DQ Performance Horses

ABOUT DQ

ABOUT

DQ Performance Horses

About DQ Performance Horses
Located in Southern New Jersey, DQ Performance Horses is a premier dressage training and sales operation, dedicated to the correct and effective training of both horse and rider. Owner and head trainer Ana DiGironimo combines classical dressage methods with a modern twist, focusing on developing the foundation for long-term success in the show ring.

Ana DiGironimo - Trainer & FEI Rider

Ana DiGironimo is a USDF Gold, Silver, and Bronze Medal FEI rider with over 27 years of riding experience. Throughout her career, Ana has had the privilege of working with some of the world's most respected trainers, including Steffen Peters, Conrad Schumacher, Allison Brock, Lilo Fore, and Laura Graves. Ana has trained with Lendon Gray since 2000 and continues to work with top international trainers on a monthly basis, ensuring her training methods are always evolving and on the cutting edge.

With her extensive experience and diverse training background, Ana brings a multifaceted approach to training. Her ability to adapt her teaching methods to fit the unique needs of each horse and rider ensures that DQ Performance Horses offers a comprehensive training experience for riders of all levels. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced competitor, Ana's expertise guarantees that you and your horse will thrive.

A Passion for Youth & Education

Ana’s deep love for dressage extends beyond her own success. As a pioneer in training and showing FEI ponies as a child, she is passionate about educating the next generation of riders. Ana is dedicated to fostering talent and building confidence in youth, ensuring they develop a strong understanding of dressage fundamentals and proper horsemanship.

Champions in the Making

Ana’s success in the show ring is matched by her clients’, who have earned multiple championships at prestigious events including:

US Dressage Finals
Dressage at Devon
East Coast Championships
National Dressage Pony Cup
GAIG Championships
BLM Championships
Dressage at Lexington, among others.

Ana’s ability to prepare riders and horses to excel in the competitive world of dressage is unparalleled. From overcoming show nerves to achieving personal goals, Ana’s mentorship and guidance help riders reach their full potential and become champions.

“As a rider and trainer my ultimate goal is to achieve success by having the correct fundamentals of riding and showcasing professionalism at all times. I continue to organize events to give riders the opportunity to work with the top trainers from around the world and with time I hope to be considered a top international dressage trainer.” Give you and your partner the royal treatment and join the DQ Performance Horse Team!!"

~ Ana DiGironimo

Ana DiGironimo

Early Beginnings and Dressage Passion

Ana DiGironimo's love for horses began at the age of three, and from that moment, she never looked back. As a child, she was an active member of the Fox and Hound Pony Club in Mullica Hill, NJ, where she learned essential lessons in horse care, discipline, and teamwork. Her foundation in the sport was built on a strong understanding of both the practical and ethical aspects of horsemanship.

Ana’s natural talent for dressage became evident at the young age of seven, and by the time she was eight, she was already competing in USDF-recognized shows, participating in large symposiums, and attending clinics. Riding her well-known pony Orion, Ana quickly made a name for herself, sweeping open classes up through First Level.

At just ten years old, Ana participated in the inaugural North East Junior Young Rider Championship, which is now widely recognized as Lendon's Youth Dressage Festival. It was at this pivotal moment that Ana caught the attention of renowned trainer Lendon Gray. Impressed by her potential, Lendon took Ana under his wing, marking the beginning of a professional training relationship that would last for years. From that point onward, Ana’s training with Lendon set the stage for her successful career in dressage

Rising Through the Ranks: Early Championships & Milestones

In 2002, Ana reached a significant milestone in her career by competing in the first-ever CDI offering an FEI Pony Division, where she and her pony Orion emerged as winners. This victory marked the beginning of Ana's success at the international level. As Ana continued to progress through the dressage levels with Orion, she also acquired a 10-year-old Cabochon/Ramanova gelding, Cadanz, who would become a major partner in her journey.

Ana and Cadanz made their competition debut at Third Level in 2004, and with continued dedication and fine-tuning, the pair began preparing for the prestigious 2005 USEF National FEI Junior Championship. Under the guidance of Lendon Gray, Ana and Cadanz put on an impressive performance at the USEF Championship at Devon, where they earned the title of Reserve Champions with an outstanding score of 71%.

After this success at Devon, Ana and Cadanz traveled to Kentucky to compete in the first-ever Dressage Seat Medal Championship for riders aged 14-18. With the continued support of her family and Lendon, Ana and Cadanz celebrated yet another victory, further cementing their place in the dressage world. The pair's achievements continued to grow, thanks to the watchful guidance of Lendon and trainer Silke Rembacz, who played a vital role in refining Ana and Cadanz’s partnership.

~ Accomplishments ~

Some of Ana's achievements include:

GAIG Champion 2000-2008 Training Level- Intermediate I

BLM Champion 2005-06 Fourth Level

FEI Juniors, and Fourth Level Musical Freestyle

Dressage Seat Medal Champion 2002 and Reserve Champion 2003

Port Jarvis FEI Pony Champion

USEF National Junior Champion 2005

Copa De Mexico Champion 2005

NAYRC Team member 2006-07

USEF Bayer Festival of Champions FEI JR’s, Yr, and Small Tour 2005-08

National Top 5 Arabian Nationals 2015

East Coast Champion Dressage SHUS 2015

Dressage at Devon 2nd place Suitable to become a dressage horse

Dressage at Devon, Arabian in Hand, Champion 2015

4th place 5 year old Materiale Class, 2015, Scores through 78% 2015

NJHAHA High Score, Third Level + Above 2016

East Coast Champion, Third Level Open 2016

Dressage at Devon Arabian in Hand, Champion 2016

Dressage at Devon, Under Saddle, 6/12 71.8%

Custom Saddlery Sweepstakes Champion 2017

National Dressage Pony Cup, Third Level Freestyle, 3rd Place 2017

National Dressage Pony Cup, Arabian in Hand, Champion 2017

Dressage at Red Tail, Grand Prix Champion 65%, 2017

GIAG Region 8 Championships, Third Level MFS, 5th Place 68.3% 2017

USDF All Breeds Awards, Third Level, 4th Place 2017

National Dressage Pony Cup, 7th Overall, Open Freestyles 73.41%

US Dressage Finals, Third Level MFS 9th Place 2017

Arabian Horse Association Legion of Supreme Honor 2017

Third Level Musical Freestyle, Scoring Through 74% 2018

CBLM Championships, Third Level Division Champion, 2018

CBLM Championships, Third Level MFS Champion, 73.33% 2018

CBLM Overall High Score Musical Freestyle Champion 2018

National Dressage Pony Cup, High Score Champion, 2018

Jovee Pony Championship, Reserve Champion, 2018

GIAG Region 1 Championships. Third Level MFS 7th/20 2018

US Dressage Finals Third Level MFS Overall 18th Nationally 2018

National Dressage Pony Cup, 5th Overall, Open Freestyles 77.739% 2018

National Dressage Pony Cup, 10th Overall, Third Level 70.551% 2018

USDF Final Year End Awards, Third Level MFS Open, 70.300% 31st Nationally 2018

**2019-Current update in progress**

Ana’s Journey and DQ Performance Horses

In 2006, Ana and her horse Cadanz traveled to Wellington, FL, where they trained with Silke Rembacz Dressage. This partnership has been instrumental in Ana’s continued success, with Silke’s mentorship helping Ana achieve her USDF Silver Medal and earn spots on the Region 1 NAYRC Team in both 2006 and 2007. During this time, Ana also enjoyed multiple CDI wins in the Small Tour, further cementing her place as a rising star in dressage.

Although Ana continued to train and ride throughout college, showing was not a priority due to her academic commitments. However, her sights were set on competing in the Brentina Cup when disaster struck: her beloved partner, Cadanz, fell ill. Despite her best efforts to help him overcome a two-year battle with cancer and Cushing’s disease, Ana was unable to save him. This loss was a profound turning point in Ana’s career.

In 2012, Ana found a new partner in a 2-year-old Sinatra Song/Furioso mare, whom she brought up through the levels and later sold locally to help build the foundation for DQ Performance Horses.

In October 2016, Ana had the opportunity to purchase her current partner, Anna Miriah C++—a talented Arabian pony. Together, they have achieved success in the open division, and Ana’s goal is to continue developing their partnership through to Grand Prix.

During this time, Ana also took on the role of Dressage Coordinator for the Fox and Hounds Pony Club in Mullica Hill, NJ, continuing her passion for mentoring young riders. She now runs a successful dressage training and sales program at DQ Performance Horses in Swedesboro, NJ, where she currently trains multiple FEI mounts, preparing them for the 2022 show season.

Academic Background

Ana’s commitment to education extends beyond the arena. She holds a B.A., B.S., and Master's Degree, having attended LaSalle University through 2011 and The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey through 2012.

Ana’s Philosophy

“As a rider and trainer, my ultimate goal is to achieve success by mastering the fundamentals of riding while maintaining professionalism at all times. I strive to give riders the opportunity to work with top trainers from around the world, and in time, I hope to be recognized as a top international dressage trainer myself.”

Join the DQ Performance Horses Team!
Give you and your horse the royal treatment by becoming part of the DQ Performance Horses family. Together, we can achieve your dressage goals and set you on the path to success.

~ Proud Sponsors ~