Kat Southam Head Trainer

Kat is an EC Certified Competition Coach and a USDF Gold and Silver Medalist based in Mt Vernon Wa. Canadian born and raised but recently relocated to Washington State, Kat has had the opportunity to work and train extensively with several world class riders and clinicians over the years. As an established FEI trainer she has brought several horses and riders up through the levels, she is known for her fun and energetic style of instruction and her horse-first approach to training.  She revels in the hard work and rewards that define the development of every horse and rider. From Training Level to Grand Prix, Kat's primary objective is to help every horse and rider "love the ride."

"South Haven Dressage was founded with the objective of bringing ambitious and passionate Dressage riders together in the pursuit of excellence. Everyday with these animals is a gift and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to help you and your horse "love the ride." 

Alyssa Hamedi Assistant Trainer

Alyssa is a USDF bronze and silver medalist and is currently developing her personal horse for the Grand Prix. She found horses at an early age and while growing up in Kansas she was competitive on the hunter/jumper circuit. Even during her years in Texas while working on her BFA in Acting, Alyssa still found a way to continue her work with horses. She couldn’t seem to shake the need to be with them! After relocating to Washington, she decided it was time to leave the stage and pursue horses as her main passion.  In this time, Alyssa has had some wonderful opportunities to ride with world class riders, such as Charlotte Dujardin, Laura Graves, and Christine Traurig. She was a working student at Alyssa Pitts Dressage for four years before becoming an integral part of South Haven Dressage in the Spring of 2020. 

Alyssa’s current FEI mount, Outrageous, was the Year End Prix St. George Champion for the National Dressage Pony Cup and placed 5th in Westphalian 2021 All Breed Awards for the Prix St George. 

“She is detail oriented, noticing even the smallest changes in our horses and her keen yet empathetic approach makes her a favorite of the horses and people alike! Alyssa’s honed eye expands into a talent for photography and she handles all of the sales photos for the SHD horses. So, between grooming, riding and photography, Alyssa wears many hats and all with a smile on her face! “ - Kat Southam