Sofia Sonet
About
I'm an FEI dressage rider, coach, and trainer originally from Santa Fe, New Mexico, with a foundation in world-class Morgan horses, hunter/jumpers, and dressage. I'm known first and foremost as a teacher, and I love helping riders at every level make real progress in a way that feels fun, relaxed, and encouraging while staying clear and committed to correct fundamentals. Riders leave each session with a simple plan they can confidently take into their everyday training.
I began riding at a young age under José Luis Perez Soto, the 1980 Olympic bronze medalist, and later trained with world-renowned trainer and judge Erlene Seybold-Smythe. There, I developed a broad yet practical skill set through starting young horses, driving, and working through training and behavioral challenges across many breeds experience that directly informs how I communicate concepts and tailor a program to each horse-and-rider pair.
To expand my professional training, I moved to San Diego, California at age 19 to train under Shannon and Steffen Peters (5x Olympian). I was selected as a working student with Team Peters for over two years, where I deepened my education in classical in-hand groundwork, alongside advanced training and coaching in the saddle. During my time in California, I also trained with accomplished riders, coaches, and judges including Tiffany Silverman (USDF “L” Graduate with Distinction), Guenter Seidel (3x Olympian), Britta Pedersen (FEI rider and New Zealand physiotherapist), David Blake, Jürgen Huffman, and Paralympic coach Shayna Simon, among many others.
Today, I'm valued for making the work approachable and enjoyable without ever losing the structure and precision that create lasting results. Whether you want to step into the show ring or simply feel more confident and correct at home, I'll meet you where you are and help you progress.
Services
Lessons
Riding should be fun and enjoyable for both horse and rider. I truly believe no one learns well through fear, so my lessons are designed to be supportive, confidence-building, and clear. Lunge lessons are a key part of my program, allowing us to focus on biomechanics, alignment, and "form to function" so riders understand how their position directly influences the horse. Above all, I teach riding as a partnership, helping students find the balance of respect and love that creates a trusting and willing teammate.
Schedule
Training
I develop horses with a correct foundation of self-carriage, balance, and relaxation so they can confidently progress through the levels. I work both in-hand and under saddle, focusing on willingness and happiness as essential parts of performance. Training sessions include focused collected work paired with variety, pole work, trail rides, and occasional jumping to maintain soundness, motivation, and long-term development. Reach out with any questions or to discuss training options
Contact
Clinics
Clinics are a fun, focused way for me to help you learn a lot in a short amount of time. I quickly pinpoint what you need most, then break it down into clear, doable steps. You'll leave with immediate progress, practical exercises to take home, and a simple plan you can confidently continue between sessions.
ContactFacility
Learn MoreSupporters
Contact
Feel free to schedule or ask questions. I will do my best to respond quickly. Text or call for the fastest response.