Mobile Lessons and Training in
Whatcom County, Washington

About abby

Learn about my qualifications, experience, and interests.

services and rates

Understand the scope of my services and what rates apply.

Give us a shout

Use one of my contact methods to get booked in!

Client Testimonials

Hear from the people that know me best.

about abby

My name is Abby Szatrowski, and I’m a recent transplant to Western Washington from Vermont. I work as a professional event and dressage rider under my business, Shuksan Sporthorse LLC, a traveling lesson and training program that I’ve been re-building in Whatcom County.I started riding at the ripe age of 7, out of a small converted cow barn in Massachusetts, on my paint horse Zippy, where I spent more time riding without a saddle than with. Once I was a little older, I started taking groundwork lessons from a local cowboy, and eventually learned enough that I was able to help him put the groundwork on, and start young horses.

In middle school, I started taking lessons from a local hunter/jumper and dressage facility, eventually joining their IEA team. With the encouragement of my instructor, I started exploring working student positions, and at 18 moved to Pennsylvania to start working for Buck Davidson Jr., a US Eventing Team rider, and extremely seasoned FEI competitor. There I got to cut my teeth in an upper level event program, and had opportunities to compete through the national levels.

After BDJ, I started school at the University of Vermont, where I became Captain of the IDA Dressage Team, and started riding regularly with Eric Horgan, Irish Olympic Team event rider. Eric was an incredible mentor, and taught me how to walk the fine line of maintaining good horsemanship while also developing competitive show horses.After finishing school, I moved to Virginia to work for Lauren Sprieser, USDF Medalist with distinction, and a seasoned producer of FEI horses. There I learned the ins and outs of an upper level dressage facility, and how to run an impeccable lesson and training program.

From Lauren’s I moved back to Vermont, and started running my freelance lesson and training business, mostly catered towards the fox-hunting community.Now in Washington, when not riding or teaching, you can find me riding my mountain bike, ski touring, SUPing, or working on my fixer-upper home with my dogs Max and Mila, and my partner Dave.

Services and rates

I think horseback riding ought to be fun for the amount of time and expense that we put into it. Oftentimes along the way, we lose that, so my main goal is always to restore the enjoyment for both horse and rider, and guide everyone to better partnership.In practice this looks like:

  • Biomechanics based riding lessons for all ages, with a heavy focus on position, effective aids, and improving the horse's way of going in both Eventing and Dressage disciplines.

  • Lunge lessons to help address bad positional habits, build an independent seat, and instill bravery for both beginners and kids.

  • Groundwork sessions to improve manners, respect, and relationship.

  • Lunging and long-lining sessions to improve gaits and balance from the ground.

  • Cavaletti and pole work focused lessons to help address structural weaknesses in the horse and improve balance.

  • Cross country schooling to increase bravery, sure-footedness over varied terrain, and for the soul!

  • Horse show preparation, inclusive of test riding, course riding, and dialing the mental game.

  • Training rides, with myself in the tack, to install building blocks on young, tricky, or rusty horses.

  • Trailering and loading practice sessions to eliminate stress for everyone involved.

  • Riding out and fitness sets, over varied terrain, to help mentally refresh both horse and rider and build better fitness.

This is not meant to be an inclusive list, but more so to give an idea of the services I offer, and how I can best be of help. As relationships evolve over time, I can tailor my services to fit the needs of the client.I charge $75 for an hour long session, whether that be a lesson, training ride, or some combination of the above. A travel fee of $25 per 30 minutes traveled applies to anything more than 30 minutes from 98229.

give us a shout

Please submit the contact form below or email [email protected] to book in!

Client Testimonials

Abby is an absolutely amazing human and has done so much for my confidence as a rider. She has helped me get back to riding fit after a surgery and is the first trainer I have worked with that hasn’t made me feel self conscious or bad about my physical limitations. If you are looking for someone who will take the time to understand you and your horse and how to reach your goals, she is your girl.
- Abi L.

Abby is the absolute BEST. We are so lucky to have you join our community!
- Natalie H.

Abby is wonderful! She was so great with my draft cross mare while in Western Mass. Miss you Abby!
- Jane H.

Abby is amazing to work with! She has helped tremendously with my OTTB and has really worked with me to understand how to help him use his body correctly.
- Kristin Z.

Abby has been amaxing working with my young warmblood! We love her and cannot wait to continue working with her.
- Silver H.

I've had the opportunity to take a couple jump lessons with Abby already and I recommend working with her. She's kind, patient, insightful, encouraging, and a good human to humans and horses.
- Elka K.

Abby is a wonderful trainer! Last winter I had hand surgery which put me out of riding my young horse. Abby rode her twice a week for a few months. After I returned to riding Abby gave me lessons,I loved learning from her, she was very kind and patient with me. Thanks Abby!
- Mary M.

Abby is a fantastic trainer for all ages! Highly recommend! - Anne B.

Abby is the literal coolest! Highly recommend.
- Lex N.

Love riding with Abby!!! Please come back to BW some time!! Love your lessons!!
- Daniella K.