Laura Kotimäki-Hurd

Born in Finland, residing in Southern California I have worked, lived and traveled around the world since 2001. Began showing interest in horses at very early age, and have been actively pursuing riding and horses since late 80's. Past 10 years or so I have worked with horses in several different countries, including UK, Canada, US, and of course Finland, training and showing (in show jumping and dressage) young and older horses, as well as instructing riding. I have been lucky enough to train and ride hundreds of horses through out my career. Some of the horses that I have trained have won National Championships (CJDS Canada) as well as others ridden and trained currently show nationally and internationally in Europe. I have received instruction through out my career from world class equestrians, such as Olympic riders Piia Pantsu, or Christoper Wegelius. Many of my other trainers have also been trained by such big names as George Morris, or Kyra Kyrklund. I have also been fortunate enough to observe and work with several nationally and internationally showing riders and their horses, both in dressage and show jumping.  I have been a board member/member of different equestrian affiliations and associations as well as my University's Equestrian A-team captain and member for 3 years, competing in British Universities Equestrian series up to national level. I take lessons myself, as often as possible, because there is always something you can improve or something new you can learn. I strongly recommend taking lessons from various trainers to gain wider perspective when working with horses- remember not to get stuck with one view. My motto is: prepare to work for results