Natalya Slipchenko
USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist
About Natalya:
Natalya began her riding journey at the age of 6 when her immigrant parents visited a riding stable. Within a few years, she had persuaded the instructor and boarders to allow her to ride every horse on the property.
After relocating several times, she found a barn where she could compete in the local Hunter/Jumper circuit, as well as in county and state 4H competitions during high school. She spent her summers running camps that taught children how to ride, enjoying long days at the barn surrounded by horses.
Upon starting college, she became a working student for Jennifer Conour and discovered the world of dressage. Throughout her college years, she worked at the barn every summer and drove over an hour multiple times a week during the school year to continue her riding and learning.
After earning dual Bachelor’s degrees in Animal Science and Agribusiness from Purdue University, she relocated to Davis, California, where she recieved a Master’s degree in Agricultural and Resource Economics at UC Davis.
Experience & Achievements:
Natayla has participated in the US Dressage Finals, competing at various levels from Training to Grand Prix on numerous horses. She possesses a wealth of experience in riding and showing horses of all ages, temperaments, and breeds, and has consistently embraced the challenge of success on any horse.
In addition to being bronze, silver, and gold medalist, Natalya has earned her bronze, silver, and gold freestyle bars, culminating in the prestigious USDF 2021 Diamond Achievement Award. She has also showcased her skills at the U.S. Dressage Festival and travels to Wellington, FL for competitions and training whenever her schedule permits.
Philosophy:
Her philosophy centers on understanding each horse as an individual: tailoring her methods to unlock their potential and fostering horses as partners for their owners, while building their confidence in their roles.
She applies the same to her students, striving to find the most effective ways to help them reach their personal goals. Committed to continuous learning and improvement, she trains regularly with Kasey Perry- and participates in clinics with Jeremy Steinberg.
She is dedicated to supporting equestrians who are passionate about their progress and that of their horses, and who are eager to put in the effort to achieve their ambitions.
Riding Accomplishments:
2025
Dressage Horse of the Year Intermediate 1, Prix St. George (Fortunatto EDI)
Dressage Horse of the Year First Level (Wah Watusi)
Region 7 Intermediarie 1 Champion (Fortunatto EDI)
Region 7 Intermediarie 1 Freestyle Champion (Fortunatto EDI)
CDS Intermediaire 1 Perpetual Trophy (Fortunatto EDI)
Lillian Van Dahn Memorial Perpetual Trophy (Fortunatto EDI)
Doug Downing Memorial Perpetual Trophy (Fortunatto EDI)
U.S. Dressage Festival Prix St George, 6th Place (Fortunatto EDI)
U.S. Dressage Festival Intermediaire 1 Championship, 6th place (Fortunatto EDI)
2021
USDF Diamond Achievement
Dressage Horse of the Year, Training Level: 5th (Leonardo Z)
2019
USDF Gold Medal
USDF Gold Freestyle Bar
USDF Silver Freestyle Bar
Champion Grand Prix AA, Region 2 Championships (Lloron)
5th Grand Prix Freestyle Open, Region 2 Championships (Lloron)
7th Third Level Freestyle, Region 2 Championships (Ravella)
7th Grand Prix Freestyle AA, Dressage Finals (Lloron)
8th Fourth Level Freestyle Open, Region 2 Championships (FHF Pequin)
9th Intermediate I Freestyle AA, Dressage Finals (Windchaser)
AA Musical Freestyle Year End Award, Grand Prix: 8th (Lloron)
2018
USDF Bronze Medal
USDF Silver Medal
USDF Bronze Freestyle Bar
Champion KWPN Materiale 3YO Filly (Karieta Texel)
4th Training Level AA, Region 2 Championships (Drain’s Marlo Tommy)
4th Third Level AA, Region 2 Championships (Ravella)
5th Fourth Level AA, Region 2 Championships (Windchaser)
5th Third Level Freestyle Open, Region 2 Championships (Windchaser)
9th Fourth Level Freestyle Open, Region 2 Championships (Windchaser)
9th Third Level Freestyle AA, Dressage Finals (Windchaser)
10th Third Level Freestyle Open, Region 2 Championships (Ravella)
10th First Level Freestyle Open, Region 2 Championships (Drain’s Marlo Tommy)
2017
Champion First Level Freestyle, Region 2 Championships (Ravella)
3rd First Level Jr/Yr, Region 2 Championships (Ravella)
4th Training Level Jr/Yr, Region 2 Championships (Ravella)
7th First Level Freestyle Open, Dressage Finals (Windchaser)
10th Second Level Freestyle Open, Dressage Finals (Windchaser)
2013
3rd IHJA Children’s Medal, IHJA Medal Finals
2012
Champion Equitation Over Fences, Indiana State Fair
Reserve Hunter Over Fences, Indiana State Fair
