TRAINER TONIA
Hi, I am Tonia Dolph Epps the owner/ instructor of Making Strides Equestrian. I am a USHJA (United States Hunter Jumper Association) Certified trainer and a member of USEF (United States Equestrian Federation), GHJA (Georgia Hunter Jumper Association), AAHJA (Athens Area Hunter Jumper Association), AQHA, GERL (Georgia Equine Rescue League),HSV (Horse Show Ventures), and Kel-Mac saddle Club. In the past I have served 2 terms on the board of GHJA as well as many terms on the AAHJA board.
I began instructing hunters/ jumpers/ equitation in 1988 when I helped with summer camps and beginner lessons while in high school. I rode with Tammy Chase Young of Tamingo Farms in McDonough, Ga, since 1982 and that same year my first horse, Prelude Magnolia, "Magnum" was purchased. He was my heart horse and I continued my training with Tammy until I left for college in the fall of 1990. From 1982 to 1990, Magnum and I started competing in Open shows doing English pleasure, then moved up the ladder to 3' hunters in Open shows. From there we progressed to GHJA Hunter shows and USEF shows. At the same time, we competed in USDF dressage shows and showed to 3rd level. After all of this, Magnum and I focused solely on Jumpers, doing Children's/ Adult at 3' and Schooling Jumpers at 3'6". We would step out of our comfort zone from time to time while we were young and brave, and we won a 4'6" mini prix at our Tamingo Farms home base.
Magnum celebrated his 38th birthday on March 7th 2017 and passed away in August 2017. He will always be my once in a lifetime horse and nothing will ever replace our 34 year friendship together. Magnum is the reason for what I do now, it is because of Magnum that Making Strides Equestrian exists. His picture is on many pages throughout this website, He won various awards throughout his career; for example winning USDF Quarter Horse Awards in 2nd level dressage, high score junior awards in dressage, a GHJA Jumper Year-end championship, as well as various mini-association year-end awards in various hunter/ jumper/ equitation divisions.
I moved to Athens, Georgia in 1990 to attend UGA/ University of Georgia and while in college I continued teaching lessons. After graduating I became a full time instructor. My students have ranged from 2 year old beginners to older adults. Many students that I started have gone on to compete at National Pony Finals, National Equitation Competitions, and even competing abroad for Pony Club.
I expect my students to have concrete basics and a solid foundation to keep them improving and to be the best that the rider can be. I like to use drills and repetition for muscle memory and a great leg. Overall, I insist my horses are happy and not overworked.
I began instructing hunters/ jumpers/ equitation in 1988 when I helped with summer camps and beginner lessons while in high school. I rode with Tammy Chase Young of Tamingo Farms in McDonough, Ga, since 1982 and that same year my first horse, Prelude Magnolia, "Magnum" was purchased. He was my heart horse and I continued my training with Tammy until I left for college in the fall of 1990. From 1982 to 1990, Magnum and I started competing in Open shows doing English pleasure, then moved up the ladder to 3' hunters in Open shows. From there we progressed to GHJA Hunter shows and USEF shows. At the same time, we competed in USDF dressage shows and showed to 3rd level. After all of this, Magnum and I focused solely on Jumpers, doing Children's/ Adult at 3' and Schooling Jumpers at 3'6". We would step out of our comfort zone from time to time while we were young and brave, and we won a 4'6" mini prix at our Tamingo Farms home base.
Magnum celebrated his 38th birthday on March 7th 2017 and passed away in August 2017. He will always be my once in a lifetime horse and nothing will ever replace our 34 year friendship together. Magnum is the reason for what I do now, it is because of Magnum that Making Strides Equestrian exists. His picture is on many pages throughout this website, He won various awards throughout his career; for example winning USDF Quarter Horse Awards in 2nd level dressage, high score junior awards in dressage, a GHJA Jumper Year-end championship, as well as various mini-association year-end awards in various hunter/ jumper/ equitation divisions.
I moved to Athens, Georgia in 1990 to attend UGA/ University of Georgia and while in college I continued teaching lessons. After graduating I became a full time instructor. My students have ranged from 2 year old beginners to older adults. Many students that I started have gone on to compete at National Pony Finals, National Equitation Competitions, and even competing abroad for Pony Club.
I expect my students to have concrete basics and a solid foundation to keep them improving and to be the best that the rider can be. I like to use drills and repetition for muscle memory and a great leg. Overall, I insist my horses are happy and not overworked.
Tonia's Family
Tonia married Tommy Epps in the fall of 2004. She gained her step-son, Westley, along with the marriage. In 2007, Tonia's daughter, Winnie, was born.
Westley rode for a good year or so when he was little and competed in the pre-beginner division on Golden Image, "Immy". Westley is now in his mid twenties..
Winnie sat on her first pony (FLY!) when she was 2 months old and competed in her first lead line class in 2009 at the age of 2. Today she rides as much as possible and names Immy and Fly as her two favorite ponies for getting her started. She is 16 years old and now rides Buster & Thunder. Buster & Winnie have also started competing in crossrails at local horse shows.
Tommy drives the 5 horse head to head trailer, and helps with the ground work at the farm. Outside farm life, he is a full time plumber who owns his own company in Athens, T and E Plumbing and drain service.
Tonia is now a breast cancer 'survivor' after battling the disease for all of 2022.
Westley rode for a good year or so when he was little and competed in the pre-beginner division on Golden Image, "Immy". Westley is now in his mid twenties..
Winnie sat on her first pony (FLY!) when she was 2 months old and competed in her first lead line class in 2009 at the age of 2. Today she rides as much as possible and names Immy and Fly as her two favorite ponies for getting her started. She is 16 years old and now rides Buster & Thunder. Buster & Winnie have also started competing in crossrails at local horse shows.
Tommy drives the 5 horse head to head trailer, and helps with the ground work at the farm. Outside farm life, he is a full time plumber who owns his own company in Athens, T and E Plumbing and drain service.
Tonia is now a breast cancer 'survivor' after battling the disease for all of 2022.
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