Ari Kann-Ortua

Horse-Crazy from birth, Ari always knew she wanted to spend her life surrounded by horses. She started taking riding lessons in the 1st grade riding Arabians in Breed Shows. However, her heart was always set on Jumping, and she moved into hunter/jumpers and equitation and was a bonafide “barn rat.” While riding was her heart, running track as a Division I and II NCAA athlete paid for her degree from 4-year university. While she wasn’t actively competitive during this time, she was still able to ride her OTTB, Millie.

Ari then joined Janelle Dunn as a working student and began her adventure in the world of 3-Day Eventing. After her time with Janelle, she worked with a “true cowgirl,” Frankie Backlund, in colt-starting-applying methods consistent with philosophies of Ray Hunt and Buck Branaman. She has worked for other trainers including Connie Arthur, JM Durr, and most currently Elena Flaharty. In all of these experiences, Ari values the importance of continuing to learn and grow-with the belief that you never stop learning. She has cliniced with Valerie Owen, Hawley Bennett, Don Sachey, Bunnie Sexton, Yves Savignon, and Jimmy Wofford. Ari has competed through the Preliminary level, with a dream of riding at the upper-most levels of the sport. She also loves developing young horses and working with horses that can be “tricky,” as well as working with both riders and their horses in developing their partnership with a focus on building confidence, trust, and happiness.

Ari is also a certified personal trainer. She has worked in the fitness industry since 2009 in bootcamp gyms, HIIT training, weight training, and most recently managing a kickboxing studio in the East Bay. This knowledge in fitness and biomechanics has proven to be particularly applicable to her equestrian pursuits. (Source)

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