ABOUT BELLIS
We are always trying to improve, and as a result, we are constantly evolving as horsemen and women. Our training program is built to let our horses be horses, from turning out in large pastures to going on trail rides.
We develop top exercises and individualized lessons for our clients at home, facilitating corresponding success in the show ring while respecting the fact that our horses are athletes who need proper down time as well. We are committed to training our clients to be better mentally and physically for their horses, since we believe that we owe it to our horses to be the best versions of ourselves when we are riding.
We are very much a goal-oriented program. While one of our favorite mottos is “treat winning and losing just the same,” especially since our sport can be a game of inches, we are definitely focused on progress in the show ring. As a result, we are looking for motivated, hard working clients to add to Team Bellis who value competing at a high level in a professional manner.
Our Team
Teamed up with Bellis Show Jumping
Steve Schaefer
Rider | Trainer | Founder
Steve Schaefer comes from a horse family, the son of a farrier and amateur rider. As a young boy, Steve wasn’t interested in the horse scene, but his love for working with animals in the outdoors eventually drew him in. Starting as a junior, Steve moved up quickly under the guidance of Alex Jayne. After a successful start, Steve decided to pursue show jumping as a career and became a professional.
Steve has shown in all divisions of the hunters and jumpers, bringing home numerous Grand Prix victories. Schaefer is well known for his fast jump off rounds, especially in the Midwest. He has brought many young and difficult horses along to the top of the sport.
His list of students includes many success stories, with many starting in the short stirrup divisions and advancing up the ranks to the junior hunters, junior jumpers, and Grand Prixs with Steve's help. These students include Kristen Vanderveen, Taylor McMurtry, Haylie Jayne, Clare Rozran, Molly Struve, and Caelinn Leahy to name a few. His experience in the saddle is a huge asset to his training program allowing him to have the ability to keep horses and riders performing at their best for the competitive show ring.
