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California Riding Magazine • August, 2009 Maryanna Danielson: by Kathleen Burke Jensen |
Maryanna Danielson’s Top Hat Dressage training barn is based at WoodMyst Farms in the South Bay Area’s Gilroy. A lifelong rider, Danielson has an extensive equestrian resume that includes vaulting, reining, endurance, jumping and dressage, exposing her to a wide variety of horse types and training techniques. As a youth, she won both the Foxfield and Burchard trophies for consistently high scores in California dressage competitions. As a young adult, Danielson trained in Florida with the U.S. Equestrian Team’s dressage chef d’equipe and international judge Jessica Ransehousen. Danielson continued developing her skills, spending the next year with Ransehousen at her facility in Pennsylvania. Traveling on to Canada, she worked as an assistant trainer to Roger Seegert, and then spent time in Germany instructing English-speaking students at the barn of Bereiter program head trainer Hans Henrik. In 1991 Danielson won the Intermediare I USDF Championship on her horse Lauter Legacy and a year later was awarded USDF Reserve Champion at Intermediare I on Dior. In addition, Danielson and Welt Klasse, a talented breeding stallion, were selected to ride with Reiner Klimke in the 1999 USDF symposium in Los Angeles. Danielson is quite excited about her newest competition prospect, Murphy. Though Murphy demonstrated promise as a jumping prospect, he shows exceptional talent for dressage. Murphy is a striking black Westphalian coming-7-year-old that Debbie McDonald said shows a lot of potential. “I am so thankful to (hunter/jumper trainer) John French for introducing me to Murphy,” says Danielson. “And I’d also like thank Carolyn Mittler for her kindness and generosity.” Top Hat Training Philosophy Beginning with the basics of balance in motion, Danielson works with beginners to master the body control needed to communicate clearly with the horse. Through lunge line lessons and an array of other techniques, riders develop the ability to ride quietly and clearly so that communication of the aids is unhampered. Once the horse understands what is expected it will move happily and correctly forward. Danielson continuously strives to balance the pursuit of harmony and elegance with the training and development of horse and rider. Danielson offers full or part-time training but really enjoys teaching interested students of any level, from busy professionals to young people, emphasizing correct basics, safety and fun. She has created a positive, inclusive riding community comprised of both serious competitors and pleasure riders. “I just love finding that perfect match of horse and rider, evaluating talent, selecting not just for movement but also for more subtle characteristics such as attitude and rideability,” explains Danielson. “I truly believe that every horse offers an opportunity to learn.” The trainer is happy to be based at WoodMyst Farms, a high-quality facility located on 30 acres in the eastern foothills of Gilroy. WoodMyst has three all-weather arenas plus a covered arena, hot walker and irrigated turn-outs. The covered arena and two of the outdoor arenas have lights for night-time riding. There are also three round pens, one of which is covered and has lights. Boarding options include barn stalls, barn stalls with attached paddock, outdoor paddocks with shelters and pasture. Turn-out, blanketing and exercise services are available and there is ample trailer parking for a monthly fee. Wash racks have heated water with good drainage and there is an enclosed hot walker for up to four horses.
For more information on Top Hat Dressage, contact Maryanna Danielson at 408-710-9558, tophatfarm@yahoo.com or visit |
