Shawdee’s journey into the world of horses began during childhood when she discovered a deep connection with horses while attending camp in Tennessee. This experience opened her eyes to the beauty of the equestrian lifestyle, sparking a lifelong love for horses that has shaped her career ever since.

During her teenage years, Shawdee dedicated herself to learning every aspect of horse care and riding. She spent countless hours working with different horses, from experienced hunters to green horses, gaining valuable hands-on experience and competing in local events to build her skills.

In 2012, after returning to San Francisco, Shawdee continued her equestrian journey by working with established trainers and gaining more industry knowledge. She became a dedicated working student while also pursuing her academic interests.

Over the next several years, Shawdee advanced her career by taking on professional roles in horse training and management. Her responsibilities ranged from preparing students for competition to handling all aspects of horse care, training, and client relationships. These experiences deepened her expertise in horse management, including the importation of sport horses from Europe.

As Shawdee’s career progressed, she furthered her training under industry leaders, focusing on advanced horse training and competitive sport coaching. Her passion for excellence in the sport became a defining feature of her work.

In 2018, Shawdee took the exciting step of founding her own hunter/jumper training program, Ashva Equestrian, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Under her guidance, the program thrived, with students achieving success in the competition ring and horses being successfully trained for sale.

A few years later, Shawdee relocated to Chattanooga, where she decided to focus on developing her personal horse, Honey, while scaling back her full-time training. However, her passion for the equestrian world remained strong, and she soon returned to the industry, continuing to build on her nearly 15 years of professional experience.

Today, Shawdee is working toward her USHJA Trainer Certification, with plans to expand her competitive ambitions to National and International Derbies. She is also pursuing further education to become a certified USEF course designer, reflecting her unwavering dedication to the equestrian field.

Beyond her work with horses, Shawdee enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Michael, and their three dogs. Together, they enjoy outdoor adventures, exploring new culinary experiences, and traveling to scenic destinations.