Dan sat on his first horse at 6 years old, but after his first fall, his parents encouraged him to pursue other interests. After a long hiatus, Dan got back in the saddle at Alfred University, where he majored in art and design, but also studied western riding. After college he continued his education, advancing his skills in western equitation and barrel racing with Ryan Chiappone. In 2012 when he and his partners opened Finger Lakes Equestrian Center, Dan met Amy Lyn Jones and began his education in classical dressage. Since finding his love of dressage, Dan has pursued his education fiercely, riding with clinicians like Anne Gribbons, Gabriel Armando, Todd and Becky Bryan, and Stephen Hayes. Dan’s teaching philosophy is based on helping riders achieve their goals and build partnerships with horses. Through his education in dressage, he has learned how its basic principles provide a foundation for good horsemanship and effective riding across all disciplines. He enjoys watching his riders and their equine partners grow, overcome obstacles and have “ah-ha” moments as they learn and excel together.