Stafford's interest in horses began at a young age, taking her through the ranks of Pony Club where she excelled in eventing. A leg injury ended her riding career, at which point she channeled her competitive drive towards a new equine sport, carriage driving.

In 2001 Stafford began working with seven-time United States National Pair Combined Driving Champion, Lisa Singer, and took every opportunity to work with many different breeds in both the pleasure showing and combined driving disciplines. Singer became Stafford’s mentor, and before long Stafford moved up to assistant trainer status - honing her skills to become a noted trainer, instructor and clinician. Staying at the top of one’s game means working with the best, and Stafford has included training with such individuals as Swedish Champion Nikki Paulson, Australian Champion four-in-hand driver Boyd Excell, British National Pony four-in-hand driver Georgina Frith and United States four-in-hand champion Chester Weber.

Setting a solid foundation of basic skills for students is a priority for Stafford. From this foundation a driver gains confidence, proficiency, and achievement of excellence.

Recent Highlights:
In 2004
- Stafford won the National Single Pony Championship driving Beverley Lesher’s Morgan mare, Courage to Lead (Katy). She and Katy were undefeated during 2004 competition year.

In 2005
- Stafford became the first American driver to win a gold medal in international competition, driving Sybil Humphries welsh cob Cefnoakpark Bouncer to first place at the World Pony Driving Championship in England. Bouncer went on to become one of only five horses in the United States to be nominated as 2005 United States Equestrian Federation Horse of the Year.
- Driver of the Year by The Chronicle of the Horse.

In 2007
- Stafford was yet again selected to represent the United States at the Pony World Championships were she and her team brought home the Bronze medal.
- She was also ranked #1 in the FEI standings.

Visit Suzy's Website