Apex Riding Academy, nationally recognized and founded by Julie Daniel, the owner of Daniel Training Center, has a long-standing reputation for excellence. Julie's expertise has guided riders of all levels, leading to numerous accolades at local, regional, and national levels across various disciplines. Recently, Julie has launched a new equestrian lifestyle blog, R.I.D.E, offering insights and experiences to all enthusiasts.
Julie's acclaimed methods are embodied by Apex's skilled instructors, Kasey Moffat and Lauren Stephenson. Both instructors have grown up within Julie's program, adding a special touch to their teaching approach. With a shared passion for horsemanship, Kasey and Lauren excel in connecting with riders of diverse backgrounds and skill levels. They emphasize a hands-on foundation that prioritizes safety and skill development.
Centrally located in North Scottsdale, Apex Riding Academy resides in a stunning facility on Dynamite Boulevard.
For more than 15 years, Kasey has been a dedicated trainer, rider, and competitor in the world of Arabian horses. As a key member of the Daniel Training Center, she provides invaluable guidance and instruction to all who come through their doors.
Teaming up with Julie, Kasey has helped countless clients reach their ultimate goals, earning top honors at the national level. She is also a co-leader of the prestigious Apex Riding Academy, where she specializes in coaching intermediate to advanced riders. Thanks to Kasey's expertise and guidance, her students have achieved success at all levels of competition, from the Academy to Class A and National shows.
Meet Lauren Stephenson - a dedicated individual who has put in an immense amount of effort into pursuing her passion in the equestrian world. Having worked her way up from a junior instructor and trainer, Lauren has done it all - from grunt work to grooming at shows and even competing with her own horse. After graduating from an Equine-based High School, Lauren has now landed a coveted Assistant Trainer position at our farm. With her regional and national titles in Country Pleasure, English Pleasure, showhack, side-saddle, and costume, Lauren is all set to take on her new role as the Lead Academy Instructor and Assistant Trainer at Apex Riding Academy and Daniel Training Center. Her aim is to continue evolving and thriving in the Arabian horse community while inspiring and nurturing a new generation of confident riders.
Connie Meeks's passion for horses ignited during her childhood, nurtured by the unwavering support of her father. Growing up, horses were a constant presence in her life, and at the young age of 14, she embarked on a remarkable journey by joining a Grand Prix barn in Ohio. This experience exposed Connie to the world of high-level equestrianism, laying the foundation for her future endeavors. In 1999, Arizona beckoned Connie with its vibrant equestrian community, prompting her to make a significant move. Over the years, her dedication to the equestrian arts led her to explore an array of riding styles, including Hunt Seat, Saddleseat, Western Pleasure, and even pleasure driving. Connie's versatility and eagerness to expand her expertise allowed her to develop into a well-rounded rider. In pursuit of her dreams, Connie fulfilled a lifelong ambition in 2001 by opening Meeks Arabians in Chino Valley, Arizona. Specializing in Hunt Seat, Equation, and Jumping, she curated a comprehensive training program suitable for riders of all levels – from beginners seeking to establish a solid foundation to competitive riders striving for excellence.
Later, Connie made a move to southwest Missouri, where she continued operating Meeks Arabians, leaving an indelible mark on the local equestrian community for many years. Now, she is thrilled to return to her cherished Arizona, embracing the opportunity to become a valuable member of the esteemed Apex team. Her return to Arizona and collaboration with Apex Riding Academy promises an exciting chapter filled with growth, inspiration, and extraordinary equestrian experiences.
Olivia Rush, a Phoenix native with a deep-rooted love for horses, embarked on her equestrian journey at the tender age of 8 under the guidance of Michelle Mcvey. With over two decades of experience in the saddle, Olivia's passion for equines has only grown stronger. Her formative years spent honing her skills while riding American Saddlebreds alongside Michelle set the stage for a lifelong dedication to the equestrian world.
Venturing into her twenties, Olivia's unwavering love for horses led her to pursue a degree in Equine Science at William Woods University, solidifying her academic foundation in equine studies. Immersing herself in the industry, Olivia sought hands-on experience through internships with esteemed professionals such as Roman and Cayce Marcos at Marcos Stables, and Kellie Wendling and Dalton Budd at Select Show Horses.
Post-graduation, Olivia's passion for nurturing young riders and fostering equestrian talent propelled her to Society Hill Farm in Falmouth, Maine. For seven rewarding years, she devoted herself to building and expanding a thriving lesson program, shaping budding equestrians and guiding them to success in competitions throughout New England. Olivia's mentorship and dedication bore fruit as many of her students went on to achieve commendable recognition, including securing world and national titles in the competitive Morgan industry.
After an 11-year hiatus away from her Phoenix roots, Olivia has returned to familiar grounds, eager to reunite with family and explore new horizons with the accomplished team at DTC and Apex. The team at Apex is ready for her expertise and boundless passion for horses.. Olivia's diverse background, vast experience, and genuine love for horses of all breeds promise to enhance the equestrian community and elevate the Apex experience to new heights.