W.M., Washington

“[Sandra] competed successfully up to the International Equestrian Federation levels in dressage, and qualified for the U.S Dressage Federation Region Six (WA, ID, OR, AL) Championships. … [2003] she was the Reserve Champion in the Open Fourth Level and … 2004 she was the Prix ST. George Reserve Champion. Ms. Tillmann’s students have also competed successfully throughout the region, winning many classes and High point awards at several shows. … Ms. Tillmann is a highly regarded dressage rider and trainer. She makes an active contribution to the equestrian community. … She brings a unique and valuable set of skills to her students, providing an education that many Americans have to travel overseas for. … The opportunity to take this type of instruction in the Puget Sound area is highly beneficial to our local riders, especially those involved in serious competition. … I consider Ms. Tillmann to be an outstanding dressage trainer and an asset to our country.”


L.F., Washington

“I was delighted to encounter someone who had not only had exceptional education in riding and training horses in Germany, as a member of their Elite Training cadre, but also had experience in the riding and marketing of young horses as an auction rider for the Rhineland Verband. … Ms.Tillmann’s quality as a rider and trainer was recognized in her own country by her election to the Elite training Program … a program which is made available to young riders who are judged by their own country to be exceptional in accomplishment and prospects. … She was also selected to ride in the auctions put on by the Rhineland Verband, the official organization overseeing the breeding of Rhineland horses in Germany. Only riders who have both excellent equitation skills and an excellent knowledge of young horses are asked to do this kind of work. Ms. Tillmann is a representative of a population possessing special skills and training which are not readily available in the United states. Her presence here both affords an opportunity for breeders to get top-class preparation for their sales horses, and also provides an opportunity for young riders here to be instructed in the methods of doing so which have proven so successful for the German horse industry.”


R.H., Germany

“Teaching has always been one of [Sandra’s] strong points … it gives me great pleasure and satisfaction that Sandra will pass on to the dressage riders of North America the experience and knowledge that are not generally available in the United States. … One is not a good trainer when he only is a good rider, it takes more to teach. Teaching is a skill which is not suited for everyone, it is a gift. To bring a horse and a rider in perfect understanding with another takes patience, which unfortunately only a few trainers have, but Sandra Tillmann is one of them."

B.B., Washington

“Sandra holds a “bereiter” status in Germany, an approval to train horses and riders. In the United States, a trainer of her stature is much sought after; additionally, Sandra has qualities of humanness and friendliness. …Sandra Tillmann offers a special opportunity to those who seek her tutelage. …I have admired her ability to ride and train since she has been in the Pacific Northwest. I am fortunate to access her experience and knowledge. …She offers a rare link to a living art. To the layman, she brings joy in the observation of an art form done well. To the professional, she exhibit’s the refreshing stamp of quality in her riding”


K.M., Washington

“ … Sandra has had a powerful influence on the sport of dressage in the United States, and helped to put the Northwest on the map! … She is passionate about her work and gives as much schooling to the person as she does the horse. She is a tremendous educator. … Sandra is unique. She has contributed more to the sport of dressage in the Northwest than any number of trainers combined. She is adored by all and her work is not finished here!"


K.S., Washington

“Sandra brings this background and talent to us with her many years of training in Germany and I believe I speak for all of her students when I say that we are extraordinarily fortunate to have her. Most of our U.S. riders at the highest level have trained in Germany, or are receiving training from German trainers who have chosen to come here to help us improve the sport in the U.S. … In my own personal experience, my horse has improved demonstrably as has my riding ability since I began to train with Sandra."


P.C., Washington

“Sandra Tillman has an impressive resume of training in Germany and reflects the high standards and quality of training the German method is known for. She “raises the bar” for rider education and performance and greatly enhances the skill of riding and training in the Northwest equestrian community. She brings an understanding and appreciation to working with a variety of types of horses and riders that is unusual in the sport, but greatly appreciated by riders through progress and development of the Northwest riding community. “


A. L., Washington

“ I would like to recommend Sandra Tillman and her great contribution to the horse industry in our area. In the short time Sandra has been here, she has established a broad group of horses and riders who depend on her training ability. To say that she has raised the standard of excellence in our sport would be an understatement. Her willingness to work with students at every level of proficiency is legend and the vast improvement in every one of them speaks to a talent we need to retain."
 

R.L., Washington

 “We have been privileged to have Sandra Tillmann enhance our reputation as a part of our organization at KGF Equestrian Center.  … Sandra Tillmann commands a broad knowledge in the horse industry and she is highly respected in the horse community, both locally and nationally. She brings to our facility not only her impressive international credentials but also a large and valuable clientele. … Sandra’s credentials and international recognition offers a chance for American riders to compete more effectively in the world of equestrian sports.”