Riana Porter

Riana Porter is an American USDF Gold Medalist, FEI dressage rider, trainer, and clinician based in Petaluma, California. She is the resident trainer at Sanbar Dressage and is recognized for developing horses and riders from introductory levels through FEI competition. She is a former USEF FEI Junior National Champion and has spent her career combining competitive dressage with rider education and horse development.

Career Background

Riana grew up around horses in Santa Rosa, California, beginning in pony lessons before discovering dressage at age 11. She trained as a working student under Lynda Krogh and later continued her education with Sue Curry Shaffer at Fairwind Farm, who became a major influence on her riding career.

Her breakthrough came in 2009, when she and her Danish Warmblood Romax Foldager ("Romax") won the USEF National FEI Junior Championship at the Festival of Champions in Gladstone, New Jersey. She subsequently earned her USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals, progressing to FEI-level competition.

Competition Highlights

Publicly documented achievements include:

* 2009 USEF FEI Junior National Champion.

* Competed successfully through the FEI levels.

* USDF Gold Medalist.

* Extensive experience developing horses from young horse training through upper-level dressage.

Coaching Philosophy

Riana's coaching centers on building a correct foundation using the German Training Scale, emphasizing:

* Rhythm

* Relaxation

* Connection

* Impulsion

* Straightness

* Collection

She develops individualized plans for each horse-and-rider combination, encouraging independence, confidence, and clear communication. Lessons are conducted one-on-one and tailored to each client's goals.

Coaching Specialties

Her areas of expertise include:

* Dressage instruction from Intro through FEI

* Young horse development

* FEI horse preparation

* Rider biomechanics

* Competition coaching

* Horse training

* Training and sales horses

* Amateur and junior rider development

* Test preparation.

Sanbar Dressage

As Resident Trainer at Sanbar Dressage, Riana offers:

* Private lessons

* Full training

* Training livery

* Competition coaching

* Horse development programs

* Rider education

Sanbar also hosts clinics with leading international dressage professionals, providing continuing education opportunities for riders.

Teaching Style

Students describe Riana's instruction as:

* Systematic

* Positive

* Confidence-building

* Detail-oriented

* Individualized

She encourages riders to understand the principles behind each exercise rather than simply riding prescribed movements, helping them become independent and thoughtful horsemen.

Education & Professional Development

According to her professional profile, Riana studied equine science and business-related subjects at Santa Rosa Junior College, including:

* Equine Science

* Equine Nutrition

* Horse Housing and Facilities

* Farrier Science

* Equine Business Management.