Who We Are

Jodi Lees moved to Campobello, South Carolina with 35 years of riding experience. Her competition career began about 25 years ago and since 1990, she has dedicated her life to developing her skills as an effective instructor and an accomplished rider.

Jodi began her career in Combined Training Horse Trials and Three Day Eventing where she competed a number of horses successfully through the Preliminary Level. Though she still enjoys jumping, Dressage has become her focus. She has worked diligently with some of the nation's leading trainers to accomplish a high level of both riding and teaching skills. She attributes her success to a philosophy that has a number of key components.

Some of the fundamental components of Jodi's philosophy of training and teaching are as follows:

• All horses can benefit from well ridden dressage
• Correct dressage training will improve the balance, strength and confidence of the horse
• Riders of all ages and levels of experience can continue to improve their riding skills with knowledgeable and sensitive instruction
• Education is necessary and should be pursued by all trainers and riders alike with insatiable appetite
• Every horse offers an opportunity to learn
• Variety of exercises and experience enhance the training and attitude of the horse and rider alike
• Concentration, dedication and perseverance are necessary to reach challenging goals.
• Patience, love of horses and enjoying the process are necessary for true success.

Through hard work, discipline and dedication, Jodi Lees has attained the following credentials:

• USDF Silver Medallist
• USDF Bronze Medallist
• USDF Performance Awards at 2nd, 3rd, 4th, Prix St. Georges and Intermediare 1 levels
• Silver Medal Rider Award from South Carolina Dressage and Combined Taining Association (SCDCTA)
• CDS Qualified Riding member
• USEF Licensed "R" judge
• Successful completion of all USDF Instructor Certification Workshops and Pre-certification exams
• Some of the competitive recognition Jodi has received:
  • Major Guy de Roaldes trophy for High Score at California Dressage Annual Championships - Grandeur
  • Winner of Bolshoj Trophy for FEI High Score - Grandeur
  • California Cup High Score Intermediaire I winner at Coastal Classic Dressage Show - Grandeur
  • High Score FEI Freestyle winner at Coastal Classic Dressage Show - Grandeur
  • 2006 SCDCTA Training Level Horse of the Year - Legato
  • 2007 First Level High Point Champion at Dressage at FENCE - Legato
  • 2007 First Level High Point Champion at Southern Express Dressage  - Legato
  • 2007 SCDCTA First Level Open Horse of the Year  - Legato
  • 2007 SCDCTA Second Level Open Horse of the Year - Legato
  • 2007 NCDCTA Reserve Champion Second Level - Legato
  • 2007 GDCTA Reserve Champion Second Level - Legato
  • 2007 USDF National All Breeds Champion at First Level - Legato
  • 2007 USDF Third Place National All Breeds at Second Level - Legato
  • 2007 SWANA 5 year Old Champion - Bella Luna
  • 2007 USDF National All Breeds Reserve Champion First Level - Bella Luna
  • 2008 High Point Champion Poplar Place Dressage Show Second Level score of 75.476% - Legato
  • 2008 SCDCTA First Level Open Horse of the Year - Fiddler
  • 2008 SCDCTA Second Level Open Horse of the Year - Legato
  • 2008 GDCTA Reserve Champion First Level - Fiddler
  • 2008 GDCTA Champion Second Level - Legato
  • 2008 USDF National All Breeds Champion Second Level - Legato
  • 2008 CA Coastal Classic Perpetual Trophy High Scoring Mare - Bella Luna
  • 2010 SCDCTA Third Level Open Horse of the Year - Legato
  • 2010 SCDCTA Second Level Open Horse of the Year - Fiddler
• Jodi belongs to the following organizations:
  • Served as Board Member of the Santa Cruz Chapter of the California Dressage Society for 6 years
  • Served as Chair of the Santa Cruz Chapter of the California Dressage Society for 3 years
  • Member of the United States Dressage Federation (USDF)
  • Member of United States Equestrian Federation (USEF)
  • Member of Swedish Warmblood Association of North America (SWANA)
  • Member of the Association of Professional Trainers and Instructors (APTI)
  • Member of South Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association (SCDCTA)
  • Member of North Carolina Dressage and Combined Training Association (NCDCTA)
  • Member of the Georgia Dressage and Combined Training Association (GDCTA)
  • Served as Vice President of the Foothills Riding Club
  • Member of Foothills Riding Club (FRC)