Maddie Kanda Training
Meet the Team
Maddie Kanda
​USDF Gold Medalist; Master's Level Working Equitation Rider
I began my equestrian journey as a 2-year-old “horse crazy” toddler who loved doing pony rides! At 8 years old, I attended my first official horseback riding camp, and my love for horses has only grown since.
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Early in my journey, I joined the United States Pony Club (USPC), where I earned my Eventing certifications through C-2 and Dressage certifications through C-3 and HB. Pony Club provided the foundation for the horse management and safety skills I now teach my clients. The confidence and knowledge I gained through USPC inspired me to take on the challenge of training rescue horses. I participated in the Minnesota Hooved Animal Rescue Foundation’s Trainers Challenge, where trainers worked with previously rescued horses for just 150 days before showcasing their progress. In 2014, I placed 4th overall with my first rescue horse, Raayna, and in 2015, I placed 3rd with my Spanish Mustang mare, Bug. Both horses were successfully adopted the same day as the competition.
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My love of Dressage has come full circle, culminating in my first Grand Prix test in May 2023. My horse, B-Squared (“Billy Bob”), and I have been a team since 2010, when we rode in our first recognized Dressage show together. Over the years, we’ve earned USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medals, as well as the Silver Medal Freestyle Bar.
Together, we’ve won numerous championship classes at the National Dressage Pony Cup, CSDEA Championships, and earned many year-end awards. Despite B-Squared’s small stature and average gaits, we persevered and achieved our goals, even when others doubted his potential in Dressage. This journey fuels my passion for helping ponies, small horses, and non-traditional breeds excel both in and out of the dressage ring.
Read more about our journey to the Grand Prix here: The Yellow Brick Road to Gold
Although Dressage is at the heart of my training philosophy, I’ve successfully applied these fundamentals in other areas. In 2013, I began working with the St. Paul Police Mounted Patrol Unit, training new members with little or no riding experience. For the past four years, I’ve served as the riding instructor for the Minneapolis Police Mounted Patrol Unit, training over 20 officers in riding and horse care. These experiences have given me a unique perspective that I incorporate into my training programs, helping horses and riders build confidence in various situations.
After earning my USDF Gold Medal, I retired B-Squared from upper-level Dressage to embark on a new journey together: Working Equitation. Despite minimal cattle experience, we entered our first recognized Working Equitation competition in 2024 at the Advanced level and quickly fell in love with the sport. By the end of the season, we moved up to the Masters level, the highest level in Working Equitation.
Through each chapter of my equestrian journey, I strive to inspire and empower riders and horses to reach their full potential, no matter their background or starting point.
Raiyne Simich
Working Student
Raiyne started riding at the age of 6 and immediately fell in love with all aspects of caring for horses. From an early age, she knew that developing a bond with horses was very special. At the age of 13, Raiyne purchased her 1st horse, an ex-foxhunting mare named Snapdragon. Raiyne and Snappy began their recognized Dressage Show careers together in 2025 where they qualified to compete at the USDF Region 4 Championships at 1st Level, 1st Level Musical Freestyle and Dressage Seat Equitation.
Raiyne loves to spend as much time at the barn possible- training, grooming, trail riding, and more! In the future, she aspires to show through the FEI levels and become a professional. Raiyne is always looking to expand her knowledge, whether it be auditing dressage lessons & clinics, volunteering, and showing.
K9 Lucca
Official Assistant & Mascot
Lucca is Maddie's task-trained service dog, as well as her constant partner at the barn and at home. Maddie's prior career as a first responder left her with PTSD which would greatly impact her daily life if not for the help of Lucca. When he has a vest on and is working, he is very focused and serious, but as soon as the vest comes off he loves to play with his ball and create chaos!
