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Meet Danielle
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Lifelong equestrian
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Horse behavior nerd
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Non-profit Program strategist
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Presenter/Speaker
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Communication specialist
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Leadership and Team development coach
I didn't grow up with horses—I had to earn my way into the industry one stall at a time. Working as a groom for a decade taught me resilience in problem-solving, the value of observation, and how to anticipate needs, all which shaped who I am today.
I was lucky to say 'yes' to opportunities in many different disciplines, so I have a good grasp on various breeds and segments of the horse world.
As I was studying for my Master's, my career evolved into the business and management side of the industry with equine insurance and horse shows. That eventually led me to the U.S. Equestrian Federation (USEF), where I served as Director of Driving for nearly 6 years—managing national programs, supporting athletes, and leading teams to FEI World Championships. That's where I really started to dive into what makes a team function (or not)—in real life, under pressure.
I've seen how potential gets lost when teams don't see eye to eye. And then I've seen how quickly things start to shift when teams support each other.
Along the way, I found a love for teaching. For 4 years, I was an adjunct professor in Post University's equine program, helping students become better thinkers, communicators, and industry professionals. I learned just as much from them as they did from me—especially how essential it is to stay curious.
That curiosity eventually pulled me toward the mustang world, which deepened my understanding of horse behavior and training. Building trust with a feral or fearful animal has always been the most rewarding for me. I love the quiet moments when something clicks between two beings, whether horse or human. Finding ways to improve communication and connection is key. If I'm being honest, those are my proudest moments over any job title or accomplishment.
Perseverance &
a great attitude can change the world.
A good sense of humor helps too.
Danielle Aamodt
My work blends everything I learn from horses, leadership, behavior, and communication into practical tools you can use to build trust, clarity, and potential.
At a glance
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TEAM LEADERSHIP
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2017 FEI Driving World Championship for Ponies (GER)
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2017 FEI Driving World Championship for Pairs (SLO)
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2018 FEI Driving World Championship for Singles (NED)
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2018 FEI World Equestrian Games (USA) *Team Gold!
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2019 FEI Driving World Championship for Pairs (GER)
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2019 FEI Driving World Championship for Ponies (HUN)
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2021 FEI Driving World Championship for Pairs (NED)
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2021 FEI Driving World Championship for Ponies (FRA)
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2022 FEI Driving World Championship for Singles (FRA)
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2022 FEI World Championship for Four-in-hand (ITA)
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2014 - 2025: Horse Show Organizer or Secretary
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2014-2016 Hermitage Classic FEI CAI 1*/2*
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2017 Live Oak International FEI CAI 2*
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2023-2024 Kentucky Classic Driving Event
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2023-2024 Valkyrie's Haven CT/DT
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2024 Garden State CDE
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2025 Mustang Heritage Spectacular / Mustang Makeover
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INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT
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2014 - present: Equine & Farm Insurance Sales
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2020 - 2025: Post University Course development
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2022 - present: Board Member, AAETT (American Association of Equine Therapists & Technicians)
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Member of International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants & Conference participant
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Supporting Member of International Society of Equitation Science & Conference participant
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2018-present: Volunteering at USEA events
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2025: Equine Behavior support for New Vocations OTTBs
EDUCATION
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Centenary University (NJ) — B.S. in Equine Studies
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Murray State Univ. (KY) — Masters in Business Administration
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UK Behaviorist 'Understanding Horses' course certificates:
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Horse Behavior Consulting Mentorship
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Affiliative Behaviors in Wild Horses
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Introduction to Equine Ethology webinar
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Equine Behaviorist or Trainer webinar
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Interpreting Wild Horse Behavior
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IAABC Foundation Equine Cooperative Care course
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Continuing Education through IAABC & ISES
KEY SKILLS
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Team Dynamics & Communication
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Facilitating meetings in challenging circumstances
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Helping teams realign expectations & goals
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Drawing parallels between herd dynamics & teams
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Equine Behavior & Handling
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Equine/Athlete program author & facilitator
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Freedom Based Training clinics (2020-2025)
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Multi-discipline & breed experience
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Leadership & Management
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Strategic planning for equestrian programs
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Team leadership in high-stakes environments
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Event & competition management structures
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Education & Facilitation
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Equine business instruction at University level
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Curriculum development with critical thinking focus
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Workshop design & group facilitation
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Industry Knowledge & Professional Experience
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20+ years in the equine/equestrian business sector
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Nonprofit experience: staff, management, & Board
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Conference & Webinar presenter
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Let's Connect!
25 minutes - no cost, no obligation, no spam