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About Us

For more than 30 years Pam Nelson  and Heidi Gaian  have been training clients and horses at all levels through Grand Prix. Together they have produced countless Regional & National Championship winners, Grand Prix horses, NAYC competitors & Medalist and USDF Gold Medal winning riders.

Pam and Heidi also specialized in matching dressage riders with quality dressage horses.  They offered talented horses for sale, ranging from young prospects to confirmed Grand Prix competitors. More than 85 of these special horses have been selected by and imported by their longtime business partner, German Reitmaster, Johann Hinnemann.

Following Pam's passing, Heidi moved her training business to Gilroy Gaits, 7777 Frazier Lake Road, Hollister, California 95023.  Gilroy Gaits is a short drive south of San Jose (one hour from the San Jose International Airport).  Gilroy Gaits offers a  private over-sized training arena, an over-sized indoor arena,  14  x 16 stalls, many turn-outs, 3 round pens, eurociser, client gym, locker rooms, etc.

Lessons and Training are available from Heidi for both horses and riders at all levels. Lessons are available for clients that keep their horses at Gilroy Gaits and for haul-ins. Clients are also welcome to bring their horses and stay for a few days, a week, or longer.  We also travel to shows with our group of Championship and Medal winning clients.  You can learn more about our clients and horses at  VR's GALAXY of CHAMPIONS

Pam Nelson with KWPN Stallion Volkmar

Pam Nelson 1944-2022

  • Founder of Villa Rosa Dressage
  • USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medalist
  • USEF “S” Dressage Judge - Retired
  • FEI Level Coach
  • 5 Years on USET Grand Prix Short List
  • 1987 Young Riders Chef d’Equippe winning Team Gold Medal
  • Grand Prix Horses trained & shown by Pam: Dublin, Volkmar, Revelation, Valentyn
  • Pam has trained numerous clients to the Grand Prix Level, including: Nancy Szakacs, Heidi Gaian, Allida Taylor, Zola DaVirro, Marion Shippey, Sabrina Wood, Sharon Ghirladucci and Lisa DenDulk.
Heidi Gaian riding Chicago

Heidi Gaian riding Chicago

Heidi Gaian

  • USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist
  • USDF Freestyle Gold Bar Recipient
  • USEF “S” Dressage Judge
  • FEI Level Coach

Experienced FEI competitor...

  • Has competed more than 20 FEI Level horses including 8 Grand Prix horses
  • Represented the USA at 2013 Nation's Cup Wellington, FL and 2006 CDI Sydney, Australia2019 CDS Horse of the Year Grand Prix Champion
  • 2019 USDF Region 7 Intermediate II Champion
  • 2019 USDF Region 7 Grand Prix Reserve Champion
  • 2019 USDF National Vintage Cup Champion - Professional - Intermediate I
  • 2017 CDS Horse of the Year Grand Prix Freestyle Champion
  • 2009 3rd in US National Developing PSG Horse Championships
  • Winner of more than 20 Year-End Regional Champions & Reserve Champions.
  • Winner Del Mar National Grand Prix Freestyle
  • Several Years on US Developing Rider List

FEI Level Coach ...

  • Heidi has trained numerous clients to the Grand Prix Level, helping them earn their USDF Gold Medals.
  • She has coached several clients to success Nationally and Internationally including:
  • NAJRYC Medal Winners
  • US Dressage Finals Competitors
  • USA Nations Cup Riders and a Brentina Cup Winner.
  • Her clients have earned more than 100 Regional Champions & Reserve Champions. And upwards of 20 National Champions.

Heidi is pictured above with Chicago competing at the 2009 US National Developing PSG Horse Championships.

Heidi is available for training, lessons, clinics, sale/purchase consulting & judging.

Heidi currently teaches monthly clinics at several locations around the Bay Area and USA.  Please visit our CALENDAR page to see the locations and organizers contact info.

Contact Heidi (831) 297-2621 . [email protected]

Johann Hinnemann

Johann Hinnemann

 Johann Hinnemann

One of the best known and most sought after dressage trainers in the world, “Jo” Hinnemann is known for his decisive and structured approach to riding and training. He has been the Coach for the German, Dutch National Teams and Canadian Olympic Team. In addition, Jo has coached numerous riders to international success, including:  Coby Van Baalen, Steffen Peters, Christine Trauring, Kathleen Raine, Marlies van Baalen & Leone Brammel.

In 1986 Jo won the team gold and individual bronze medal at the Dressage World Championships. In 1987 he won the team gold and individual bronze medal at the European Dressage Championships. He has numerous Grand Prix wins at the top European competitions. In 1996 Jo was awarded the rarely bestowed title of Reitmeister (Master Rider).

Pam & Heidi have enjoyed the privledge of being business partners with Johann Hinnemann for more than 30 years.  Through this partnership Jo has selected and imported more than 70 horses for Villa Rosa Dressage.  And has offered us the privilege of hosting Jo for several clinics per year at Villa Rosa Dressage.

Our Team

Our Facilities

  • Full-size dressage arena
  • Over-sized indoor arena
  • 16 x 14 stalls
  • Turn-outs
  • Round Pens
  • 24-hour on-site security.
  • Stalls cleaned 2x per day