Grand prix competitor Hillary Dobbs will join Frank Madden as an assistant trainer at Old Salem Farm in North Salem, N.Y.

“I am excited to train talented equestrians on fundamentals, good horsemanship, perseverance and hard work,” said Dobbs. The 24-year-old hails from Sussex, N.J., where she began riding at age 4 on her family farm.

The youngest rider to win more than $1,000,000 in prize money, Dobbs’ accolades include receiving the U.S. Equestrian Team’s prestigious Lionel Guerrand-Hermès Trophy and the Maxine Beard Show Jumping Developing Rider Award. She won the 2008 Hampton Classic Grand Prix/FEI World Cup Qualifier (N.Y.) and the 2008 Swedbank Derby, thereby becoming the youngest rider in history to win these classes. Dobbs finished in the top 20 at the Rolex/FEI World Cup Finals (Nevada) in 2009, and earned a spot on the U.S. Equestrian Federation Show Jumping Long List for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games (Ky.).

Dobbs, a recent graduate of Harvard University (Mass.), is looking forward to starting her training career at Old Salem Farm, which is located an hour north of New York City. It is home to the American Gold Cup, and over the years has played host to major international competitions, including selection trials for U.S. Equestrian Teams for World Championships and Olympic Games.

“Teaching at Old Salem Farm is an honor that allows me to guide young riders and instill a competitive spirit in them that fosters the next generation of hunter/jumper competitors while continuing to pursue my own goals in the Grand Prix ring,” said Dobbs. Dobbs has spent most of her life around horses and credits her parents Debi and Lou Dobbs and her twin sister Heather for supporting her passion. Hillary plans to continue riding competitively with her eye on several upcoming Grand Prix classes.

Madden, head trainer at Old Salem Farm, is very excited about the addition of Hillary to his team. Madden says, “Without question, Hillary Dobbs is one of the greatest young riders in the sport today. Her accomplishments read like those of a rider who is a decade older than she is. Hillary brings a spirit, professionalism and passion to Old Salem that will excite and benefit all of our clients. We are very proud to have her joining our team.”

“The next several months will be a busy time as I settle into the year ahead with great expectations for success with my students as together we prepare for our next events,” Hillary said. “I am humbled to have a great position at an exceptional farm with leaders that have a terrific vision backed by passion and dedication to carve a path for the future success of our sport.”