My Philosophy & Career Journey
Sarah Van Daele – Professional and Independent Dressage Rider
From an early age, I have been dedicated to the equestrian world, building a rich and diverse career in dressage and horse care. With international experience in renowned stables, I bring technical expertise, meticulous management, and personalized support for both horses and their riders. My extensive work with various horse breeds, from advanced sport horses to youngsters, has enriched my understanding of their unique characteristics and needs, allowing me to adapt my approach to each individual horse.
Professional Journey
Since March 2024, I have been working as an independent rider at KokoPiaff Stables in Garnich, Luxembourg. My role involves training and preparing sport horses independently, managing all aspects of care and schedules, and supporting owners in their equestrian progress. I also compete at national and international levels while collaborating closely with industry professionals.
Previously, I worked at Contern Dressage Center under the guidance of Terhi Stegars, where I honed my skills in training young horses to advanced horses (up to S** levels) and stable management. My responsibilities included competing, presenting and promoting horses for sale, and organizing daily care and training in coordination with veterinarians, dentists, farriers, and osteopaths.
My earlier experiences in prestigious stables across Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, and France allowed me to work with a wide range of horse breeds, from Warmbloods to Iberians, broadening my expertise in dressage, groundwork (TRT method), and horse presentation for competitions and sales.
Key Skills and Expertise
More than a decade of experience in the equestrian world, working with horses of various breeds and temperaments.
Training and development of sport horses, including participation in national and international competitions.
Independent management of horse care and organizational planning.
Close collaboration with industry professionals to ensure horse welfare.
Personalized coaching for owners and riders.
Expertise in dressage and recognized groundwork techniques.
Training and Achievements
I hold the French Federation of Equestrian (FFE) riding level 7 and have benefited from regular training with renowned coaches such as Morten Thomson, Rien van der Schaft, Philip Jorissen, Carlos Pinto and Catherine Henriquet. I have achieved notable results and wins in both national and international competitions. My journey also includes intensive workshops and advanced dressage training with Fie Christine Skarsoe and Terhi Stegars.
Values and Commitment
As a passionate, organised, and independent rider, I strive to bring out the best in every horse within a respectful and professional environment. My decade of experience, combined with my ability to work with diverse horse breeds enable me to tailor my training and care to each horse’s individual strengths and needs. My goal is to ensure their development and provide tailored support to riders, whether amateur or advanced.