big part of her training philosophy is to inspire riders and their horses to have fun and be playful in their journey together Sunshine Dressage is owned by USDF gold medalist Iris Eppinger, who is based at Valhalla Farm in Wellborn, FL. Valhalla is one of the oldest internationally-renowned Trakehner breeding farms in the United States. Iris grew up in Germany and her family has been training in
ternational jumpers and dressage horses for over 50 years. Her partnership with Valhalla Farm began in 1995, and she permanently relocated to the United States in 2006. Iris began competing at the age of six, and participated in upper-level dressage and jumping until the age of 25, when dressage became her main focus. Instead of forcing horses to conform to one method, Iris has a passion for fluidity, finding methods to work for each horse as an individual. This passion encouraged her to pursue degrees in equine sports therapy, including acupressure, muscle therapy and acupuncture. Iris incorporates these skills into her training as well as including natural horsemanship, the Linda Tellington-Jones method, long lining and work in-hand. She believes it is important to regularly work the horses in different environments, so she utilizes the vast fields and trails at Valhalla Farms. Iris has trained many horses and people to the FEI levels and has had great competitive success in the United States and Germany, winning many awards and championships. Iris has developed her methods for training piaffe and passage from many visits to Spain and Portugal, where she travels to find horses to import to the United States. Besides warmbloods, she has an affinity for baroque breeds and has imported several Andalusians and Lusitanos to the US for training and resale. Iris emphasizes the importance of horses and riders having a good relationship, and because of this finds great satisfaction in finding riders their perfect horse. She offers many sales horses, including both horses bred at Valhalla and imports. If she doesn't have your perfect match, she is happy to help you find it. This can include evaluating videos or traveling with you throughout the United States or Europe. Besides matchmaking, she enjoys teaching and has a degree in Reitpaedagogik. This focuses on the psychology behind riding and teaching, to help students understand how to successfully and effectively communicate with their horse. She is available for lessons at home and will travel to teach clinics. If you have any inquiries or would like to schedule an appointment or clinic, feel free to PM or call (386) 867-1591.
