Donna Gatchell Dressage Clinic

More about Donna:

Donna Gatchell is a USDF Certified Instructor through Second Level and has been teaching for over 35  years. She began her career as an event rider and trainer and now focuses upon dressage. In 2013, she completed the USDF "L" Program and passed with Distinction. She is currently working towards her small “r” status, and actively judges in Virginia and Maryland.   She is an active competitor and is currently competing through FEI  She is a multiple GAIG and BLM champion with various horses over the last several years. She has competed at the USDF Nationals since 2018 where in 2019 she won the National open 2nd level Champion with the special mare “ Reflection” In 2021, with Reflection again she was the  PSG CDI Winner at Dressage at Devon, and 3rd in the CDI 1-1 , and 5th in the CDI MFS. She also that same year was the  1-1 MFS Reserve Champion at USDF Nationals 3rd place at 1-1  5th place at PSG She has received numerous year end awards for Vada and Vada / Nova and has won and placed at the USDF Year end National level  awards.

Donna has also received multiple accolades for her work as an instructor. She has been named multiple times for Trainer Of The Year for the Virginia Dressage Association (VADA) as well as Trainer of the Year for VADA's Northern Virginia Chapter (VADA Nova)   Her students have received year end awards at multiple levels from both VADA and VADA Nova over the past few years and she has had her students win and place at the USDF NATIONAL FINALS , the last 3 years, along with top results at GAIGS  and BLMS.

Donna brings a wealth of knowledge to her teaching and is passionate about learning. She continues to augment her knowledge through regular participation in clinics. Notable trainers with whom she has worked include Ulf Wiltfang, Bent Jensen, Conrad Schumacher, Jim Kofford and Linda Zang. Donna trains riders and horses from Introductory Level through FEI. She uses the USDF training scale as a foundation for helping horses and riders achieve their goals.