Kacey Donovan

Vice Chair & Treasurer

My riding journey began at the age of six when I was given a free Shetland pony. As every horse owner knows, nothing is truly free when it comes to owning an equine partner. I knew very little about horsemanship, nutrition, tack fitting, or proper care, but I was completely in love. I named her Cinnamon, and we were inseparable. With only a bridle and no saddle, I rode bareback for years, gripping with my legs so tightly that I wore the hair off her withers. I owned Cinnamon until I was twelve years old, when I had quite literally outgrown her.
In eighth grade, I acquired my first event horse, Galileo. He was a confident and courageous partner, and together we competed in eventing throughout high school. I am grateful that my mother, who faithfully waited at the end of every cross-country course, never knew just how high the fences were that we were jumping. Galileo remained my partner until his passing at the age of 29. He will always be my heart horse.
For the past several years, I have been training a Kiger Mustang–Andalusian cross that I purchased ten years ago. At the time, he was just three years old and had not even been halter-broken. I have cherished the journey we have shared as we progressed through dressage and are now schooling Second Level. My goal is to earn my Bronze Medal with him while continuing to develop the incredible partnership we have built together.
I joined CDS in 2013 and recently began serving as Vice Chair and Treasurer of the Sacramento Valley Chapter in January 2026. I look forward to getting to know and supporting our chapter members while contributing to the continued growth and success of our dressage community.