Laura Impey
Owner and Head Trainer
Laura’s global perspective and individually tailored teaching style are grounded in empathy, versatility, and a deep respect for the learning process. Her approach allows both horse and rider to progress with confidence and enjoyment, fostering a relationship built on trust, clarity, and mutual understanding.
At just 18 years old, Laura made a bold leap—leaving home to train in Hemer, Germany under Martin Küpper and ride young horses at the breeding farm of Frederik Vekens and his family. It was there that she developed a profound appreciation for the value of quality instruction, the importance of a strong barn community, and the lasting impact of a trainer who genuinely cares about their students’ growth. These formative experiences became the cornerstone of her philosophy: when the well-being and joy of both horse and rider come first, success will follow.
After eight months of intensive training in Germany, Laura returned to the U.S. to continue her education, working under Olympians Courtney King-Dye and Lendon Gray at Sunnyfield Farm in Bedford, New York. Through years of hard work, dedication, and long hours in and out of the saddle, she honed her skills as both a rider and instructor, eventually earning recognition as a respected professional in the greater New York metropolitan area.
During this time, Laura successfully competed her personal horse, Vitalini (Ivan), through Intermediaire I. The pair was preparing for the U-25 Brentina Cup and schooling the Grand Prix when Ivan’s FEI career was tragically cut short due to an accident in turnout. He was later retired as a beloved Third Level schoolmaster with a dedicated adult amateur.
Laura’s education has continued through work with some of the most influential names in the industry, including Liselotte (Lilo) Fore, Henk van Bergen, Kerensa Muller, Susie Dutta, Wendy Murdoch, Tina Konyot, Robert Dover, Bruno Greber, and Kathy Connelly. Her knowledge was further deepened through her years working alongside Dr. Laura Stokes-Greene of the world-renowned veterinary practice, John R. Steele & Associates. This experience gave her a strong foundation in equine soundness, biomechanics, and top-tier veterinary care—enabling her to train horses with a holistic, informed, and compassionate approach.
While in New York, Laura founded Freedom Dressage, where she expanded her focus beyond dressage to work with horses and riders from a variety of disciplines—including eventing, reining, hunters and jumpers, western dressage, and natural horsemanship. Her adaptable, principles-based style transcends disciplines and is always rooted in biomechanical correctness, clear communication, and a deep understanding of the horse's mental and physical needs.
In 2015, Laura relocated to the Dallas–Fort Worth area, where she spent a season based at Tara Royal Equestrian Center, continuing to build connections within the local dressage community.
Soon after, her focus shifted to a deeper exploration of the rider’s body out of the saddle. Over the past eight years, Laura has studied yoga, Pilates, body awareness, and inner healing modalities—education that has profoundly enriched her work. This integrated approach helps riders become more balanced, effective, and connected, both physically and mentally. By bridging biomechanics with mindful movement, Laura supports the development of true harmony between horse and rider.
Today, with over 15 years of hands-on experience, Laura remains dedicated to her own growth and to the progress of every student she works with. Her work is always rooted in respect—for the horse, the rider, and the lifelong journey of learning they share.