Dressage Judge in Aiken, SC | Valerie Swygert | Ride-A-Test & Horse Sales
About Valerie
Valerie Swygert is a USEF “r” Dressage Judge and USDF “L” Graduate with Distinction, known for her sharp eye, clear feedback, and ability to help riders understand what truly matters.
Her work is grounded in decades of experience across disciplines and guided by high standards: clarity for the rider, fairness for the horse, and honest guidance—whether in the judge’s booth, at clinics, or during the horse selection process.
“Valerie is simply the best.
Her professionalism, knowledge, and dedication to her clients are unmatched.”
Dressage Judging
Contact Valerie to schedule your next friendly, well-respected and low-maintenance judge and clinician!
Judging that tells you the truth.
Valerie Swygert is known for giving clear, constructive comments on every single movement—so riders understand not only what was scored, but why, and what to change next time.
Every score holds meaning.
No guessing. No vague feedback.
Just a direct line between what you rode and what the judge saw.
Credentials
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USEF Dressage Judge “r”
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USDF “L” Graduate with Distinction
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Certified in Musical Freestyle & Dressage Seat Equitation
Ride-A-Test
Ride with clarity. Train with purpose.
Valerie offers both traditional dressage clinics and Ride-a-Test formats, giving riders multiple ways to deepen their understanding and improve their results.
Known for her clear, understandable explanations, Valerie teaches the precise mechanics of rider position and the timing of the aids—helping riders develop consistency, fairness, and true communication with their horses.
Whether in a structured test setting or a more traditional lesson format, her focus remains the same: rider biomechanics, effective aids, and building a harmonious partnership that holds up both in and out of the ring.
All levels of riders and all breeds of horses are welcome.
Ride & Train With Intention
Choose between Ride-a-Test clinics or traditional dressage instruction—both designed to give you clear, usable insight into your riding.
Understand What Your Horse Feels
Refine rider position, biomechanics, and timing of the aids so your communication becomes consistent, fair, and effective.
Build a Partnership That Works
Develop harmony that holds up in the ring and beyond—creating rides that feel better, not just score better.
Horse
Sales
The right match is not a guess.
From beginner-safe ponies to quality imports, young prospects to seasoned schoolmasters, Valerie approaches every sale with one priority: finding the right fit for both horse and rider.
Temperament, ability, and long-term suitability come first. With decades of experience and an extensive network, she searches thoroughly and selectively—matching riders with horses that truly suit their goals, preferences, and experience.
Valerie is known for complete transparency. Buyers understand exactly what they’re getting, including both strengths and limitations, as well as full clarity around commissions.
With well over a hundred horses successfully placed, she values efficiency and integrity—never wasting a buyer’s time with horses that don’t meet their needs, and never compromising on honest representation.
Testimonials
I want to tell you how much I enjoyed our lessons this winter. You helped me a lot and have a great knack for communicating with your clients. You are also a very fair and encouraging judge.
-Catherine
winter resident from Virginia
On winning an association year end award:
"It's because you are so awesome and have such a huge passion for what you do. Thanks for being my trainer!"
-Tina
"Everyone that is a part of "Team Jasmine" owes so much to our Wonderful Mentor, Trainer, Coach, Advisor, and most of all "FRIEND" Valerie Swygert, who truly makes the sport of Dressage fun. You should and deserve to be so proud of yourself and your students. The proof is always in the pudding."
-Carol
"Love you Val! We all could not have accomplished any of this without your help and knowledge and always your belief in us. We can do anything because we know you believe we can!"
-Elizabeth Shea
"Thanks for being my teacher, consultant, crazy horse catcher, advisor, horsemanship leader, and best trainer in the world!"
-Cassondra
"You have a gift for teaching, and it is obvious you love what you do and you really care about your horses. Anyone who knows you, knows what great care you take of your animals and how honest and up front you are."
-Lynda
"You opened worlds to us we'd never have experienced and made him a legend in the eyes of his admirers who never knew any other dressage horse. He definitely has a fan club here."
-Vulcan's owner
S judge comment after he judged Valerie ride a Prix St. Georges test, as repeated to me by the scribe:
“At the end, he asked if I knew you and I said yes. He then said you were a very nice, quiet rider and you were too humble, and he enjoyed the harmony between you and Ali.”
"Treated myself to an early birthday present...a GREAT dressage lesson on Whirlybird with Valerie Swygert...I already knew she was a wonderful dressage rider herself and an excellent judge but boy is she a FABULOUS instructor...uses great analogies and breaks down the pyramid of dressage training in an easy to understand manner:-) Thank you Valerie"
-Donna
"I've been watching the WEG video from Universal Sports.
As I watch the dressage components I have to thank you for all your training. I mean not just of me and the riding I did, but also as I listened to you explain what was (supposed to be) going on with all levels of dressage.
Your education absolutely allows me to understand what I'm seeing and to compare one horse/rider from another. I'm very grateful!"
-Helen
Elodie, after taking a lesson with a big-name FEI trainer/rider:
"He told me the exact same things you do, gave me some of the exact same exercises to work on that you do. He thinks exactly like you. I loved him, but you will always be #1."
Disclaimer: though I loved hearing the other trainer an I were on the exact same page, I definitely am # 2! But I love that we have such a great personal relationship that she feels this way. -Valerie
"After hearing so many wonderful things about Valerie, I decided to take a lesson. It didn't take me long to realize she has earned her positive reputation.
Not only did I learn a lot from one lesson, but found her to be quite an 'explainarian'; helping me understand her concepts easily. Her new arena is second to none. She is a well welcomed asset to the Lexington area and I will be back for seconds, and thirds, and fourths, etc."
Lisa
"Valerie is simply the best. Her professionalism, knowledge, expertise, and dedication to her students and clients are unparalleled. She is the trainer you always hope you find.
Before I started training with Valerie, I had several unfortunate experiences with other trainers. Plus I was still dealing with emotional and physical injuries from a serious fall from my horse. Essentially, I felt defeated and wondered if I’d ever be able to simply ride my horse--much less realize my dream of moving up the levels of dressage.
Valerie was able to work with my physical limitations and get me past my fears. She was also able to understand they way I learned concepts. Her ability to provide explanations comes from an astute understanding of dressage history and theory and equine biomechanics. And, her ability to motivate me and her genuine belief that I could realize my dreams has provided me with the confidence I needed.
One of the best things she ever said to me was, “If you only believed in yourself as much as I believe in you…” Enormous inspiration came not only from the words, but knowing she truly meant them."
-Betty
"I am a lower level eventer and was stuck in a bit of "training level" rut and not having much fun with dressage. After working with Valerie for the very first time I felt like my dressage work had been jump started.
For the first time in a very long time I was actually enjoying flat work again and feeling like I was making progress. Valerie is so great at being able to see the little flaws in your position that are affecting your horse. She is superb at explaining how and when to make corrections and I absolutely love her imitation of lengthen trot! (If you haven't seen her do it, make sure you ask about it in your next lesson)
She puts her heart and soul into teaching and truly wants her students to excel. She is also patient and kind and hasn't made me cry once! She has inspired me to push myself and my horse to the next level and she has made dressage FUN again!"
-Laurie