Member Feature: Avery Klein

From Ranch Roots to Passage Dreams: Meet Avery Klein & Her Golden Puppy, Georgi

Every dressage rider has that horse—the one who reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place. For Avery Klein, that horse is Georgi: a 9-year-old Dutch Warmblood stallion by Glamourdale x Sandra, currently schooling Fourth Level and bravely dipping his toes into the Prix St. George waters.

While Georgi may be polishing his changes and discovering collection, his personality is anything but serious. He’s the biggest puppy dog ever — the kind that has stuffed animals in his stall and greets life as a full-time social butterfly. Talent and teddy bears? Yes, please.

A Not-So-Straight Path to Dressage

Avery’s riding journey didn’t start with white breeches and braided manes. She grew up riding Western, then fell head-over-heels for jumping. Dressage wasn’t even on the radar—until former board member Gina von der Burg changed everything.

Gina was the very first person to ever put Avery in a dressage saddle. Lessons took place on her grandparents’ ranch in Santa Ynez, where Avery was tiny, determined, and—thanks to Gina—rewarded with a jump at the end of her dressage lesson. (Because let’s be honest, that’s how you hook a kid for life.)

Those early years on the ranch weren’t just about riding. Her family and Gina instilled something far more lasting: horsemanship. Caring for horses properly, always putting them first, and understanding that they’re partners, not tools. It might explain why Avery went on to rescue so many horses later on—once a horse kid, always a horse kid.

Dressage Dreams, the Right Way

Today, Avery trains with Larisa Mantor and Albrecht Heidemann, and she proudly credits them for shaping her as a rider. In just five years with Larisa, Avery has already earned her USDF Bronze Medal and half of her Silver, a testament not only to dedication but to thoughtful, correct training.

Ask Avery about Larisa, and you’ll hear one word again and again: magic. Larisa is, in Avery’s words, “the absolute definition of a great horsewoman”—the kind of trainer who inspires confidence, patience, and belief in the process.

Because One Discipline Is Never Enough

As if schooling PSG weren’t enough, Avery recently returned to barrel racing after a 10-year break—this time on a mare she rescued. Because why not balance half-passes with horsepower and turn speed?

Outside the saddle, Avery is finishing her undergraduate degree at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, with plans to apply to school to become a Naturopathic Doctor. Clearly, caring for horses—and people—runs deep.

Why Community Matters

When asked what she loves most about Santa Barbara County, the dressage world, and CDS/SBC-CDS, Avery doesn’t hesitate: the community. Whether she’s near or far, the newsletters keep her informed, connected, and feeling part of something bigger — proof that dressage isn’t just a sport, it’s a family.

Looking Ahead

This year, Avery is most excited about showing and events—bringing Georgi out, gaining experience, and continuing the journey one thoughtfully trained step at a time.

From Western roots to dressage medals, from rescued horses to stuffed animals in the stall, Avery Klein’s story is a reminder that the best riders are built on kindness, curiosity, and a whole lot of heart.

And Georgi? He’ll be the one stealing the show… and probably someone’s hat.