One of the most rewarding aspects of coaching young riders is encountering a student who exhibits a strong work ethic, a willingness and ability to learn, and a desire to excel. Anna Swackhammer has all of these qualities. Her willingness to learn has allowed her to advance from training level to NAYC, bringing home a team bronze medal in her first season.
Anna’s positive attitude, strong determination in all aspects of training and showing is a testament to her striving for excellence and success. Anna is cheerful and friendly and it’s a delight to be her coach.
- Ute Busse
Literally can not say enough good things about Anna!! Anna has been riding my green 5 year old and supporting me when my coach is in Florida. She has done a great job of giving him the consistency a young horse like him needs. She always puts his welfare as the number one priority. Highly recommend joining her training program.
- Bee Richardson
I cannot recommend Anna Swackhammer enough. Her patience, knowledge, and calm approach is tailored to every training ride on my young mare. I am always blown away when I watch them train. My mare is learning so much under Anna’s guidance. She cares deeply for every horse in her program and caters to their personality, strengths, and needs. I have been riding hunters for 30 years and I commend Anna for taking me on as a student who is new to the dressage discipline. Every lesson is insightful and motivating. I’m incredibly grateful for Anna’s guidance and support.
- Emma Gambke
Anna is exceptional. Her accuracy and attention to detail are unmatched, and she has an incredible ability to catch the small things that make a big difference. She is endlessly patient and explains even the toughest lessons in a way that makes them enjoyable. Most importantly, she inspires me to strive to be better every day in a fun and positive way.
- Hazel McQueen
"Anna is one of the youngest Ontario 'GRIT' athletes, and joined the program in its inaugural year. She is keen, eager, and willing to work hard! I wish her well in all her future equestrian endeavours! Keep it up, Anna!!!"
- Christilot Boylen
The Canadian equestrian world is lucky to have a developing athlete like Anna. As we ride at the same barn, I have known Anna for the last six years. I have had the pleasure of watching Anna grow from a determined, hard working child, riding her beloved pony Piper, into a confident, gifted Junior Rider on her special boy Wrazzmatazz. Her dedication to riding is evident and she has a work ethic second to none. I have watched Anna ride through hours of training and in competition in Ontario and New York. Anna always focuses, listens, watches, and learns. I was lucky enough to see Anna represent Ontario at the North American Youth Championship in New York in 2018 and 2019. In 2018, at the age of only 14, as a member of the Junior Rider Team, Anna rode with the team to a bronze medal. She was one of the youngest riders at the competition.
Perhaps more importantly, over the years I have come to know Anna as a person. Her work ethic, her intelligence, her warmth and positive attitude make Anna one of the finest young people that I have ever met. While training at her high level, Anna also works at the barn; she continues to be an A student; she participates in other sports; and she has fine friends. Barn work is not easy, but one never sees Anna sitting around at the barn; she works.
Anna is the 'full package'. It is to her credit that she is one of only two dressage riders named to the GRIT (Great Rider Intensive Training) Team. Anna recently received a much-deserved sponsorship from a fine Canadian company, Paramount Saddlery. I am grateful for that I will have the opportunity to watch Anna reach for the stars.
- Susan Campbell