Meet Alexaiya Backman
Alexaiya Backman's horsemanship journey began in the mountains of Maine, where she started riding at a young age under the guidance of a natural horsemanship trainer specializing in the rehabilitation and retraining of rescue horses. This foundation instilled a deep understanding of horse behavior, communication, and partnership—developing the feel, timing, and empathy that continue to define her training approach today.
Alexaiya graduated from Johnson & Wales University in 2015 with a degree in Equine Business Management and Riding. That same year, she traveled to Germany to earn both her Small and Large German Bronze Riding Medals, further expanding her education in classical training principles and rider development.
Since then, Alexaiya has trained and worked under multiple American and German FEI professionals, developing horses and riders through Fourth Level while continuing her own education with USDF Silver Medalist and "R" Judge Krystal Wilt.
A passionate advocate for Thoroughbred retraining, Alexaiya has successfully competed in multiple Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeovers. In 2019, she trained and competed Flora (JC: Shezerfirst) at the Makeover in Lexington, Kentucky. In 2021, she returned with her mare Ember (JC: Allgussiedup), earning a top-15 finish with a score of 74.3%.
Alexaiya has also achieved success in dressage competition, earning her USDF Rider Awards at Training and First Level and in 2026, she officially earned her USDF Bronze Medal and is currently continuing her education and competition journey toward her Silver Medal through Fourth Level and Prix St. Georges.
Today, Alexaiya combines classical dressage principles, natural horsemanship, and practical problem-solving experience to help horses and riders develop confidence, understanding, and lasting success across disciplines.
Training PhilosophyMy goal is simple: create horses and riders who understand each other, communicate clearly, and perform with confidence.
Whether your goal is earning scores in the dressage arena, developing a reliable partner on the trail, improving jumping performance, or addressing behavioral challenges, every lesson is built around creating a more balanced, effective, and educated partnership.
My training system focuses on biomechanics, rider position, and foundational communication. By improving the rider's body awareness and effectiveness, we create horses that are more responsive, supple, adjustable, and confident in their work. Rather than relying on shortcuts or quick fixes, I help riders develop the skills to understand why their horse responds the way it does and how to make meaningful, lasting improvements.
I believe that every challenge—whether it's tension, resistance, lack of impulsion, asymmetry, or a training plateau—can be traced back to the fundamentals. Through a systematic approach that prioritizes clarity, consistency, and correct development, horses become happier athletes and riders become more confident leaders.
My background spans dressage, jumping, western disciplines, natural horsemanship, off-the-track Thoroughbred retraining, and working with horses often labeled as "difficult" or "problem" horses. This diverse experience allows me to adapt my training to the individual horse and rider rather than forcing every partnership into a single program.
No matter your discipline or experience level, my goal is to provide you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to continue progressing long after the lesson ends.