Carmen Attiyeh’s passion for horses began at 3 years old when she began riding lessons. Throughout her youth, she leased horses and showed in hunters until she got her first horse when she was 11. With her OTTB mare, she began competing in jackpot gymkhanas and trail riding for fun.

In 2018, Carmen discovered the sport of working equitation through the barn she was working at and immediately fell in love. She fell in love with the precision, technicality, elegance, and versatility which is required of both the horse and rider. She has since decided to dedicate her life to training herself and others using classical dressage principles. She spends her summers showing her PRE mare, Nova, in working equitation and dreams of someday competing internationally.

To continue her working equitation education, Carmen is a USAWE Technical Delegate Candidate and USAWE Professional Instructor Candidate. She strives to spread and grow the sport to every corner she can reach.

When the weather allows, Carmen takes her horse trail riding off the beaten path and explores the backcountry of New Mexico. She hopes to take some camping and hunting trips with her horses and friends in the coming summer and fall months.

When Carmen isn’t showing or training, she likes to hike with her dog and spend time with friends and family.