Specializing in young and difficult horses, Danny believes there is a program for every horse and is passionate about finding purpose for difficult horses. Danny thrives on unlocking the potential of the horses in her care and also enjoys working with riders to expand their knowledge and achieve that ‘ah ha’ moment. Danny’s love of horses started at age 5 with her also 5 year old half broke pony who managed to dump her daily for their entire first year. She began her show career in Texas riding with Debbie Divechia at Windswept Farm and later continued her development with Mike McCormick at MTM Farm. Upon relocating to Virginia Danny rode with 5-time Olympian Manuel Torres. Danny then moved to Sandra Ruiz at Sanmar Farm at age 16 where she finished up her junior years and began her professional career. As the pro rider for Sanmar, Danny developed young horses, improved ridability in client horses, competed top horses up to Grand Prix and helped develop riders on their own mounts to achieve success in the show ring. A few of Danny’s riding accomplishments include:
- Competed in her first Grand Prix at age 14
- Zone 3 Young Riders Team
- Zone 3 Prix De States Team
- Competed in all Equitation Finals
- Won 6 Hunters Prix
- JR/Am Hunter Derby winner Loudoun Benefit Horse Show
- 2017 Frances Newbill Rowe Trophy for Horsemanship and Sportsmanship
- Owner and rider of 2017 USEF Horse of the Year, Ronaldo, with 14 classic wins and 11 championships
- Multiple placings in national Grands Prix
- 2021 3rd place finish in the 1.50m Grand Prix at HITS Saugerties
Some recent training accomplishments include:
- 2018 & 2019 Zone 3 year end Champion in the NAYJPD on sales horses who have gone on to successful careers in their new homes
- Trained Jr. Hunters in 2021 and qualified for the 2021 3'3 Junior Hunter Finals. rider is already qualified for the 3'6 Jr. Hunter finals in 2022.
- Coached the 2021 VHSA Jr. Eq on the Flat Champion to her year end win and a 3rd place result in the AYR Equitation Challenge. Danny is currently the rider and trainer for Joe Melnick’s breeding operation, Clarion Farm where she handles the young stock from their first training under saddle to their young horse education in the show ring. Danny’s new business, Firefly Sporthorses, is a competitive show barn that is accepting horses for training and sales as well as clients who would like to compete with their own mounts on the national show circuit.
