Onalee was born and raised in Wisconsin, where she rode and took lessons as a child. Her parents realized quickly the impact horses would have on their daughter's life. Growing up, Onalee enjoyed trail riding and spending the summers at horse camp. In high school, she was an active member of her local 4-H and FFA clubs. She had the opportunity to ride and compete at the county fairs and schooling shows.
Onalee has had incredible teachers, both horse and human, who taught and pushed her to love the sport and want to continue to grow as a rider and trainer. She believes that a soft seat and quiet hands are the keys to a successful ride and relationship. After high school, Onalee attended the University of Wisconsin River Falls and she found her love for the jumper ring and working with OTTBs. During her time at university, she also had the opportunity to manage and groom at a reiner barn. This was an eye-opening experience to ride and appreciate another discipline. She believes that there is something to learn from every rider.
Onalee moved to Florida and groomed for an Olympic Eventer and spent there and in Virginia during the competition seasons. Onalee found a love for eventing and the horses involved. She took every opportunity to learn more about the sport and groom at a high level. This was a fast-paced environment that required pristine organizational skills and a strong work ethic. Onalee is well versed in multiple disciplines including Hunter Jumpers, Jumpers, Reiners, Pleasure and Equitation, Showmanship, and Eventing.
Onalee will graduate next spring with her Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration at the University of Phoenix. She will then pursue her Master’s in Business to give her even greater skills in managing GB’s Stable.
Onalee is eager to grow her passion in Georgia and enjoy the warmer weather. She will be introducing a lesson and training program at GB’s Stables. This program will include many disciplines and all ages of riders. She wants to further her student's riding skills, as well as continuing to advance on her own.
Sonia is a talented equestrian who has spent the majority of her life working with horses. Originally from Portugal, she now lives in Atlanta with her husband and children, but her love of horses has remained a constant throughout her life.
With years of experience in the equine industry, Sonia has developed a deep understanding of what it takes to care for and train horses to their full potential. She is dedicated to ensuring that each and every horse she works with receives the highest quality of care, and she takes great pride in helping everyone around the barn.
One of Sonia's greatest accomplishments is her international success in competing on French Saddlebred horses. Her dedication to her craft and natural talent as a rider have allowed her to excel in the competitive world of equestrian sports. She has traveled the world, competing against some of the best riders and horses in the sport, and has earned a reputation as a skilled and respected competitor.
Today, Sonia continues to share her passion for horses with us by providing top-notch horse care and training services to our boarders. Whether she is exercising horses for clients or working to develop their skills and abilities, Sonia is committed to helping every horse reach their full potential. Best of all, she does all of this with her bright, beautiful, signature smile!