“CHAMPIONS do not become champions when they win the event, but in the hours, weeks, months, and years they spend preparing for it. The victorious performance itself is merely the demonstration of the champion character.”
HEY Y’ALL!
I'm Amanda Delgado
I'M HERE TO HELP YOU REACH YOUR GOALS WITH YOUR EQUINE BEST FRIEND.
ARMY VETERAN TO HORSE TRAINER
12x WDAA and PtHA World Champion
BACKGROUND
My childhood was spent at the best place on Earth, on a horse’s back! My mom had me in the saddle before I could walk and throughout the years I never outgrew that horse crazy phase.
I grew up with my own horses until my freshman year of high school, where we had to move to Japan. I was devastated having to sell my horse and always felt a little lost without horses in my life. I would ride at various barns and was fortunate to have them near, but something still always felt missing. In October 2015 I rescued my paint mare Athena!
Athena had been beaten, starved, and neglected before I found her. Between the abuse and a life threatening leg injury no one wanted her, and many told me I was foolish for investing my time and money into her. Between the vets telling me she would never be sound enough to be ridden again and her dangerous temperament, so many around me told me to put her down.
I gave her a chance and miraculously Athena not only completely recovered from her leg injury, but has turned into a stunning and sweet show horse. Athena and I have won over 10 World Championship titles together. She is by far my greatest equine experience and my once in a lifetime horse.
I went to college at St. Andrews University and completed my studies in Equine Business Management. I rode on the IHSA Western team and had a nearly undefeated season in the horsemanship and also rode on the IDA Dressage team as the Level 1 DSE rider. I completed an internship under Carla Wennberg where I trained and developed horses in the western program at SAU.
I have been blessed to have so many horses and mentors in my life that have taught me so much about horsemanship and life. Now, I find a burning desire to share what I have learned with others so that they may too feel what it is like to accomplish their goals and develop meaningful relationships with their horses.
MAJOR ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2022: Graduated St. Andrews University with BA in Equine Business Management, Summa Cum Laude
Rode on the IHSA Western and IDA Dressage teams for SAU
2022: NCDCTA Level 1 Horse of the Year
2021: WDAA World Championship Show
4x World Champion
Reserve World Champion
Level 1 Division Champion
Military Veteran High Score Champion
Rescue Breed High Score Champion
2021: WDAA International Challenge
5x World Champion
Basic Division Champion
Military Veteran High Score Champion
Rescue Breed High Score Champion
2020: WDAA World Championship Show
World Champion
7x Top 5
Military Veteran High Score Champion
Rescue Breed High Score Champion
2019: Pinto World Championship Show
2x World Champion
Reserve World Champion
2x Top 10
2018: Pinto World Championship Show
Reserve World Champion
Top 5
2x Top 10
I became a coach, trainer, and judge because I wanted to make a positive impact on the equine community here in the Carolinas. I want to help people achieve the things that I have with my personal horses and teach others how to develop the bond and training of their equine partner.
I value the trust and effort my clients put into me, so I do my best to make sure that each lesson, clinic, and education tool can be understood and then applied to their horsemanship. My goal is that each person I work with walks away with a better understanding of how to communicate with their horse, some new tools or exercises they can use to develop their horse, and the confidence they need to achieve their goals in their horsemanship.
One of my greatest joys cheering my clients on while they grow into better horsemen all while hitting milestones towards their goals.
FUN FACTS
QUARTER HORSES
Quarter Horses are my favorite breed, although I love them all and work with all horses!
HUNT BOX
I live with my horses! Barn on bottom, house on top. I love it, and wouldn’t have it any other way!
HUNTERS
Although I specialize in western events, I am a big believer in doing what your horse likes and success will follow. I am training my young AQHA/APHA filly for the working hunter division!
WELFARE
I am a big competitor by nature, but my horses’ welfare ALWAYS comes first. No exceptions, ever.
“I want to be remembered for my kindness, for showing up, for giving second chances, for spreading positivity. I want to be a person who is known to care about the well being of the horse, the equine industry, and our future. ”
More About Me…
My Family
My little family brings so much joy into my life! My husband, Ray, and I live near Vass North Carolina on our own little equestrian farm. We have two pups, Tinkerbell (small terrier mix) and Groot (Tri Australian Shepard). We joke that Groot is the barn manager here at Olympus Equestrian! My mares, from left to right are Rhea (Wait Till You See Me, AQHA/APHA), Athena (Athenian Lady, PtHA) and Calliope (S Bar P’s Shocks Exquisite, AMHR).
Veteran
I grew up as an Army Brat, living all over the United States and the world. I joined the US Army right after high school as a Combat Medic, however my time was cut short due to medical issues. I was medically discharged shortly after. I now serve as an Army spouse and fund-raise often for a cause that is important to my heart, Stop Solider Suicide.
Education
One of the best things I ever did for my horsemanship was invest in education throughout my entire career. I have mentored with a number of wonderful horsemen and actively pursue lessons and clinics to further expand my knowledge.
FEATURED IN…
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ASPCA/ The Right Horse
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Instride Edition
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The Pilot
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Today's Horsewoman
ARE WE A MATCH?