Jim Hagman
Jim Hagman is the Founder, Head Coach and Instructor of Elvenstar in Orange County, CA. Jim is systematic while emphasizing the art of communication between the horse and the rider. He has a passion for his teaching style that is very positive and enthusiastic. Building confidence and poise is a top priority. Jim’s training and coaching excellence has played a role in a long list of successful riders including top placings and wins at the most successful competitions in North America.
With an extensive and varied horsemanship background from Western to dressage, Jim has been trained and mentored by some of the world’s elite traditional and professional horsemen.
He has been featured in many national magazines including Practical Horseman and the Chronicle of the Horse amongst others. He is also a part time coach at Stanford University.
Matt Cyphert
Matt Cyphert has competed successfully, along with his students, in Grand Prix and Hunter Derby competitions throughout the United States. He has multiple International and National Derby winners as both trainer and rider and his students have successfully competed at both USEF Medal Finals and Maclay National Finals, as well as the USEF Talent Search Finals in Gladstone, New Jersey. Matt is a two time “National Horse of the Year” winner, Gold Medal winning Chef d’Equipe at the 2011 Pony Jumper Championship in Lexington, Kentucky, and the long time Chef d'Equipe for Zone 7 at the North American Youth Championship as well as Prix des States competition at the Pennsylvania National. In 2008, Matt was awarded the Caristo Cup* (*The award is given to the Chef d’Equipe who best exemplifies enthusiasm and professionalism) at NAYC for his work with those teams.
Charlie and Hilary Carrel
Hilary and Charlie Carrel bring a lifetime of colt starting knowledge to the industry. Their team has established solid foundations on literally thousands of horses for top riders in all disciplines ranging from Grand Prix jumpers, dressage, hunters, polo, driving, professional rodeo and the AQHA and APHA show circuit. They operate with the belief that that good horses come from quality miles, a relaxed frame of mind and confidence in knowing their job.
Amanda Steege
Amanda Steege, renowned in the hunter/jumper community, grew up immersed in the world of horses on the East Coast. Amanda excelled early in the pony hunters, junior hunters, and equitation rings. Her early achievements paved the way for a distinguished career. After graduating from Boston College, Amanda returned to her passion for horses, establishing Ashmeadow Farm in Califon, NJ, and Ocala, FL. She specializes in hunters and jumpers, focusing on developing young talents and coaching amateur riders.
Recent Achievements and 2024 Highlights
Amanda Steege continues to shine in the hunter/jumper world. Her recent accomplishments include:
2024 USHJA Derby Finals: Amanda Steege and Lafitte De Muze captured the spotlight by winning the USHJA Derby Finals, solidifying their status as a leading pair in the international hunter/jumper circuit. This prestigious win highlighted their exceptional skill and partnership, marking a high point in their competitive journey.
2023: Champion at the Devon Horse Show in the High Performance Hunter division.
2022: Triumphant in the $100,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby and the $50,000 Hunter Derby at the Hampton Classic.
2021: Achieved multiple top finishes in international derbies, showcasing consistent excellence.
Career Highlights
Amanda’s career is marked by numerous victories and accolades:
2018: Won the $500,000 Devocoux Hunter Prix Finals with Lafitte De Muze.
2018: Secured Champion and Green Hunter Champion titles at the Capital Challenge and The National Horse Show.
2018: Claimed the $50,000 Professional Challenge at the Capital Challenge Horse Show and was named WCHR National Champion.