC, Pony Club events and ratings, pleasure shows, and extreme trail trials in Oregon and California

 

• Building and design of an extreme trail trial course formerly “Happy Creek Trails” in Oregon, part of HATS trail program in Willamette Valley, OR 

 

• Continual self education with European Dressage and Working Equitation Masters (Portugal, Spain, and France)

 

• Being part of YOUR horsemanship and horse riding journey!