About Gracia

  USDF Bronze and Silver medalist, Gracia Huenefeld was raised on a central Nebraska farm. She began her journey at an early age with horses. While spending every hour in the barn when she was not in school or working for her dad on the farm, it was apparent at a young age horses were her passion and not much else could captivate her attention. In the spring of 2010 Gracia moved to Charleston, Sc to begin her first working student position at Stono River Riding Academy with Michelle Folden. While working for Michelle, Gracia developed her teaching skills through giving countless lessons (children and adults) and many weeks of summer camp each year. Along with the large lesson program, there were many opportunities to ride and compete. During the first 6 months, through Michelle's instruction, Gracia rode to 6th place out of a huge field of riders in the Jr/Yr Training Level class in Region 3 on a mare she leased, Independence. The following year she continued to compete Independence and won the CBLM First Level Championship, finished 5th at Second Level and then at Championships for Region 1, they finished 4th in the Jr/Yr Training Level class and 5th in the Jr/Yr First Level Class. 

In the summer of 2012, Gracia moved to Pennsylvania and became Barn Manager for Silva Martin. During her time with Silva, Gracia was able to really focus on her riding and continue to expand her education with high performance horses. A special chestnut gelding became her ride while there and together, Gracia and Colin made their way through the next few competition years. The highlights for the two were finishing 4th in Region 1, Jr/Yr 3rd Level Championship. In 2014 they were 6th in the Open 4th Level Region 4 Championships and also qualified and successfully competed 4th Level at Dressage at Devon.  During the winter/spring seasons of 2013 & 2014 they also had the opportunity to compete in Wellington, Florida with success. Other opportunities Gracia had while working for Silva ranged from handling and riding young horses at Dressage at Devon to grooming at many CDI's, including the USA Nation's Cup Team Silva rode on.

Saying "good-bye" to the east coast in July of 2014, Gracia moved closer to home and joined the team of instructors at Still Waters Equestrian Academy, just south of Lincoln, Ne. While teaching students of all ages during her time at SWEA, Gracia shared her passion for horses to many riders. Whether they wanted to ride for their own enjoyment or to pursue competition, Gracia shared her love and knowledge of horses with each student. January of 2016, Colin returned to Gracia's life and they competed at The Omaha International that spring in the Prix St. George and went on to qualify and compete in the Region 4 Prix St George and Intermediate I Championships, finishing 5th in each class. During her three years at SWEA, Gracia coached many students to the Nebraska Dressage Schooling Show Championships as well as the USDF Region 4 Championships.

Beginning a new chapter in 2017, Gracia took the jump and Legacy Dressage, LLC was born. Currently based just north of Eagle, Nebraska, Gracia has 12 horses in training from youngsters to seasoned International level horses. Her current students range in age from 3 years old into their 70’s. Training continues year-round with a move south to Florida January through March where Gracia takes a smaller number of horses to Wellington where she continues her education, training and competing. With a desire to always continue her education and pass on the knowledge she receives, Gracia is pursuing her goal to compete in the International CDI ring and encourage her students in their own personal journey along the way. From young students to adult amateurs, her passion does not waver and she counts it a privilege to see a horse and rider's relationship form, grow strong together, and goals achieved.

In August of 2017, a horse named Holy Wonder found his way to Nebraska from California. He has proven to be a very special horse and during the 2017-2018 winter season in Wellington, FL,  Gracia trained with Karen Pavicic who was very instrumental in their success. 2018 has been packed with many growing opportunities, but has proven to be one of the best yet!

• 2017

  • High Score - Adequan Global Dressage Festival Wk 7

• 2016

  • NDA - FEI Horse of the year - Prix St. George

  • NDA - FEI Horse of the year - Intermediate I

  • NDA - FEI Open Rider Champion - Prix St. George

  • NDA - FEI Open Rider Champion - Intermediate I

  • 5th place - Region 4 Open Prix St Georges Championship

  • 5th place - Region 4 Open Intermediate Championship

• 2015

  • 6th place - Region 4 Open 4th Level Championship

• 2013

  • 4th place - Region 1 Junior Rider 3rd Level Championship

• 2012

  • Champion - First Level Test 2 - AA/JR/YR & 2013 CBLM Q

  • 4th place - Region 1 Junior Rider Training Level Championship

  • 4th place - CBLM First Level Junior/Young - CBLM Q

  • 5th place - Region 1 Junior Rider 1st Level Championship

  • 5th place - CBLM Second Level Junior/Young - CBLM Q

• 2011

  • 6th place - Region 3 Junior Rider Training Level Championship