Credentials

The training for both horse and rider at Genesis Equestrian Center is directed by Darlene Dixon-Bottorff, one of
the most credentialed and accomplished trainers in Middle Tennessee. Some of her accomplishments include:
Bachelor of Science in Animal Science specializing in Horse Science.
Graduate of the USDF “L” judges training program.
United States Dressage Federation Bronze and Silver Medals on horses she has exclusively trained.
USDF Performance Certificates through 4th level.
Won Multiple USDF All Breed Awards.
Nominated for Female Dressage Trainer of the Year two times by the Arabian Horse Trust.
Has earned all International Arabian Horse Association Dressage Riders Awards.
Won 13 IAHA National Championships and Reserve National Championships plus numerous Top Ten awards.
Coached multiple riders to National and Regional Championships and Top Tens.
Won over 30 Regional Championships and reserves plus numerous Regional Top Five Awards.
Won USEF National Championship/Horse of the Year.
Won numerous championships in Hunter Pleasure, Halter, English Pleasure, Country English Pleasure, Sport Horse In Hand, Dressage, Hunter Over Fences, Cutting and Trail in recognized shows on various breeds of horses.
Earned an AQHA Register of Merit in Cutting on her QH gelding while in college.
She judges and teaches clinics throughout the South East.

As a youth rider, Darlene’s successful show career was highlighted by winning numerous championships and classes in Hunt Seat Equitation, Stock Seat and Saddle equitation. She also earned the AQHA Register of Merit in Cutting. These early wins were just an indication of her future.

Before attending college, she spent several years fox-hunting while in the employ of the Middleton Place Hounds in her home town of Charleston, South Carolina. While in college she was on the Intercollegiate Horse show team competing in the Open level.

Darlene offers her experience and diversity for all skill levels and disciplines to both horses and riders. With numerous championship wins in Hunter Pleasure, Halter, English Pleasure, Country English Pleasure, Sport Horse In Hand, Dressage, Hunter Over Fences, Cutting and Trail.

Darlene continues to improve her techniques and knowledge by frequently riding with world class trainers. She is respected throughout the southeast as a proven equestrian talent and has ridden with top trainers such as Volker Brommann, Gunnar Ostergard and Hilda Gurney. In 1996, Darlene had the honor of riding with Karl Mikolka, from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

As a Chief Rider from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, Austria, Karl is one of the last links to the Old Masters. In search of a higher degree of mastery of the art of classical horsemanship, she has chosen to work exclusively with him as the trainer she admires and respects the most. In 2005 Darlene received the honor of becoming one of Karl’s certified students. Karl's tireless teachings of the Old Masters coupled with exactitude create a level of performance unequaled by any other instructor she has worked with or watched. His techniques embody true classical horsemanship and it is her desire to continue learning with Karl and to in turn pass this knowledge on to her students.

Darlene has served three terms as President of the Middle Tennessee Arabian Horse Association and is currently on the Board of Directors. She is Vice-President of the Southeast Sport Horse Alliance. She has served numerous times as delegate to the Arabian Horse Association convention. She is also a member of the Dressage and Sport Horse committees for AHA. Darlene is a past board member of the Central Tennessee Dressage Association and delegate for CTDA to the USDF convention as well. She is a current member of the United States Equestrian Federation.

It is rare to see a rider who is truly passionate about the horse and his training, taking a profound interest in dressage with self-abnegation, and making this extraordinarily subtle work one of the dominant motivations of his life....Quote from an Old Master

Genesis Equestrian Center 615-395-4228
ArabianDQ@aol.com