About Us
40+
Years of Combined Experience
100+
Partnerships Made
Improve Your Showjumping Skills with Us
A Partnership Built on Experience, Horsemanship, and Heart
Sean and Livia Steffee are a husband‑and‑wife team with over 40 years of combined experience in the hunter/jumper world. Their careers have taken them from developing young horses to producing national champions, competing at the sport’s most prestigious venues, and guiding riders to their personal best.
At the heart of their program is a clear philosophy: think like your horse, keep it simple, and always put the horse’s well‑being first.
“We teach riders to become true horse people,” says Livia. “They learn to think about their horses as real partners, not just as a vehicle. We have a hyper‑focus on horse care and day‑to‑day well‑being, because if our horses don’t feel their best, they can’t perform at their best.”
Sean’s Story
Sean grew up in Barrington Hills, Illinois, riding ponies on his family’s Hill’n Dale Farm. By age 14, he was already teaching lessons and training horses. While earning his B.A. from Beloit College, he continued training — a passion that led to a pivotal career moment when George H. Morris, U.S. Olympic Chef d’equipe, recruited him as his assistant and demonstration rider in the early 1990s.
From there, Sean built a successful hunter/jumper business, earning major wins including:
- Over 75 Welcome Stakes & Mini Prix wins
- Pin Oak Charity Reliant Grand Prix & International Cup Winner (2004)
- Jump for the Cure Grand Prix Winner (2005)
- Gulf Coast Classic Nutrena Grand Prix Winner (2006)
- International Hunter Derby wins and competitor in the inaugural USHJA International Hunter Derby Finals (2009)
Sean is known for developing horses with long‑term success in mind — creating confident, consistent, and happy athletes.
“We strive to make our clients — and our horses — better every time they enter the ring. For us, it’s not a numbers game; it’s a journey. Most of our clients have been with us for over ten years. They become like family, and we love it that way.”
Livia’s Story
Livia grew up in New Orleans, Louisiana, starting lessons at age six and showing by eight. She competed in equitation until she aged out at 18, then earned her B.A. from Millsaps College. Post‑college, she returned to horses full‑time, with a passion for teaching, training, and barn management.
In 2005, after Hurricane Katrina devastated City Park Stables, Livia played a pivotal role in rebuilding both the facility and the business. She restructured operations, grew the lesson and boarding program, and turned it into a thriving equestrian hub.
Her show ring success includes:
- USHJA National Hunter Derby wins and top International Hunter Derby placings
- Qualifying young horses for 6‑Year‑Old Jumper Finals
- Circuit Championships in Performance Hunters, Pre‑Green Hunters, and Open Jumpers
- Welcome Stakes & Mini Prix wins on client horses
Livia is known for developing riders with correct, effective positions and a deep understanding of their horses.
About Us
Building Steffee Showjumping
Sean and Livia met at City Park Stables in 2008, and it quickly became clear how their skills complemented each other — Sean focusing on the horse’s effectiveness, Livia on the rider’s. Together, they create well‑matched horse‑and‑rider teams ready for success.
In 2010, they were hired as private trainers for a New Orleans family, managing their farm and traveling 10 months of the year on the AA circuit. During this time, they built champions in hunters, jumpers, equitation, and ponies, winning at top shows including:
- Winter Equestrian Festival (WEF)
- Devon
- Pony Finals
- Washington International Horse Show (WIHS)
- Pennsylvania National (Harrisburg)
- The National Horse Show
That same year, they married, and in 2016 welcomed their daughter, Sloane. As their family grew, so did their client base — many of whom have been with them for over a decade. These long‑standing relationships are the heart of their program. Their barn is known for its loyal, supportive, drama‑free environment where clients truly become family.
In 2024, they relocated their business and family to Wellington, Florida, the epicenter of the sport they love. Their five‑acre facility offers the space, amenities, and access to top competition that allow them to continue producing exceptional horses and riders.
The Steffee System
With two trainers offering complementary strengths — one male, one female — Steffee Showjumping delivers a complete education for both horse and rider. Both Sean and Livia ride and teach at the highest level, ensuring horses receive a well‑rounded program and riders get the tools they need for lasting success.
Producing riders who think like horsemen and horsewomen
Developing for long‑term soundness and success
Creating lasting horse‑and‑rider partnerships
A proven system that builds rider confidence, developing skills that extend beyond the ring and positively impact life outside of riding
Prioritizing care, welfare, and safety above all else
They have conducted clinics nationwide, worked with riders of all levels, and maintained a client retention rate that spans decades.
More Than Training
For Sean and Livia, it’s about more than blue ribbons. It’s about building trust, fostering understanding, and helping both horses and riders grow with confidence. Their barn is a loyal, supportive, drama-free environment where clients become family—and where the journey is just as fun and rewarding as the results.
Proudly Supported By
They are honored to partner with brands that share their commitment to quality, performance, and equine well‑being:
Fine, custom saddles and French leather tack/equipment designed for horse‑and‑rider harmony
Premium equine supplements trusted by top competitors
Handcrafted Italian riding boots blending tradition with innovation