meet our trainer 

tiffani Donahue

Tiffani Donahue is a third-generation rider, trainer, and instructor, and the owner and head trainer of Catskill Equestrian Center. Having grown up immersed in horses and the day-to-day operations of a working equestrian facility, Tiffani brings a lifelong foundation of horsemanship, training, and instruction to every horse and rider she works with.

She is certified through the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA) at the Level 3 standard in both Western and Hunt Seat instruction.

EXPERIENCE & BACKGROUND

Tiffani has competed in local and rated shows throughout her life and has ridden and trained across multiple disciplines. She grew up learning under her mother, Robin, a CHA certified riding instructor, and her father, Garry, who trained at the Landgestüt in Dillenburg, Germany, and was also a self-taught trick rider.

Through her career, Tiffani has worked with and ridden under many highly respected professionals, building a broad and balanced foundation that blends classical training, correct horsemanship, and practical experience.

TRAINING & TEACHING PHILOSOPHY

Tiffani’s program is centered on developing correct, confident, and well-rounded horses and riders. She emphasizes strong fundamentals, clear communication, and thoughtful progression, tailoring each training and lesson program to the individual horse and rider.

Whether working with a young or green horse, a developing rider, or a competitive partnership, her focus remains on safety, soundness, understanding, and long-term success.

Groundwork and proper basics are incorporated into all training programs, and owners are encouraged to be involved in the process through lessons alongside training.

SPECIALTIES

Tiffani offers lessons and training in both English and Western disciplines, including:

• Hunters & Jumpers
• Dressage foundations
• Western pleasure & horsemanship
• Starting and restarting horses
• Confidence building
• Lesson horse development
• Sale horse preparation
• Youth, amateur, and adult programs

She regularly works with green horses, tune-ups, restarts, and horses beginning jumping or showing careers.

CONTINUING EDUCATION

Tiffani is committed to continued education and professional development. She travels regularly to Germany for dressage and jumping training under Meister Reiter Hans Loocke and actively participates in clinics throughout the year.

Some of the respected horsemen and horsewomen she has trained with include:

McLain Ward
James Wofford
Gina Miles
Boyd Martin
Phillip Dutton
Pat Parelli
Nona Garson
Stephen Hayes

THE PROGRAM TODAY

As owner and head trainer of Catskill Equestrian Center, Tiffani oversees the lesson, training, show, and camp programs, continuing the family’s multi-generation legacy while building a modern, structured, and professional equestrian operation.

Her goal is to provide a safe, educational, and positive environment where riders of all ages and levels can grow in skill, confidence, and horsemanship.

WORK WITH TIFFANI

To inquire about lessons, training, or program availability, please visit our Services pages or contact us directly.