Rose & Crown Riding Academy

Meet the heart of our program: Niki McDonnell, Head Trainer, and Business Partner at Rose & Crown Riding Academy. Niki is a phenomenal teacher, coach, rider and a fierce competitor. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our program. She has taught for over 15 years at some of the most prestigious equestrian academies and she is still an active professional competitor. Credentials: • Licensed Horseback Riding Instructor • PATH Certified • Bachelor of Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (University of Massachusetts) Impressive riding career: (highlights) • ranked 5th on the USEA National Eventing Leaderboard, • an impressive display of ribbons trophies with numerous Grand Champion wins from all over the country • Most recently a 6th place finish for the 1.0M jumpers, consisting of over 90 international professional riders, at the World Equestrian Center in Ocala Has trained with the best: (highlights) • Denny Emerson (Olympic Gold Medal Team Member) • Bernie Traurig, (Multi-Grand Prix winner), • Jerry Schurink (US Event Team Rider) • Clark Montgomery (Olympic Rider) as well as many others But best of all, Niki has the unique ability to connect with students at any level-from new beginner to advanced riders-which comes from her diverse background and training. She is soft spoken and believes in positive reinforcement. Her students, past and present, adore her. We know you will too!