Leon Elite Sporthorses
Willow Leon Is a 24-year-old entrepreneur, USDF Bronze Medalist, and USDF Bronze Diploma holder, with over a decade of her life dedicated to learning the skill of dressage. She believes dressage can benefit any horse and rider, regardless of age, breed, or skill level. Willow is dedicated to sharing the knowledge she has gained through years of training, and attending numerous prestigious programs and events. These include: The Dressage4Kids WIT (Winter Intensive Training) Program and, The USDF Instructors/Trainer Program.
As a child, Willow grew up riding at her grandmother’s therapeutic riding center, where she grew her love for animals, and foundation for horsemanship. At the age of 11, she discovered Dressage and immediately fell in love. Willow decided to pursue the sport as her chosen discipline. She was then introduced to the Dressage4Kids program through the Lendons Youth Dressage Festival Midwest, and the TEAM clinics (Previously EDAP).
Willow has been a working student, rider, and groom. She has helped many people through challenges with their horses. She has experience with many breeds and skill levels and has helped several riders through confidence issues, as well as teaching them how to better communicate with their horses through the tools she has gathered in her toolbox.
Client Feedback
Hear what our clients say about their training experiences
Willow is an exceptional horsewoman who cares about the success and partnership between horse and rider. I have already learned so much in a short time; I’ve realized there are holes in my understanding of dressage, but more importantly, I’ve realized, with Willow’s instruction, that they can be fixed and improved upon.
I appreciate how she has taken the time to explain the “whys” behind the instruction she gives. She’s willing to explain and reiterate when I need extra help, which is massively helpful to my understanding and relearning.
Finally, I appreciate how she is open to all breeds and doesn’t use a one-size-fits-all approach to her teaching. She meets you where you and your horse are while still adding challenge and encouragement.
Claire Orfin
I would recommend Willow as an equine trainer to anyone, regardless of their riding ability. Willow is recommended by me for all horse lovers who have the desire to perfect the sport, develop a bond with their horse, gain a true understanding of what makes a rider a pleasure to carry and develop a true love for riding.
Sincerely,
Char Tomczack
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Smart, compassionate, knowledgeable, encouraging, and patient are words that come to mind when I hear Willow’s name. I have been working with Willow since late April 2024. In just a short time she has helped me grow as a rider, as a partner, and as a horse owner. She has helped me form a partnership with my horse, Coco, that I couldn’t have achieved on my own. She helped restore my confidence as a rider after a spill (not from my horse) that destroyed my confidence and took away the fun that riding used to be. I am so thankful to be working with Willow, she knows when and how to take you outside your comfort zone and at the same time instills the confidence in you and your equine partner to find a new comfort zone. I look forward to my training sessions every week and am absolutely astounded at the progress and change that has happened with Willow’s guidance and knowledge. If you are looking for a coach/trainer that will help you and your horse’s partnership grow and flourish-look no further than Willow!
Jennifer Baldwin
