Tom Valter

Professional horse trainer with a specialty in dressage, Tom Valter has tremendous experience with horses and equestrians and trains those riders looking to gain a competitive edge. Born in the Czech Republic, Tom Valter began his lifelong love of horses at a young age, taking his first ride at the age of five. As he grew up, Tom Valter regularly competed in the classes for junior and young riders in his native country before enrolling in agricultural college and graduating with a specialized degree toward animal husbandry.

In 1970, Tom Valter moved to the United States, setting up his training program in Somis, California, and entering dressage competitions on both the state and national levels. Winning multiple bronze, silver, and gold medals from the United States Dressage Federation, multiple Horse of the Year awards, national dressage championships, and a Lifetime Achievement and Contribution award from the California Dressage Society, Tom Valter’s experience with horses is both a passion and a business for him. In 1986, he was already established as a master competitor. Tom Valter and his horse Tudor were selected to represent the United States at the World Championship held that year in Toronto, Canada.

These days, Tom Valter still competes alongside his current students. In 2008, he was the United States National Champion of the FEI Dressage Test for 5-Year Old Horses, the Doma Vaquera Alta, and Native Tack with the International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association. Instrumental in bringing these Portuguese and Spanish breeds to the United States, Tom Valter spent time in both Portugal and Brazil to gain insight on what challenges these types of horses might face in America. For pictures, information, and insight about Tom Valter, his students, and his horses, check out his blog at traininghorses.wordpress.com.