Trainers


Natasha Traurig

Natasha TraurigRaised in the barn, Natasha Traurig developed her riding career under the tutelage of her parents, Christine and Bernie Traurig, establishing an esteemed foundation in horsemanship at a very young age. At the age of 18, Natasha claimed her “professional” status and continued her education and career under the direction of prominent riders like Mandy Porter, Simon Nizri, and Michelle Parker, and running the sales and development of horses for Neil Jones Equestrian. She has shown in both the U.S. and Europe, but calls home here on the West Coast in California, where she now operates Traurig Tradition Inc., specializing in the development and training of young horses to Grand Prix Showjumpers.

 

 


Alicia Saxton

For Alicia Saxton, starting Oceancrest Farms at the age of 24 was the culmination of years of dedication, inspiration, and hard work. “It is my goal to follow along the path of those I admire and dedicate myself to altering the elements of this sport that I believe can be done in a better way for both horse and rider.”
The goal of Oceancrest Farm’s training program is to embrace an individual’s needs and goals while simultaneously enhancing the training and wellbeing of each horse. For Alicia, creating a balanced program that allows a horse and rider to reach their goals while maintaining the integrity and importance of good, solid training techniques remains paramount over all other aspects.

 


Alysia Lynch-Sherard

Alysia Lynch-Sherard began riding at the age of six in Toronto Canada. She committed herself to the sport at a very young age and in result was able to have a very successful Junior and Amateur carrier in both the Hunter and Equitation ring. Her hard work and dedication allowed her to show and gain experience at some of the top national and international competitions as well as multiple medal finals in both Canada and in the United States.
A few of Alysia’s top accomplishments include: Capital Challenge Adult Equitation finals Champion, C.E.T Medal regional year end Champion, Ariat National Medal regional year end Champion, Amateur Owner 18-35 Hunter regional year end Champion, The Royal Winter Fair Amateur Owner hunter Reserve Champion, C.E.T Medal regional flat phase winner.Alysia discovered her love of teaching early on when she started as a working student at the age of fifteen. Finding this new passion in a sport she already loved so much Alysia knew that working with horse and rider was what she wanted to do with her life. To continue her growth Alysia decided to make a move to the West Coast to experience something new and further her equestrian Career.

 


Birthe Laufer

unnamed German born Birthe Laufer is an FEI competitor, coach and trainer. Her background and horsemanship foundation is in the German classical principles of riding. Throughout her career she has worked with top notched dressage professionals. She advanced not only her riding skills but also gained a keen understanding of horse management. In the past few years in the United States she has built an effective dressage training business with successful showing culminating in numerous circuit champion titles up to FEI levels. She also trains a successful and promising group of students along with training and promoting sale horses. Birthe is very passionate about her training and focused on continually expanding her skills. She regularly trains with Christine Traurig. Her students, both horses and rider, benefit from her expanding knowledge as well. If you enjoy the journey of dressage, the beauty and ride ability of a classically trained horse, then Birthe Laufer Dressage may be the place for you. She is strongly committed to the horses in her care and her students! Birthe has limited openings for training so please don’t hesitate to give her a call. Birthe Laufer Dressage