Shirley Rector has been the coach for three USDF gold and five USDF silver medalists.  She has taken four students to the North American Young Rider Championships, coaching her daughter to win the team test, and place 7th individually.   She has helped numerous students win Regional and State Championships, as well as many FEI placings.

As a rider herself for many years, Shirley trained extensively with Johann Hinnemann and was his first American client.  She competed in many shows abroad under his tutelage.  She trained several horses to Grand Prix herself.  Shirley’s list of accomplishments as a rider are extensive.

She placed 11th in the nation at Grand Prix with her first Grand Prix horse.  With another of her horses, she won the Wesphalian Horse of the Year at Intermediare I.  She won the USET trial in Indio, and was placed on the long list for the Pan Am Games.  In 1987, Shirley was one of only 32 people who had their gold medals.  

On “Anklang”, another of her Grand Prix mounts, Shirley was the highest placed member of the gold medal winning team at the Houston Olympic Festival.  She also won the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special at Devon as well as the Pantano Grand Prix.  After placing second in USET trials in Los Angeles and San Francisco, Shirley was one of 12 people long listed and allowed to compete for a place on the 1988 Olympic Team.  Shirley was National Champion at the Intermediare II as well that same year.

Shirley has also competed successfully with her horse Gentlemen in the sport of Combined Driving. 

Finally, Shirley is an "S" judge and has judged throughout the US and Canada at all levels. 

She is the past Vice-President and Membership Chairman of the Arizona Dressage Association, Arizona State Horsewoman of the Year (Bridle and Bit Magazine), Member of the Board of Scottsdale Community College Equine Science Program, Lecturer at USDF University Seminar, Guest Speaker at USCTA Adult Camp, and Region 5 Young Rider Coordinator and Chef d'Equipe.

Shirley also has her Masters in Social Work.

Please contact Shirley at srector@nagsheadfarm.com or 602.708.1068