Horse Trainers Daniel and Sophia Harris of Versatile Equine

Our Story

As individuals, Daniel and I came from different worlds: him the western side of horses, me the english. At first glance, it looked like we have nothing in common (aside from the horse, of course). But, the more time we spent together, the more we realized, we weren't that different.

Why? Because we actually have the same philosophy on how horses should be started and handled. We believe that a horse should be taught how to be soft, quiet, and responsive. Our experience has led us to believe that letting the horse choose to work with you, rather than making them work for you, goes a lot further in building the trust and respect necessary for a solid relationship.

We also believe that if the horse knows how to do more than one thing (ie. rope, jump, and trail ride), it makes them a better, more confident animal. A confident horse usually means a more confident rider and they become a safe pair that can do almost any job.

Daniel has an extensive background in starting horses from the ground up. He has also competed in many different events: ranch versatility, working cow horse, reining, roping, extreme cowboy, and polocrosse.

I have competed in eventing, dressage, stadium jumping, western dressage, ranch versatility, and reined cowhorse.

Daniel and I are constantly learning from each other. We have discovered that, together, we can make a very versatile horse, hence the name: Versatile Equine.

-Daniel and Sophia

Daniel Harris

Born right here on the Western Slope of Colorado, I was very fortunate to be raised on a horse training facility as a kid and grew up in that environment. Getting to work with all breeds of horses taught me to treat each horse as an individual and that, in turn, taught me so much about life.

When I was in my teens, I had the great privilege and honor to represent the USA in Australia playing polocrosse. I did 2 tours in Australia, and those experiences I wouldn't trade for anything. They opened my world!

I have done a bit of everything: polocrosse, extreme cowboy races, cutting, roping, and ranching. But I always came back to the roping and the ranching. That's where my heart is.

My passion is seeing a horse go from fearful and unsure to confident and comfortable. A confident horse can go and do anything because their confidence is not only in their leader but also in their own ability to think their way through any situation. I teach a horse to think, and a thinking horse makes a wonderful riding partner, no matter what you're doing.

I'm so grateful to the horses for the freedom they have given me to lead the life I love and for the opportunities they gave me, such as travelling to new places and meeting new people.

Horse Trainer Daniel Harris of Versatile Equine

Sophia Harris

I was very fortunate to immigrate to America at 5 years old with my parents. Soon after we arrived, my dad wanted to reward me for some good grades and took me on my very first trail ride. I was hooked.

At 10, I met a woman who would become my trainer and inspiration: Diane Slater. In Diane's barn, we learned all about horse care and got to train/show in eventing, one of the most exciting disciplines! I evented for years, and loved it. I got to experience the beauty of dressage, the courage of cross country, and the suspense of show jumping. The whole experience was thrilling.

When I moved to the Western Slope of Colorado, eventing was challenging to pursue, so I focused on dressage. I believe that dressage (done correctly) is beneficial for every horse. After all, "dressage" is the french word for "training". So, proper training is good for everyone! I use principles of dressage for all my horses, no matter in what discipline they show.

I found a lot of success with both Classical (English) Dressage and Western Dressage. I wanted to see if same principles could be applied to my newest passion: Reined Cowhorse. Similar to eventing in structure (both are triathlons) but so much more challenging because of the cow! Cows expose all of your partnership's weaknesses. And I'm all about turning weaknesses into strengths.

I love to develop partnerships with horses and going out and showing off that unity. I love to show! Win or lose, I believe there is always a lesson to learn and ways to improve. I love the whole process: the preparation, the moment in the spotlight, the critique afterwards. Showing is my way of accomplishing my desire to be the best horsewoman that I can be.

Sophia's Show Record