Natalya Slipchenko

Natalya Slipchenko is an American dressage trainer, instructor, competitor, and coach based in Davis, California. She is the owner of NS Dressage, a boutique training and coaching business, and serves as the coach of the UC Davis Dressage Team. She is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist, with additional Freestyle Bars and the USDF Diamond Achievement Award.

Riding Background

Natalya began riding at six years old after her parents discovered a local riding stable. She initially competed in the hunter/jumper discipline before transitioning to dressage while attending Purdue University, where she became a working student for trainer Jennifer Conour. Her dedication included commuting long distances throughout college to continue riding and training.

Education

Natalya combines an academic background with her equestrian career:

* Bachelor of Science in Animal Science – Purdue University

* Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness – Purdue University

* Master of Science in Agricultural and Resource Economics – University of California, Davis

Professional Career

After moving to California for graduate school, Natalya established NS Dressage, offering personalized training and coaching. She focuses on a boutique program with a limited number of horses and riders, allowing individualized attention.

She also coaches the UC Davis Dressage Team, mentoring collegiate riders in competition and horsemanship.

Coaching Philosophy

Natalya emphasizes:

* Classical dressage fundamentals

* Correct rider biomechanics

* Individualized training programs

* Progressive horse development

* Positive, confidence-building instruction

* Producing willing and athletic horses

She works with horses of various breeds, ages, and temperaments and believes every horse can succeed when trained according to its individual strengths.

Specialties

Her coaching and training services include:

* Dressage instruction

* Young horse development

* FEI competition preparation

* Adult amateur coaching

* Junior and Young Rider coaching

* Musical freestyle preparation

* Horse show coaching

* Horse training from Training Level through Grand Prix

* Virtual and private coaching

Competition Highlights

Natalya has competed successfully at regional and national levels, including:

* USDF Bronze Medal

* USDF Silver Medal

* USDF Gold Medal

* Bronze, Silver, and Gold Freestyle Bars

* USDF Diamond Achievement Award (2021) for earning all three medals and freestyle bars

* Competed at the US Dressage Finals from Training Level through Grand Prix

* Competed successfully at Region 2 Championships

* Competed through Grand Prix Freestyle

Notable Achievements

Some career accomplishments include:

* US Dressage Finals competitor at multiple levels

* Region 2 Championship placings from Training Level through Grand Prix

* Champion KWPN Materiale 3-Year-Old Filly

* Multiple national freestyle placings

* Competed successfully on a wide variety of horses, including warmbloods and draft horses.

Training Experience

Natalya has extensive experience training:

* Young horses

* Adult amateurs

* Junior riders

* FEI horses

* Different breeds and temperaments

* Horses progressing from Training Level to Grand Prix

She is known for adapting her training methods to suit each individual horse rather than following a rigid system.

Areas of Expertise

* Classical dressage

* FEI competition

* Rider biomechanics

* Young horse development

* Musical freestyle

* Competition coaching

* Horse show strategy

* Rider position and effectiveness

* Collegiate dressage coaching

* Horse-and-rider partnership development