Our Story
A professional equestrian offering over twenty years of experience in the horse industry. Serving Chester County, PA and surrounding areas.
Comments
Each week we will feature a staff member that makes our horse shows possible. #StaffMemberMondays
NINA M. SHAFFER
“I am the owner/trainer of Grand Slam Equestrian- Nina M. Shaffer.
A little bit about me. I grew up competing almost all summer long as a child. We were more your ‘fair weather type’ horse owners back then. I became an independent individual, professional packer, and seasoned traveler by the time I was eight years old.
Growing up I mostly competed at Arabian Breed Shows. In particular, the Eastern Amateur Arabian Horse Show Circuit or EAAHSC.
When I aged out of leadline into walk-trot, my parents took on larger roles beyond just being horse show parents. The EAAHSC was a true community teaching and helping others. My Dad, Craig Shaffer is an RN paramedic (35+ years at
Brandywine Hospital) so he was always our designated Horse Show EMT. (A backboard was a regular item in our trailers tackroom!)
In 1998-1999 my Dad took on the role of High Point Chairman for our Circuit as well as running the South Eastern PA Horse Show. He and a few other chair members created an Excel formula. They were pretty ahead of the times! Lol The SE PA Show fell every year on Father’s Day Weekend and was held at Fair Hill. My Mom, Debbie Shaffer ordered ribbons and handled stabling & entries. I loved handing out ribbons and taking care of my pony, Rosstar Superboy.
Fast forward- In 2013 Kathy Gillmer approached me about working for her horse shows. I began by learning how to run the in-gate under the tutelage of Hope Wood. Over the years I’ve settled into the roles of Stabling Manager, Ribbon Coordinator, and most recently Social Media Manager.
I encourage all parents to get involved and volunteer. Perhaps your skills in your professional lives can benefit the organization in which your child(ren) are participating. If you aren’t sure how to get started, your child’s trainer is a great person to ask and can point you in the right direction, or feel free to ask me directly. All of the people around you have been new- it’s ok to ask questions!
The greatest gift horse’s have afforded me that I truly cherish is the people, the places, and the relationships I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing for over 25 years. It is an honor to work with Kathy and help her continue the shows and tradition she’s created, which we all know today as Brass Ring Horse Shows, but especially Brass Ring at Devon.”
