“The Ride of Your Life”

Keynote Presentation

What Horses Teach Us About Teamwork, Resilience, and Success

What if the secret to stronger teams, authentic leadership, and lasting success didn’t come from a boardroom—but from a horse?

In this powerful and inspiring keynote, Susanna Dussling shares how her journey with profound hearing loss—and her partnership with horses—revealed the true keys to communication, connection, and performance. Through compelling storytelling and real-life lessons from the arena, audiences discover how to build trust, embrace differences, and create truly unified, high-performing teams.

Blending professional insight with unforgettable horse experiences, Susanna introduces her proven “5 P’s” for success—Passion, Purpose, Preparation, Perseverance, and Positivity—showing how they apply to business, leadership, and life.

This isn’t just a talk—it’s a mindset shift.

Because when you learn to lead without words, embrace what makes you different, and align your actions with your goals…
you don’t just succeed—

You create “The Ride of your Life. 🐎”

“Actions Speak Louder than Words“

Experiential Learning Workshop

Experience learning in its most authentic form—no slides, no scripts, just real connection. In this half- or full-day workshop, horses become your teachers, offering immediate feedback that sharpens leadership, builds trust, and transforms how you communicate and lead.

My Story

From the moment my dad put me on a pony at a weekend fair, I was hooked—I refused to get off, even after multiple rides.

I rode throughout my youth, but life eventually pulled me away. Still, my love for horses never faded. After college, I found my way back—and more than 20 years later, the journey is still going strong.

Horses have taken me on a path filled with challenges, growth, and unforgettable moments. It’s been a ride full of twists and turns… and without a doubt, the journey of a lifetime. 🐎

I later discovered an Arabian Saddleseat barn—and from that moment on, I never looked back.

Along the way, I was fortunate to own two incredible show horses: B.A. Megiddo, my once-in-a-lifetime heart horse, and Supreme Chance, a talented Half-Arabian/Saddlebred. They weren’t just horses—they were partners in growth, resilience, and unforgettable memories.

When I wasn’t working, I was at the barn—immersed in learning, training, and surrounding myself with some of the best in the industry. Through life’s inevitable ups and downs, the barn became more than a place—it became my refuge.

Years later, I set a bold goal: to purchase a young Arabian prospect, train him myself, show him, and successfully sell him. Achieving that goal remains one of my proudest accomplishments.

Today, I’m grateful to continue doing what I love—riding, showing, training, and teaching with Arabians, Morgans, and American Saddlebreds.

SaddleSeat Community

I am the founder of the SaddleSeat Community, a growing online space created to connect riders, trainers, and enthusiasts who share a passion for the discipline. What began as a vision for deeper connection within the Saddle Seat world has evolved into a vibrant community centered on learning, encouragement, and shared experience.

At the heart of the SaddleSeat Community is its signature live Zoom series, Inside the Horseman’s Mind. These events feature renowned judges, trainers, and industry professionals who share powerful insight into mindset, performance, and horsemanship at the highest level. Each session brings riders together in real time for meaningful conversation, education, and inspiration—building both skill and confidence in and out of the arena.

To learn more or become part of the community, visit https://saddleseatcommunity.com . Step into a place where riders grow, connect, and elevate the sport together—Ride. Reset. Repeat.

“Horse lessons are Life Lessons” SD

Do you like inspirational and motivational tips related to horses, but easily applicable to life. Go to Susanna’s Equestrian Facebook Page

Susanna’s Online Equestrian Social Links: