Introduction: Growing up on a small farm in Jacksonville, Oregon, Mercedes Andazola was put in the saddle at the age of 2, and hasn't stopped riding since. Horses, competitions, and working as a dressage student in the summers composed the backbone of her youth, which manifests itself in her natural ability, technique, and long list of accomplishments today.
At only 23, Mercedes has competed in the sport of dressage for a total of 11 years with multiple high point awards from training through fourth level, has also earned both her bronze and silver USDF medals. She has also brought her current mount (H. Prince William whom she obtained as a 3 year-old ) up through the highest levels in Dressage at an astonishing pace, showing him at Intermediate One in the 2014 Oregon State Championships with a median 2014 score of 65%. Mercedes also has studied the German language for seven years with a minor in German Language studies from the University of Portland where she also studied marketing for three years.
As a teenager, Mercedes spent her summers as a working student for several professionals including Ultimate Piaffe Farm, Jennifer Schrader of Summervale farm, and Deborah Hausman of Quailhurst Estate. In recent years, she has partnered with trainers such as Darci Bayney and Kelly Smith, incorporating dressage into their hunter/jumper programs. Mercedes currently assists dressage trainer Tracie Bjugan of Green Meadow Dressage in Sherwood, OR, and provides training and lessons to many other independent clients in and around the SW Portland area.
