About Hilda
A Career of Excellence
A Career of Excellence
A Career of Excellence
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Hilda’s equestrian journey has taken her globally, competing at the highest levels in eventing, dressage, and endurance. Her expertise, dedication, and passion for teaching have made her a sought-after coach for riders of all levels.
Hilda first came to the U.S. as a working student for Olympic eventer Ann
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Hilda’s equestrian journey has taken her globally, competing at the highest levels in eventing, dressage, and endurance. Her expertise, dedication, and passion for teaching have made her a sought-after coach for riders of all levels.
Hilda first came to the U.S. as a working student for Olympic eventer Ann Taylor (née Hardaway-Sutton). She later earned her Master’s in Business Administration from Stetson University. She managed the prestigious Grand Cypress Resort's Equestrian Center before establishing her British Horse Society-approved facility, Ashmore Equestrian Center, in Orlando, Florida.
She has competed at the world's top CCI*** events**, including:
- Burghley (England)
- Rolex Kentucky (USA)
- Pau (France)
- Adelaide (Australia)
She was short- and long-listed for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) and the Olympics. Hilda represented Ireland at the World Cup Final in Pau, France. She has earned multiple Area 3 awards, including Leading Rider of the Year.
Dressage
A Career of Excellence
A Career of Excellence
Hilda has a strong background in dressage, earning her USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals. She has trained regularly with renowned dressage professionals, including Anne Gribbons and the late Sharon Poulin. Hilda has competed at the Grand Prix level and continues to pursue excellence in the sport.
Show Jumping & Hunters
A Career of Excellence
Show Jumping & Hunters
Hilda’s show jumping, hunter, and equitation experience includes training and competing with Olympian Ian Millar and other top professionals. She applies this knowledge to her teaching, helping riders refine their technique, confidence, and effectiveness in the ring.
Endurance
Olympic Aspirations – Road to LA 2028
Show Jumping & Hunters
Expanding her career into endurance riding, Hilda has achieved incredible milestones, including:
- Qualifying two horses for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) 2018
- Completing the legendary Tevis Cup (Western States Trail Ride)
- Competing in the Sheik Mohammad 100-mile ride in Dubai
- Winning an FEI 100-mile ride in Texas (2017)
- Winning the Arabian H
Expanding her career into endurance riding, Hilda has achieved incredible milestones, including:
- Qualifying two horses for the World Equestrian Games (WEG) 2018
- Completing the legendary Tevis Cup (Western States Trail Ride)
- Competing in the Sheik Mohammad 100-mile ride in Dubai
- Winning an FEI 100-mile ride in Texas (2017)
- Winning the Arabian Horse Association 100-mile National Championship (2020)
- Placing 13th in the Dutch 160km Championships (2020)
- Qualifying for the 2024 World Championships in Monpazier, France (but withdrew due to travel expenses)
In 2016, Hilda was among the FEI Longines World Rankings leading riders.
Olympic Aspirations – Road to LA 2028
Olympic Aspirations – Road to LA 2028
Olympic Aspirations – Road to LA 2028
With an unparalleled breadth of experience across disciplines, Hilda has set her sights on competing at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She is searching for a top-level horse to partner with on this journey and begin the qualification process.
To make this dream a reality, Hilda is assembling a syndicate—a team of supporters and
With an unparalleled breadth of experience across disciplines, Hilda has set her sights on competing at the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. She is searching for a top-level horse to partner with on this journey and begin the qualification process.
To make this dream a reality, Hilda is assembling a syndicate—a team of supporters and investors—to help purchase and campaign the horse. Syndicate members will have the unique opportunity to be part of the Olympic journey, with exclusive behind-the-scenes access, updates, and recognition as key supporters of this endeavor.
If you are interested in joining the syndicate or supporting Hilda’s Olympic pursuit, please reach out to discuss sponsorship and partnership opportunities.
A Passion for Teaching
Olympic Aspirations – Road to LA 2028
Olympic Aspirations – Road to LA 2028
Hilda is the only equestrian athlete representing her country in eventing, dressage, and endurance. With over 20 years of coaching experience, she has been a Young Riders Camp trainer and North American Young Rider Championship (NAYRC) selector in Area 3, maintaining an exemplary safety record.
She is known for her uplifting, encouragin
Hilda is the only equestrian athlete representing her country in eventing, dressage, and endurance. With over 20 years of coaching experience, she has been a Young Riders Camp trainer and North American Young Rider Championship (NAYRC) selector in Area 3, maintaining an exemplary safety record.
She is known for her uplifting, encouraging, and productive teaching style, helping riders of all levels build confidence and skill. She is also a Ride IQ coach, contributing to a cutting-edge app that supports riders between lessons.
Hilda welcomes riders of all levels—from beginners to competitive athletes—to learn, grow, and achieve their goals.
"Every day, I continue to learn from the horses I ride and the students I teach. Let’s work together to bring out the best in you and your horse!" - Hilda Donahue.