This week’s Practical Horseman Podcast episode, sponsored by Equi-Analytical, is with hunter/jumper trainer and rider Amanda Steege. We talked to Amanda in mid-March as the winter circuit was winding down for her, her clients and her horses after solid performances at the World Equestrian Center – Ocala.

To give you a little more background on Amanda, she grew up on her parents Red Acre Farm in Stow, Massachusetts. Amanda had a successful junior career in the equitation, hunter and jumper rings, then she went off to Boston College to figure out her future, only riding during the summers. After earning a psychology degree in 1998, she returned to the horse world ready to take the leap into becoming a professional. Amanda worked for several trainers before going off on her own and starting her premier hunter/jumper show, training and sales business, Ashmeadow Farm, based in Ocala, Florida, and Califon, New Jersey.

Over the years, Amanda has had several top results in the hunter ring with horses such as Unseen, Candlelight, Kingpin, Mirror Image, Balou and, most recently, Laffite de Muze. With “Lafitte,” Amanda has won the 2021 $50,000 World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Peter Wetherill Palm Beach Hunter Spectacular, 2024 and 2025 $25,000 USHJA International Hunter Derby at the Upperville Colt & Horse Show, 2025 High Performance Hunter Champion title at the Devon Horse Show and is a three-time winner of the WCHR Professional Challenge (2018, 2024 and 2025)—just to name a few of their results.

In our discussion, Amanda talks about what she enjoys about the hunter discipline, her training philosophy, her special partnership with Lafitte and more.

Amanda Steege and Lafitte de Muze compete in the Performance Hunter 3’6″ Stake during Week 6 of the 2026 Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida. ©Sportfot

About This Episode’s Sponsor, Equi-Analytical

At Equi-Analytical, we know the importance of a well-balanced diet for your horse. Our laboratory can test hay, pasture, water or any type of feed you give to your horse and provide a nutrient analysis report. This information is significant for the well-being of your horse. To learn more or submit a sample for testing, visit equi-analytical.com today!