About Us

Shady Lane Farm is operated by Alexandra "Alex" Dunaif. Alex has been involved in the world of horses since the age of three. She has since been permanently linked to the equine community. She managed Thoroughbred Breeding Farms and trained with the United States Equestrian Team. Alex has won numerous equestrians shows such as the A.S.P.C.A Maclay Finals at Madison Square Garden and United States Equestrian Team Gold Medal for winning 20 U.S.E.T Junior Equitation classes, just to name a few. But her love of teaching drove a passion to open a friendly family equestrian facility. Alex started Shady Lane Farm in May of 93'. Her vision was to establish a riding academy full of fun for today's youth while providing proper etiquette and instruction.

Alex began riding at the age of three. Since that time she has been invovled in many aspects of the equine world from syndications and limited partnerships to managing Thoroughbred Breeding Farms and training with the Unitided States Equestrian Team.

Alex's first major win came with her pony Diny in 1965 when they were Pleasure Horse Champion at the Sleepy Hollow Country Club Horse Show. Since that time Alex has enjoyed many successes mainly while training with Judy Richter of Coker, but the most coveted include

1974- Winner ASPCA Maclay Finals at Madison Square Garden. Alex was the first rider of only two to go first in the order and win. Alex is the only rider to go first in the order throughout the entire class and tests and win.

1974- Awarded Sports Illustrated Award of merit. 1975- Winner United States Equestrian Team Gold Medal for winning 20 USET Junior Equitation classes.

1976- Chosen from the Olympic Screening Trials to train with the United States Equestrian Team. Helped prepare horses for the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. 1980- 2nd the International Jumping Derby at Newport, R.I. (Alex's horse Sudden Death has the best record for wins at the Speed Derby with 2 wins (one in record time), one 2nd and 2 thirds).

- Sudden Death was also loaned to the Team for Joe Fargis to compete at Washington International Horse Show.

1996- Finished 7th in zone 2 for Horse of the Year standings in the Green Conformation Hunters with Sportiva.

1997- Finished 4 th in zone 2 for Horse of the Year standings in the Green Conformation Hunters with Sportiva. Qualified for Pennsylvania National, Washington International and the National Horse Show.

Alex brings her vast experience with some of the world's top trainers and her formula for success directly into her own teaching programs. She has had many successful students from short stirrup to the Medal and Maclay. She has also helped bring along many top US horses and ponies including Farnley's Blueberry Waffles, King of Hearts, The Debutante, Thief of Hearts, Trinket, Make Me Smile, My Tiara, Sportiva and Sudden Death.