The Team

Kim litwinczak, trainer

A USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medalist with Distinctions and Freestyle bars, USDF Diamond Achievement Award and L Graduate, Kim Litwinczak has successfully competed and trained numerous horses through the Grand Prix level. She holds many USDF national and regional year-end awards and championships in Regions 2, 4 and 8. Throughout the years, Kim has been invited to compete at US Finals at every level through the Grand Prix level. Riding since 7 years of age, she became a working student for Grand Prix trainers Charlotte Bayley-Schindelholz (OH) and Kate Phillips (MN). Working in the Netherlands, Kim rode sales and young horses for Toine Hoefs at his farm Stal Hoefs. Upon relocating to the East Coast, she became an assistant trainer for USET Grand Prix trainer and “S” Judge, Kathy Connelly, for the next 10 years before forming Cadenza Dressage in 2012. Currently, Kim works regularly with USEF “S” Judge and Grand Prix trainer Heather Mason and USET Grand Prix trainer Pam Goodrich.

With over 30 years of experience teaching and training dressage, Kim enjoys working with professionals, adult amateurs and junior/young riders through the FEI levels. Originally coming from an eventing and young horse background, she incorporates cavaletti, long-lining and in-hand work into her program. She is open to working with all disciplines, breeds and ponies. Her positive teaching style follows the classic German training scale with a large emphasize on the biomechanics of the horse and rider and how they influence harmony and thoroughness. Use of gymnastic exercises and theory explanation during lessons, help each rider to achieve success on their own.  Her students have achieved their USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze medals and have had numerous successes in USDF national and regional year-end awards and championships.

Sarah O'neill, trainer

Sarah is a USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze medalist and a graduate of the USDF “L” program.  She holds a B.A. from Mt Holyoke College and an M.A. from University of New Hampshire. She was a working student for FEI**** (C) judge Sarah Geikie and subsequently trained with 2008 World Cup competitor Jane Hannigan. Sarah currently rides with Kim Litwinczak and with USEF “S” judge and USDF Gold medalist Heather Mason.

Sarah’s training is based on the classical principles of dressage. She believes that a harmonious and productive relationship between horse and rider begins with an understanding of both the nature and structure of the horse. She believes that correct training should not only improve the horse’s natural gaits but also give riders the confidence to work in harmony with their equine partners. Sarah enjoys working with horses (and ponies!) at all stages of training and helping riders at every level attain their goals. For more information, please visit https://www.sarahoneilldressage.com.

leigh dunworth, owner

Leigh began riding as an adult, following her youngest daughter’s involvement in pony club and eventing. She currently rides her 7 year old gelding, Navarro Salland, and trains with Sarah O’Neill. She considers it a great privilege to own, ride, and care for horses, and is in awe of their beauty, power, and honesty on a daily basis.