At Kastel Denmark, we are proud to work with talented athletes across multiple disciplines. These ambassadors represent the essence of our brand: hard work, ambition, talent, and presence.
Take a moment to learn about these wonderful athletes:
Aysha Banos
Aysha Banos is a dressage rider based out of Los Angeles, California. She began her riding journey at the age of 13, however, coming from a non-horse family it was difficult to get lessons or find horses to ride. It wasn’t until Aysha was in college that she was able to dive deep into horses. Being inspired by a fellow trainer who introduced her to gentling mustangs, Aysha fell in love with the idea of having horses be a part of her career. It was then that she decided to strive to be a horse trainer. Aysha is a true underdog, buying her first horse at the age of 30, who then went lame after months. She has taken that as a part of her journey to embrace the obstacles and help use it as fuel to find gratitude in her unique journey. As an amateur working towards professional status, Aysha uses horsemanship and her skills from gentling mustangs to create a deep connection with horses. This connection goes deeper than solely riding, creating a cohesive enjoyment for both horse and rider on the journey to upper-level dressage.
Sandra Beaulieu
Sandra Beaulieu is a creative equestrian that specializes in dressage, equine art, and musical freestyles. She is the world's first artist to paint on horseback. Herunique Art on Horseback performance has been featured at prestigious events such as Equitana, the Equine Affaire, the World Equestrian Games, and BreyerFest. She is a USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, a USDF Bronze Freestyle Bar recipient, a USDF "L" Graduate with distinction, and the authorof FREESTYLE: The Ultimate Guide to Riding, Training, and Competing to Music. She is currently the head trainer at Little River Friesians in Havana, FL.
Follow her on Tik Tok @sandrabeaulieu.artist.Â
Sara Bradley
Sara Bradley is theowner and head trainer at Waterford Equestrian Center in the small town ofWaterford, Maine. She has owned this business for two decades, and has built itinto a thriving dressage training center. During this time, Sara has trainedseveral horses to the FEI level, earned her USDF Bronze and Silver medals, andhas assisted her students in their pursuit of dressage excellence. Saraspecializes in Sport Ponies, and her current mount, Dubai’s Dream is well onhis way to becoming an FEI horse in a small package! When Sara is not busy atthe stable, she is an active volunteer for the New England DressageAssociation, is a blog author for The Chronicle Of The Horse, and enjoys trailrunning with her husband, Eric and her dog, Ellie.
USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist, and Bronze Medalist with Distinction
Sydney Collier
I started riding at the age of 7 and it instantly clicked. A wonderful school horse named May who taught me the basics and introduced me to competitive riding. Shortly after I began riding, a routine vision screening changed my life in ways I could not have imagined. Within weeks I was diagnosed with the rare Wyburn-Mason Syndrome, a life-threatening condition that causes arteries and veins to grow together causing vascularmalformations (AVMs) inside my brain. Because of their location, deep in mybrain, my AVMs could not be easily removed. The rarity of Wyburn-Mason Syndromemeant few options were available for treatment.My experimental brain surgery left me blind in my right eye and also caused me to have my first of 5 strokes (so far) at the age of 11. By chance at the age of 12 I found the sport of Paradressage and I had a profound realization that just because I had a stroke and moved differently than others did not mean that I had to give up on my high-performance goals. From that point forward I set my sights on representing the United States at the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016 and I am very proud to have been selected to represent the USA at the World Equestrian Games in France in 201 at the age of 16! As well as the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016 at the age of 18! My goals have not stopped there, as I was honored to be selected as the first traveling reserve for the 2021 Paralympic Games in Japan! My training continues as I aim to earn a spot to represent the USA in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris!malformations (AVMs) inside my brain. Because of their location, deep in my
brain, my AVMs could not be easily removed. The rarity of Wyburn-Mason Syndrome meant few options were available for treatment.
My experimental brain surgery left me blind in my right eye and also caused me to have my first of 5 strokes (so far) at the age of 11. By chance at the age of 12 I found the sport of Paradressage and I had a profound realization that just because I had a stroke and moved differently than others did not mean that I had to give up on my high-performance goals. From that point forward I set my sights on representing the United States at the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016 and I am very proud to have been selected to represent the USA at the World Equestrian Games in France in 201 at the age of 16! As well as the Paralympic Games in Rio 2016 at the age of 18! My goals have not stopped there, as I was honored to be selected as the first traveling reserve for the 2021 Paralympic Games in Japan! My training continues as I aim to earn a spot to represent the USA in the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris!Â
Megan Compton
Megan Compton is a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist on her way to Gold with self-raised and -trained horses, a USDF L Graduate with Distinction, and has an extensive background in natural horsemanship. Specializing in starting young horses under saddle and helping the misunderstood horses find joy in their work again, Megan has a uniqueapproach to training sport horses with the clear intention of respecting thehorse’s dignity and producing a happy equine athlete.
"I truly love representing a brand that not only produces fabulous products, but always exudes such joy for the people, sports, and horses involved!"
James Fehr
I am a 14-year-old working equestrian striving to reach my highest potential. I have experience that ranges from training green babies to showing 34-time National Champions. Equestrianism is my passion and Kastel Denmark helps me train in comfort and style! Here are just some of my recent achievements:
- High Point Dressage Champion (AHA Youth Nationals)Â
- Reserve Champion First Level (AHA Sport Horse Nationals)Â
- Champion Training Level JTR (AHA Youth Nationals)
- Champion Hunter Hack 2’3” (AHA Youth Nationals)Â
- Bronze Medal First Level JTR (AHA Youth Nationals)Â
- Silver Medal First Level (AHA Youth Nationals)Â
- Silver Medal Training Level (AHA Youth Nationals)Â
Cassandra Hummert Johnson
Cassandra Hummert-Johnson is a USDF Gold Medalist and Diamond Achievement Award recipient. With a foundation built on a successful career in the FEI Juniors, Young Riders and U-25 Grand Prix, Cassandra now operates Lavendel Dressage LLC; providing training, instruction and sales brokering in Cleveland, Ohio and Wellington, Florida. She specializes in success in the show ring and works with a wide variety of riders and breeds and levels of horses. In addition to being a professional in the industry, Cassandra is an FEI Steward for show jumping,
and a 500-hour Registered Yoga Teacher. She has been partnered with Kastel Denmark since 2015, and finds the thoughtfully designed, sun-protective
garments the perfect choice whether coaching, stewarding, teaching yoga, riding horses or just spending the day out in the sun.
Cassandra can be found at www.lvndl.co
Jen Kessler
Jen Kessler is a mom, wife, and business owner who started riding at age 4. Beginning in hunter/jumpers, she made the switch to eventing in 2014. Currently training out of Copper Meadows Eventing in Southern California, Jen and her 7yo Thoroughbred, Xander, are competing at training level with hopes of a prelim debut in 2023.Â
Jen strives to be a positive influence and role model for other women who strive to continue their passion for equestrian sports while also juggling careers and motherhood.
Eva Linke
I’m originally from the Czech Republic but now I live in Dallas, TX. I started riding 5 years ago as an adult beginner, fulfilling my childhood dream. Now I have several horses and ride every day. I show in Low Adult Hunters and recently have been Champion and Reserve Champion with my horse Jace. I show every month and train almost daily, always wearing Kastel Denmark shirts, which are perfect for Texas weather and keep me cool and stylish.
Ari Lopez
Ari Lopez has enjoyed competing in 3-day eventing, hunter/jumper, and dressage. She has earned her USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medals as well as Silver and Gold Freestyle bars. Ari and her Corlander II had great success in the FEI Junior, Young rider and U25 divisions bringing home team Bronze and individual Silver medals at the NAYRC. Ari has also qualified and attended the USEF Young Horse Championships with several different horses. Ari most recently won the California Dressage Society Open Intermediate 1 Championships with over 70%! Ari's passion for precision also led her to an accounting degree and she is a tax accountant at a prestigious Big 4 accounting firm. She believes in high quality products that are multi-functional which is why she's been wearing Kastel Denmark since 2014!
Callie O'Connell
Callie is a 2021 graduate of MassArt, where she earned her BFA in fashion design. Her senior thesis titled “Pas de Deux” was inspired by her love of dressage and ballet.
Callie began riding at age 5 and has been a passionate student of dressage since she was 8 years old. She is a USDF bronze, silver, and gold medalist. She is currently the trainer at Berryfield Farm in Lincoln, MA owned by Betsy Dangel. Berryfield Farm is a small boutique dressage barn, home to 8 horses. Callie was a working student and assistant trainer at Bear Spot Farm from 2015-2021.Â
Callie’s goal with every horse is to build a relationship based on trust, allowing each horse to develop at a pace that matches both their physical and mental readiness. Callie is also extremely passionate about teaching and loves seeing the progress of her students. Callie is currently competing in the U25 Grand Prix with Eaton Unitechno.
Her most recent accomplishments include winning Reserve Champion at the 2022 U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions in the Brentina Cup with Eaton. She was also 4th overall with Iron Lady in the 2022 Developing Horse PSG National Championships. Callie and Eaton were also recently named to the Kundrun USEF Dressage Development Program.
Erin Markwith
Erin is an international airline pilot and an amateur equestrian living in Las Vegas, Nevada. An Air Force veteran, she flies the Boeing 777 for United Airlines. Erin spent her childhood riding but found it difficult to continue while serving in the military. After a 14-year break, she is now back in the saddle with her Dutch Warmblood, Sterling, showing in the hunter arena.Â
In addition to riding, Erin loves to travel, both for work and for fun. She always has a Kastel Denmark sunshirt (or two) in her suitcase wherever she goes. Whether she’s strolling around London, paddle boarding in Hawaii or cruising on the ferryboats around Sydney harbor, you can always find her in a Kastel Denmark sunshirt.
 “It is an honor to sport the crown and represent Kastel Denmark as a brand ambassador. As a skin cancer survivor, sun protection is a priority. With Kastel Denmark sunshirts I can do all my favorite outdoor activities without worry, knowing I’m protected from the sun’s
harmful rays.”
Amelia Newcomb
Amelia is a USDF Gold medalist, a member of the prestigious USEF Dressage Development Program, and recipient of the Carol Lavell Prize from the Dressage Foundation. Based in Somis, California, she incorporates complete dressage training from starting the young horse through the FEI levels and hopes to one day represent the United States at the Olympics.Â
Amelia works to develop a trusting and confident relationship between horse and rider. Her approach incorporates all aspects of horsemanship from basic groundwork to advanced dressage movements. The emphasis is always on the foundation with the basic trust, understanding, and relaxation for both horse and rider to create a harmonious partnership.
Amelia's mantra has always been "Dressage for All," which is evident in both her in person and online coaching. With a successful YouTube video library of hundreds of free educational videos, over 70,000 subscribers (and counting!), and thousands of
students enrolled in her online USDF accredited courses, it is clear that Amelia has
a passion for teaching and dressage! "I have been blessed with many great
teachers in my career and I hope to help each and every one of my students
develop a connection and solid relationship with their horses."
Learn more about Amelia on her website , or discover her free educational
videos on her YouTube channel "Amelia Newcomb Dressage."
Noelle Roberts
Noelle Roberts owns and operates Delacreme Equestrian out of Temecula, California. She has ridden through the Grand Prix and National Hunter Derby level and maintains a Hunter/Jumper show barn that shows at the “A” rated level. Noelle is also a multi-National Champion on the Arabian Sport Horse Circuit with wins in Working Hunters, Hunter Hack, Jumpers, Dressage and Sport Horse in Hand and Under Saddle. Most recently she was National Champion in the A/HA/AA Combined Test and trained the National Champion in Hand Hunter Type Mare at the 2022 Arabian Sport Horse National Championships. She has trained or won over 20 National Championships and shows all over the country on both circuits.
Alyssa
Hi I am Alyssa from @Mausi_TheEquestrian. Dixie and I are both 13 years old. I am currently bringing Dixie back to work after 14 month of stall rest, 2 surgeries and many other obstacles and illnesses. We are looking forward to getting ready for our Eventing debut and start showing soon. We are very excited to be part of Team Kastel Denmark and look forward to seeing what the future holds for us and our journey!
Grace Shipman
My name is Grace Shipman and I am a junior rider from New York State. My horse is named Honorable, aka Blair. She is a 10-year-old Hanoverian mare.
I compete in equitation and occasionally in the hunters and jumpers. I recently finished 9th in the North American Junior Equitation Championship and was Champion in the 16-Year-Old Equitation division at the Capital Challenge Horse Show!
Kaylee Stranz
Kaylee began casual riding at the age of five and grew up with a barn full of trail
horses before she began competing in the western sport of Cutting Horse under
the world-renowned trainer, Al Dunning. When she moved to Los Angeles for law
school, she took up show jumping before eventually finding her passion in
Eventing. She has begun a new endeavor with her horse Listo, a ten year old off
the track thoroughbred who had competed through Preliminary level eventing.
“I definitely fit the category of adult amateur. I work a full-time job in real estate law and manage two other personal businesses while pursuing my equestrian dreams. I am so thankful that Kastel Denmark gives adult amateurs with the big equestrian dreams the chance to represent their brand. I have never felt more confident than when I am riding in my Kastel shirts. My riding attire is exclusively Kastel now.”
Isabella Tanner
Isabella Tanner is a 13 year old equestrian out of Southern Pines, North Carolina. She is currently training and riding her 4 year old OTTB, George's Heartbeat. A pair since February, Isabella and George have been working on jumping, dressage, and ground manners. Isabella has been riding since age 8 and started out in the hunters but quickly found her interests moving towards fielding hunting and eventing. Isabella is a junior member with colors with The Moore County Hounds and a D-3 with The Sandhills Pony Club. She is also a member of her school's volleyball and soccer teams. Isabella is looking forward to moving up the eventing levels with George's Heartbeat and introducing him to field hunting.
Heather Terdan
My name is Heather Terdan and I am so excited to join the Kastel Denmark team! I have always been a big fan of the sun shirts and when I stumbled across this company I was thrilled. The prints and styles are always so flattering, and not to mention the fit and feel of the fabric is exactly what every equestrian needs. I love keeping myself protected from the sun while staying cool while I ride!
Regarding my passion for horses, I am a firm believer in always educating myself to be the best horseman I can be. I have been riding for 22 years, and striving for a partnership based on trust is my top priority and correlates with my training methods. I grew up in the hunter/jumper world, and have been doing Eventing in the most recent years. I think being a well-rounded horseman is so important. I currently own one horse named Monty (Or Nippy!) that I have owned for 11 years. We have done everything together and it is just such a joy to share on social media the fun and exciting things we do! Teaching Monty throughout those years inspired me to train young horses too - I have started focusing on horse sales and helping the young green horse find their next perfect home. It is so rewarding for me!
Brie Valenti Crane
Like Kastel's Charlotte Jorst, Brie's journey in riding began later in life while taking her son for his 1st lesson. As a professional dancer for over 20 years, she fell in love with the challenge of coordinating her movements with the horses and very quickly realized that this is her "second act." She found an amazing trainer with over 30 years of experience herself, who works tirelessly with Brie 7 days a week. She is preparing to enter the amateur show circuit soon, with big dreams of Grand Prix's, Hunter Derbies, and the Olympics, she wants to go all the way! Her favorite saying is "Thoughts become things," and she believes with dedication, determination, and hours in the saddle that she will get there. Along with training with her horse, Spy, she spends her time at her dance studio in Palm Coast, hosting a mentorship program for young girls, being married and a mom of 4.
Mia Bella Academy Of Dance
Owner/Artistic Director
Shannon Warner
Hi, I have been riding since I was 9 years old. I have earned my USDF bronze, silver, and gold medals. I have also earned my USDF bronze,silver,and gold freestyle bars. I was also awarded The USDF Diamond Achievement Award for earning all my medals and freestyle bars. I recently was USDF Region 5 Third Level Open Champion on Godfry owned by Miggy Monroe. I was also the USDF Region 5 Grand Prix Open and Grand Prix Freestyle Champion on Rubico owned by Patti Blackmore. I am headed to the Dressage Finals in Kentucky in Nov. I also plan to compete in the CDI’s in California this coming spring with Rubico. And compete in the 7 yr old young horse tests with Godfry. I have 3 amazing dogs Dutton (golden), Dezzy (white lab), and Lola (silver lab). I am also helping my amazing mother battle brain cancer. She was the best horse show mom!
Kim Wendel
Kim Wendel is based out of Colorado in the summer and Aiken, SC in the winter months. She recently retired her OTTB that she bought off the track and produced through the Advanced/3* level in Eventing and is now focused on young Irish Sport Horses with the goal of producing them for upper-level Eventing as well. Kim loves Kastel Denmark for their prints, wearability at the barn and out on the town, as well as the durability to be washed over and over again and still look professional in any setting.
Jesse Woodhead
Jesse Woodhead is an FEI Dressage rider and trainer located in the mountains of Joseph, Oregon where she and her mother run Hidden Oaks Horses, specializing in competition, breeding, and lessons for a variety of breeds and levels of riders, promoting harmony above all else. She has ridden dressage since before she could walk and grew up with a rich equestrian background, spending winters in Wellington with her mother and falling in love with professional equestrianism. Jesse’s favorite aspect of competition are her Freestyles that she curates herself and her goal is to one day represent her country in top level Dressage. Outside of the dressage ring, Jesse enjoys photography and painting, most of her subjects are her equine partners. Jesse has a true passion for fashion and is well known for her “Matchy Matchy” outfits, that usually feature Kastel Denmark for their style and impeccable fit.
“I’ve sported Kastel Denmark for years and have yet to find a brand to its equal in quality, durability and style. I love utilizing Kastel products to complete every outfit and want to thank Kastel for being a brand that holds up to the everyday life of a professional equestrian and a fashionista at heart!”