Shawdee Naimy
Assistant Trainer
Shawdee’s journey into the world of horses began during childhood when she discovered a deep connection with horses while attending camp in Tennessee. This experience opened her eyes to the beauty of the equestrian lifestyle, sparking a lifelong love for horses that has shaped her career ever since.During her teenage years, Shawdee dedicated herself to learning every aspect of horse care and riding. She spent countless hours working with different horses, from experienced fox hunters to green horses, gaining valuable hands-on experience and competing in local horse shows to build her skills.In 2012, after returning to San Francisco, Shawdee continued her equestrian journey as a dedicated working student for Cassandra Keith at Five Star Equestrian while pursuing her academic interests, obtaining her degree in Anthropology at Foothill College in Los Altos Hills, California.
Shawdee advanced her career by working as assistant trainer and barn manager for Kelley Lafond at Vintage Lane, LLC. Under Kelley, a winner of the prestigious NorCal Medal Finals, the equitation-focused program produced winners in equitation rings across California. During her time at Vintage Lane, Shawdee was instrumental in importing two successful sales horses, Snap Chat and Easygoing, both of which became highly competitive in the hunter rings.She then served as an assistant to John Charlebois at Charlebois Farm, home to one of the finest fleets of horses in Northern California and known for its junior/amateur-owner hunter/jumper program. Under John’s mentorship, Shawdee gained invaluable insights from him and his collaborations with Olympic-level riders such as Will Simpson, Matt Williams, and top US hunter rider Bert Mutch.
The technical precision and competitive edge that defined Charlebois Farm significantly influenced Shawdee’s training philosophy.Before relocating to Knoxville, Shawdee worked with Kim Chilcote at Pyramid Sport Horses, a program renowned for its balanced focus on both hunter and jumper disciplines. This experience rounded out her versatility as a trainer and deepened her understanding of both competitive arenas.Throughout her California career, Shawdee was based at the prestigious Portola Valley Training Center, a hub for top-tier equestrian professionals where she collaborated with some of the industry’s most respected trainers and riders. This environment fostered a community of excellence that shaped her professional standards and approach.Throughout her career development, Shawdee has had the privilege of working with and learning from numerous top professionals in the industry through clinics, specialized training sessions, and collaborative projects. These diverse influences have contributed significantly to her well-rounded approach to training and course design.
In 2018, Shawdee founded her own hunter/jumper training program, Ashva Equestrian, in Knoxville, Tennessee. Under her guidance, the program thrived, with students achieving success in the competition ring and horses being successfully trained for sale.A few years later, Shawdee relocated to Chattanooga, where she decided to focus on developing her personal horse, Honey, while scaling back her full-time training. However, her passion for the equestrian world remained strong, and she soon returned to the industry, continuing to build on her nearly 15 years of professional experience.Today, Shawdee is a USEF licensed Regional Hunter Course Designer and is working toward her USHJA Trainer Certification (to be completed by June 2025), with plans to expand her competitive ambitions to National and International Derbies. She is also pursuing further education for her small “r” license as a USEF Hunter Course Designer, reflecting her unwavering dedication to the equestrian field. Shawdee is ecstatic to be part of Happy Valley Farms, where she contributes to the thriving growth of the hunter jumper industry in Chattanooga and the surrounding areas. She takes immense pride in witnessing and participating in this regional equestrian renaissance, helping to elevate the sport locally while fostering community among riders and trainers alike.Beyond her work with horses, Shawdee enjoys spending time with her fiancé, Michael, and their three dogs. Together, they enjoy outdoor adventures, exploring new culinary experiences, and traveling to scenic destinations.
