APEX RIDING ACADEMY
Meet Our Team
Welcome to Apex located in N. Scottsdale, Arizona
Nationally recognized Apex Riding Academy was founded years ago by Julie Daniel, Owner of Daniel Training Center.
Julie has trained both riders from the beginner to the most accomplished. Julie’s horses and riders have earned countless local, regional, and national level titles in all disciplines. Julie has recently launched a horse-designed blog called Unbridled and is very excited to share all her experience with everyone.
Julie's proven methodology is practiced by Apex's professional Instructors Kasey Moffat & Kari Brooks. Like Julie, Kasey & Kari readily connect to inexperienced, novice, and seasoned riders and can readily articulate the basic hands-on foundation necessary to support learning and understanding the art of horsemanship correctly and most importantly, how to do it safely.
Apex Riding Academy is conveniently located in North Scottsdale in a breathtaking new facility at Scottsdale Road and Dynamite Blvd
Kasey Moffat (Trainer/Performance Instructor)
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.
Lauren Stephenson (Trainer/Academy Instructor)
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 (Head Beginner Instructor)
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.
Jacy Prestinario (Academy & Intermediate Instructor)
Meet Jacy Prestinario, our stellar addition to the team! With over fifteen years of riding and equitation experience, Jacy started showing horses competitively at the age of five, after starting as a toddler. She honed her skills with top Saddlebred and Arabian establishments across the country, before landing back in Scottsdale. Her passion now lies in sharing her extensive knowledge with her students, and fostering strong and confident rider-horse bonds.
Not only is Jacy an accomplished equestrian, but she also owns two businesses, and is currently pursuing a degree in Environmental Science, after being awarded a scholarship to the University of Arizona. We are thrilled to have Jacy as a part of our DTC and Apex family, and knew she was the perfect fit as soon as she said, "I look forward to watching magic happen and making dreams come true"!
Violet Jessop (Beginner Instructor)
Violet’s love for horses began at a young age. She started showing Arabian and Half Arabian horses competitively when she was six years old, transitioning from Saddleseat to Rodeo and Queening in her teens. Violet also dedicated herself to the National FFA Organization for four years where she competed across the state of Utah as part of the Horse Judging Team. Moreover, she practiced vet and farrier work through her high school years. Her dedication was rewarded with scholarships from both FFA and UCTA, which made pursuing a career in the horse industry more achievable for her. Now, Violet is living out her dreams by teaching young riders about equestrianism and all it has to offer. She loves passing on her knowledge and experience to the next generation of horse lovers.
We are very excited to have her join us at Apex Riding Academy! We know the kids will love working with such an experienced and passionate equestrian coach. Welcome aboard, Violet! We are thrilled to have you as part of the team here at Apex Riding Academy.