Alyssa Pagon Pitts is an FEI trainer and competitor, USDF bronze and silver medalist, and USDF L judge program graduate with distinction.

Alyssa has an open minded approach to training and instructing, and her training philosophy revolves around harmony between horse and rider. Horses trained by Alyssa feel responsive, light, and confident in their rider.

Alyssa's love of horses and riding has been with her as long as her memory serves her. She grew up in Snohomish, Washington, and was fortunate enough to have horses in her life from the very beginning. When she was 6 years old, she joined Pony Club, which introduced her to eventing, and ultimately, to dressage. Growing up, Alyssa was very influenced by Anne Ryan, who coached Alyssa up until Alyssa left for college. Anne Ryan instilled in Alyssa a great sense of horsemanship, always putting the horse's care and well being paramount.

The greatest influence on Alyssa's training and riding is Randy Leighton. Alyssa found Randy by accident in many ways. Randy's lessons have been countless and powerful, and they define Alyssa's approach to horses. It is a system that is based on timing and feel and that treats each horse as an individual and partner.

Alyssa clinics with FEI "O" judge Axel Steiner on a regular basis, and Axel has been very influential as well.

Alyssa is able to meet the needs of a variety of students--from inexperienced to advanced riders. She regularly travels the Northern California dressage show circuit with many students, and her students have compiled a very successful show record. Her students range from juniors to amateurs to professionals.

Alyssa trains and teaches out of Arriba Vista Ranch in Sunol, located between Fremont and Pleasanton. The facility is within easy driving distance of the San Francisco Peninsula, San Jose, and Fremont, and Pleasanton. The outstanding facilities include two covered arenas, one has mirrors and is bigger than a standard dressage court, an outdoor full sized dressage court, an outdoor lighted jumping arena, and an outdoor large all-purpose arena. Additionally, the facility boasts 220 acres of trails, groomed and ungroomed. Alyssa is available for lessons and training at Arriba Vista. Students are welcome to trailer in for lessons.

Before deciding to pursue dressage seriously, Alyssa competed in three day eventing and schooled jumpers. She grew up going through the ranks of Pony Club in Washington state, attaining the "B" rating at the age of 16. After achieving her "B" rating, Alyssa took some time off from riding to competitively play basketball, soccer, and run track, including helping her team to win the basketball state championships and placing 2nd in the state track meet in the 800m.

Alyssa went on to run track and cross country at Stanford University, graduating with a bachelors in English. Halfway through college, she felt that something very important was missing in her life, and she found horses again...the rest is history...

Alyssa Pitts and Gwynnevere