Donna Gatchell is a USDF Certified Instructor through Second Level and has been teaching for over 25 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 an active competitor and is currently competing through Intermediare 1. She is a four-time BLM champion and has consistently placed at GAIGS with various horses. In 2007, she was the Fourth Level winner at Dressage at Devon with a score of 70%. She has received numerous year end awards.
Donna has also received multiple accolades for her work as an instructor. She has been named 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) for the past five years. She was also named Trainer Of The Year for the Commonwealth Dressage and Combined Training Association (CDCTA) in both 2012 and 2013. Her students have received year end awards at multiple levels from both VADA and VADA Nova over the past few years.
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.
Donna has also received multiple accolades for her work as an instructor. She has been named 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) for the past five years. She was also named Trainer Of The Year for the Commonwealth Dressage and Combined Training Association (CDCTA) in both 2012 and 2013. Her students have received year end awards at multiple levels from both VADA and VADA Nova over the past few years.
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.