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Nick Handy
Nick Handy, a USDF Silver and Bronze Medalist, is an Iowa native, and dressage enthusiast.
He graduated from Meredith Manor International Equestrian Center with a Riding Master VI certification where he trained with
Nancy Wesolek-Sterrett, a competitive FEI rider. After finishing school he toured with the ‘World Famous Lipizzaner
Stallion Show’ for 2 years, performing classical dressage throughout the US and Canada. He then toured with the equine-themed show
‘Cavalia’- a performance showcasing horses in multiple disciplines (imagine a Cirque du Soleil show with horses).
At Cavalia he worked under world-renowned horse trainers Fredric Pignon and Magali Delgado, performing atop Lusitano stallions,
and assisting Magali with her training. His experience at Cavalia also allowed him utilize and learn more about natural horsemanship
with Fred Pignon. Since his arrival in the Memphis area he's enjoyed working with several clinicians including Tom Noone,
Volker Brommann, and Debbie Hill.
Nick’s main focus in teaching and training is to develop a strong
foundation for his students, working on the balance of the seat and correct use of the aids before moving on
to advanced work. He feels once the basics are confirmed, horse and rider will be able to achieve more ease in their work,
making upper level work fun and accessible. Nick also enjoys training horses of all types and backgrounds.
Ila & Nick with Maestoso Favressa
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Ila Handy
Ila Handy, a USDF Silver and Bronze Medalist, grew up riding and surrounded by her family’s
horses in Northern California and in New England, trying a variety of disciplines (western pleasure, jumping, 4H horse activities).
She discovered dressage through eventing and was immediatley drawn to the elegance of the sport and the emphasis on harmony
between horse and rider.
She rode with Sue Roberto as a working student and became her assistant trainer, and
then went on to ride with Christopher Hickey, Volker Bromman and Tom Noone. She graduated suma cum laude from Fitchburg State
College with an interdicsiplinary degree in Theatre, Dance and Fine Art and attended Circle in the Square Theatre School in
New York, all the while riding and instructing at various stables in Massachusetts and New York. Her passions for performance
and dressage led her to perform with the ‘World Famous Lipizzaner Stallions’ and then ‘Cavalia’ for
three years. Since 'landing' in the Memphis area she's been blessed to work again with Volker and Tom, and has had the opportunity
to work with Karl Mikolka and Debbie Hill- among others.
Ila is a positive, energetic teacher and trainer who loves
sharing her passion for dressage. She emphasizes the importance of good basics for riders and their horses. She is a yoga
enthusiast and her experience of practicing yoga for six years has greatly influenced her riding, and advocates the use of
breath, awareness and balance with her students.
Can you find Nick and Ila in this Cavalia photo?
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