Rolling Hills Equestrian Center Staff
 

Paulina Taylor

*USEA certified instructor*

Paulina started riding at the tender age of two in her hometown of Helsinki, Finland. She was taught in the classical European riding method and was strongly influenced by many European Olympic Masters, such as Kyra Kyrklund, Hubertus Schmidt, Christopher Wegelius and Piia Pantsu, just to name a few.

Paulina has trained and competed all over the world, including Europe, New Zealand, Middle East and United States. She has over 15 years of competition experience in eventing, dressage, show jumping, combined training, and endurance riding. Upon her arrival in the U.S in early 2002, Paulina, pursued her passion for the sport of eventing with her own green, off the track, TB and brought him through the levels, up to Preliminary. Meanwhile she completed the demanding USEA Instructors Certification Program and applied her talents to instructing throughout the Southeast. Both, she and her students, have won numerous ribbons, from various national horse trials, including the AEC’s . Paulina is a believer in her own continuous education and has completed numerous seminars and clinics taught by some of the top riders, including Joe Fargis, Amy Tryon, Ralph Hill, Mike Winter, Werner Geven and George Morris.

Paulina is recognized for her safe and methodical system of training, and for her fun and effective way with her students. Her goal is not just to provide excellent instruction in riding, but her teaching program is also focused on instilling many valuable “life skills”, such as good organization, self-analysis, critical thinking, teamwork and self-disciple.

Besides horses, Paulina’s, other loves are her daughter Isabella, her two Weimaraners, and her non-horsey husband.

 Steve Castillo

Riding Instructor - Beginner thru Advanced 

A native of South Flordia, Steve Castillo began his riding career abroad at age eleven. Classically trained at such a young age, this opportunity was rare for other Americans seeking the excellent classical training in the United States. The list of internationally renowned trainers he has worked with over the years is vast, and covers three continents and decades. These are: Bruce Harknass, Letty Millar, Hans Moller, Major Anders Lindgren, Jap Pot, Robert Dover, Hilda Gurney, Charles de Kunffy and for many years Kaye Norment-Smarslik to name a few. While attending college and early in his career he evented successfully for many years. During this time he received extensive instruction from Major General Johnathon R. Burton, Jimmy Wofford and Tad Coffin.

Steve is USDF Bronze Medallist and winner of numerous USDF championship awards. There is only one score needed for him to earn the USDF silver medal. He has participated in the Instructor Certification Program and was written a letter of recommendation by Major Lindgren for testing through fourth level. He has also particiated in the USDF L program and is awaiting testing. Having competed at the Grand Prix, his students have also competed at FEI levels and own a few championships of their own. Steve believes that our young riders need a correct beginning and sound basics in order for the US to continue it's success in international competition and enjoys working with children of all ages. A wealth of knowledge and experience, his teaching style has been described as positive and enthusiastic, while diligently adhering to the Training Scale and classical principles.