Trainer Luisa Meharg is departing the Dana Hall Equestrian Center after two years working as a coach, to pursue a new career opportunity in New York City.
Luisa joined Dana Hall as a trainer in 2023 after previously working as a groom for the program in 2017. During her time as a coach, she coached many Dana Hall students in lessons and competitions at Dana Hall across the East Coast.
The first memory Alex Troutman ‘26 has of Luisa is “When she warmed me up for my first 2 ‘6″ class,” when she was moving up to a higher level. “I felt anxious about competing at a higher level, but Luisa was there to support me and boost my confidence.”
Later in the summer of 2023 after the Vermont Horse show, Luisa decided to take the job offer as a coach for the Dana Hall Equestrian Center. Luisa recalled, “I made the decision to take a leap of faith — pivoting my life and moving to Boston. Looking back now, it feels like fate as the last few years this is exactly where I needed to be.”
Several riders part of the program and dedicated students of Luisa describe her as an encouraging presence during competitions and lessons. Alexandra Flores ‘29 stated, “While struggling with my fear of riding, Luisa helped me to face my fear of jumping again.” Caroline Hartwell ‘28 added, “Luisa is kind, humorous, and down to earth.”
Sabine Wheeler ‘30, another rider who has competed across several shows with Luisa, said, her coaching had a lasting influence on her. “Luisa’s advice still sticks with me. She celebrated every win.”
Beyond coaching, Luisa helped students find opportunities to show horses, lessons with trainers from other facilities, and the ability to compete: According to Alex, “Luisa gave me opportunities that forever changed me as a rider. She believed in me and my potential, even when I doubted myself.”
Luisa grew up in Litchfield, Connecticut, where she began riding and learning about horse care as a junior competitor. Unlike many equestrians who focus primarily on competition, she spent extensive time working in the barn. Luisa states, “Working as both a groom and a working student gave me an in-depth understanding of the hard work, discipline, and attention to detail required to bring out the best in each horse.”
After competing in Division I at Sacred Heart University, Luisa entered the corporate world in Maryland. Her connection to Dana Hall began in 2017, when she worked as a groom after meeting trainer Carly Corbacho. In 2023, while coaching Dana Hall riders at the Tryon Horse show, Luisa decided to return to the equestrian field full time. “Everything seemed to fall into place. My corporate role was shifting in a direction that no longer felt right for me, and at the same time, Dana Hall was in need of another trainer.”
What Luisa loves the most about Dana Hall is “a feeling of true community. It wasn’t just about the horses or the ribbons; it was about belonging to a group of people who made even the hardest days worth showing up for.”
Luisa will now return to the corporate world, which she says, “feels like the right next step as an opportunity to take all the skills and perspective I’ve gained through teaching and apply them in a new way. I’m excited to bring that same drive, adaptability, and passion for teamwork into a role that supports both my personal and professional goals.” Luisa will not be riding or working for any other equestrian facility.
Luisa gave the Dana Hall Equestrian community one last piece of advice: “Remember that this sport is a journey, not a destination. There will be incredible highs and frustrating lows, and sometimes both on the same day, but every ride, every challenge, every horse you sit on is teaching you something if you’re willing to listen.”
Image source: Sportfot