Ronny Riemer of RCR Equestrian is an accomplished Grand Prix and Championship rider with over 20 years experience in the sport horse industry. Riding for names like Franke Sloothaak and Paul Schockemöhle, Ronny has made a name for himself as a rider and trainer in Germany, other parts of Europe, and North America. Knowing the difference between the European and American way of riding, Ronny combines the best of both styles to individually suit his students. He uses the Benefab® products for his horses and himself as part of his everyday routine.
Kama Godek of Show-Jumper.com has competed in some of the most prestigious venues in the world up to the CSI5* Grand Prix level including the HITS Million, Lanaken World Championships for Young Horses, WEF, Wiesbaden, Hamburg, WIHS and The National Horse Show. Kama has a thriving sales, training and coaching business in the equine industry.
She has spent over a decade teaching and showing in Europe and obtained a German Trainers certification from the Westfalian Rider and Driving School in Münster Germany. Her extensive knowledge comes from growing up around horses and working with former Olympians and top international riders Laura Kraut and Katie Prudent. Originally from Fairfax Station, VA, Kama Godek is a graduate from the College of Charleston with a focus on international markets. She currently divides her time between her facilities in Wellington Florida, Münster Germany and
Leesburg VA. Between her travels and the Florida heat, one of Kama’s staples in her barn is the Benefab® Rejuvenate SmartScrim.
Shelby Brost of Shelby Brost Equestrian was the 2016 3-star NAJYR Gold Medalist and the only competitor to finish on her dressage score at the two-star level. In 2017, Shelby was the top placed Canadian rider at the Bromont International Three-Day Event and was named to Canada’s No Boundaries list, which highlights riders with the potential to represent Canada on the world stage at the 2019 Pan American Games. She intends to work as hard as possible to achieve her goals of being competitive at the 5-star level one day and to bring home a medal for Canada at the Olympic Games. One of the most important things to Shelby is her horse’s care. She recently said, “By trusting the Benefab® products, I know my horses are getting the most effective, researched products on the market.”
Elena Flaharty of Rise Above Equestrian is a USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalist with 30 years of horse experience ranging from riding and showing Grand Prix dressage to mid-level eventing, including over 20 years of Pony Club instruction and teaching. Elena’s belief is that classical training methods coupled with a positive and encouraging teaching style make for a successful experience. In 2003, Elena graduated with a B.A. in Political Science from the University of CA, and she has a list of awards including 2008 USEA Adult Amateur Rider of the Year, 2008 Area VI Adult Amateur Training Level Rider and Horse of the Year, 2016 USDF Silver Medal Recipient, and 2017 USDF Gold Medal Recipient. Recently in an interview, Elena touched on Benefab®, stating, “I am so grateful to have found Benefab. My horses are more relaxed in tense environments, they have increased suppleness, and I’ve noticed decreased warm-up time when using the Rejuvenate SmartScrim. One of my horses struggles with neck stiffness, but the Rejuvenate SmartHood and the Smart Therapeutic Poll Pad have helped him immensely! Thank you for offering such incredible products.”
Marie Meyers of Marie Meyers Dressage began her riding career as a teenager at Foxfield in Westlake Village, CA, riding hunter jumpers. Shortly after, she made the transition to dressage and began working with the late Jane Jackson. At the age of 18, she packed up her horse, Dark Forest, and moved to England to study with Franz Rochavansky, a former head of the Spanish Riding School. During her three year stay in England, she found the young Dutch Warmblood, Dimitrius, who later went on to become Marie’s mount with the US Equestrian Team.
After returning to California with “Dimi”, Marie worked with Hilda Gurney and later with Robert Dover, who Marie credits with teaching many of her training philosophies that she still uses today. Robert finished Dimi’s training to Grand Prix and the pair was on their way. They went on to compete in Europe with the USET many times, including the WEG in 1990, and competed together until Dimi was retired at the age of eighteen.
During Marie’s years spent on the US Equestrian Team, she had the privilege to work with dressage masters including Herbert Rehbein, George Theodorescu, Christilot Boylen, and Jan Bemelmans. Marie currently clinics with Robert Dover and works with Guenter Seidel on a regular basis.
Marie’s current horse Don Juan is making his start this year at the PSG/Int.1 level and shows great talent for the Grand Prix. Marie is looking forward to competing him at the Adequan West Coast Dressage Festival in 2019. Memorable horses have included Dimitrius, Extraordinaire, Kir Royale, First Class, and No Doubt, and Fandango.
Marisa Festerling of Marie Meyers Dressage began her riding career as a child on her grandparents’ Quarter Horses. Always horse crazy, she took up English riding lessons in 1991 and soon after found trainer Marie Meyers. Marie took Marisa under her wing as a working student and taught her everything from the ground up.
During the years that followed, Marisa started with young horses Jetsetter and Remy Martin. Both horses were quite successful at the lower levels and Jetsetter went on to compete through PSG. Remy Martin later became the National Reserve Champion at the 2003 USEF Young Horse Championships. These experiences all led to Marisa’s partnership with the Belgian Warmblood gelding, Big Tyme, which culminated in a Team Gold and Individual Bronze Medal for Team USA at the 2011 Pan American Games.
Marisa is the assistant trainer at Marie Meyers Dressage and has the privilege of riding many special horses, and of teaching many wonderful people. Besides competing and teaching, Marisa enjoys preparing sale horses for prospective buyers. She is looking forward to competing her up and coming horse, DeRussie, this season at the PSG/Int. 1 level.
Alissa Kelly of The Back Tack is a Professional Barrel Racer with a list of accomplishments. Those include 2010 San Juan JR/SR pole bending Champion, 2010 Miss NM HS Rodeo Queen, 2011 NMHSRA State finals barrels average 3rd, 4 corners HS rodeo president, 2011 NLBRA 2nd go winner in barrels, 2011 NLBRA 6th in World in barrels, 2011 Won and placed at NIRA college rodeos, 2012 Wranglers Ultimate Cowgirl 2012 Tulsa State fair PRCA rodeo champion, Josey Ranch instructor 2017 & Twisting for Barrels 1D champion. Though the list is long, she has a humble attitude and encourages others through her social media platforms and at the rodeos.