GENERATION EQUESTRIAN

​Gioia has been training horses and riders alike in hunter, jumper and equitation, as well as, cross country and dressage since 1992. After her family bought a package of 6 lessons for Christmas, Gioia has spent her life dedicated to horsemanship. Under Dr. Vel Moore, she groomed, mucked stalls and cleaned tack; working her way into assisting with group lessons and training horses, at 14 years old she broke her first horse. In the few years following, Gioia became a staple in the Los Angeles county hunter/jumper community, working under Cynthia Shay at Misty Hollow Ranch and West Hills Hunt Club and then moving to Mountain Meadows where she began taking horses under training. Gioia moved to Hansen Dam Equestrian Center in 2008 as Lamendola Farms before partnering with Marnye Langer when the equestrian center transitioned to Hansen Dam Horse Park and Gioia headed up the Hansen Dam Riding School. Now, with yet another change in the Horse Park's general management, Gioia is embarking on her own business again, this time with her daughter, Michela. Over the years Gioia has continued her personal development, training under international rider and trainer Steffan Hauter, where she competed and medaled in European arenas. Gioia has taken her years of experience and guided countless clients to show championships. 

Gioia's passion for horses didn't stray too far from home. Michela grew up on the ranch, learning from her mother's 35 years of knowledge and passion from day 1. During high school Michela began working as a part time trainer for the Hansen Dam Riding School, transferring to a full time trainer and barn assistant manager after graduating. At 18 Michela got the opportunity to purchase her first horse, Quito, whom she had fallen in love with years before. Michela has worked with Quito consistently for 4 years, molding Quito into one of Generation Equestrian's most reliable lesson and show horses. Michela has trained under multiple mentors, such as, Buddy Brown and Karen Healey. As a trainer herself, Michela has led her students through many successful IEL and regional championships.