Professional dressage rider Genay Vaughn has had her sights set on the world stage for as long as she can remember. She first sat on a horse at just four years old, beginning what would become a lifelong partnership with both the sport and her mother, accomplished rider and trainer Michele Vaughn. Together, they operate the family-owned Starr Vaughn Equestrian Center in Elk Grove, Calif.

“My mom is the foundation of it all,” Genay said. “She has trained me my entire life and is such a huge part of everything we do whether it’s working with riders or choosing, breeding or developing horses. She’s there through it all.”

While not every athlete thrives under the guidance of a parent, Genay credits that relationship as one of her greatest advantages. Michele has instilled in her not only strong technical skills, but also confidence, resilience and a long-term perspective.

That foundation began to pay off early. At just 21, Genay earned a coveted spot on the first-ever U.S. Under-25 Grand Prix team to compete in Europe, riding the talented stallion Donarweiss GGF. The experience marked a pivotal moment in her career, providing valuable international exposure and a firsthand understanding of the precision and consistency required to compete on the global stage. She went on to represent the United States abroad in the U25 division, including appearances at Rotterdam and Hagen in 2015.

With an impressive 87 FEI starts, Genay has been a consistent and respected representative of the West Coast for more than a decade, earning recognition for her talent, reliability and dedication to the sport. In 2017, she returned to international competition as a member of the U.S. Dressage CDIOU25 Team at the FEI Dressage Nations Cup, where she and Donarweiss GGF helped secure a team silver medal.

Genay made her Grand Prix debut with her current mount, Gino, in Wellington, Fla., in 2023, marking the beginning of a highly successful partnership. Since then, the pair has collected numerous victories, including sweeping both the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle at FEI Dressage World Cup CDI-W competitions in Myakka City, Fla.; Thermal, Calif., and Del Mar, Calif. Their consistent performances ultimately secured their qualification for the 2025 FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Basel, Switzerland, thus achieving a lifelong dream for Genay. There, she delivered a freestyle performance that showcased not only technical excellence, but also the strength of their partnership.

“I am very hands-on, especially with Gino,” she said. “I do a lot more grooming and care than people might expect. In fact, I’m his primary groom, and I think that only strengthens our partnership.”

That hands-on approach reflects a broader philosophy within the Vaughn program, one that prioritizes relationship-building as much as results. For Genay, success isn’t defined solely by scores or ribbons but by the quality of the experience she shares with her horse.

“Success is going out there and truly enjoying every moment with your horse in the ring,” she explained. “The awards are wonderful, but that connection? That’s the real win.”

As she continues to develop as a rider, Genay is placing increased emphasis on the mental side of competition. She has been actively studying sports psychology, working to manage pressure, stay present and approach each ride with clarity and confidence. It’s a shift that reflects the evolving demands of elite sport, where mindset can be just as important as physical preparation.

Equally important to her success is the support system surrounding her, including her partnership with LEGIS Equine.

“Being sponsored by LEGIS Equine means working with a team that truly understands our industry,” Genay said. “They provide exceptional customer service and I can always rely on them to meet my needs. Their staff is knowledgeable, responsive and genuinely invested in supporting riders like me.”

Looking ahead, Genay remains focused on continued growth both in the ring and within her program. With a strong foundation, a dedicated team and an unwavering belief in her goals, she has her sights set on one day representing the United States at the Olympic Games.