For more than 40 years, Doina has dedicated her life to one question: How can we help horses become stronger, more balanced, and happier athletes through correct education?

Her answer is Classical Dressage with Biomechanics in Mind—combining the timeless principles of classical dressage with a modern understanding of equine biomechanics, functional anatomy, and learning theory. Every exercise should have a purpose. Every movement should help the horse develop physically and mentally. Every training session should strengthen the partnership between horse and rider.

Born in Switzerland, Doina discovered her passion for horses at an early age. She earned her riding lessons by cleaning stalls and riding difficult horses for a German-Romanian military trainer, gaining invaluable experience long before she began her professional career. As a teenager she competed in fox hunts, gymkhanas, and western events before discovering classical dressage.

After completing school, she continued her education at Mas de Malibu in France under Sadko G. Solinski, a student of the legendary Nuno Oliveira. There she studied equine anatomy, movement, nutrition, and horse management while working with Andalusians, Lusitanos, Camargues, and Baroque horses. This foundation shaped the philosophy that continues to guide her teaching today.

Her career has taken her from owning a riding centre in Tuscany to training in the United States, Mexico, Spain, Brazil, and across Europe. Along the way she continued to study with outstanding horsemen, including Dominique Barbier and Luis Ramos Paul y Davide, former Head Trainer of the Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre in Jerez, Spain.

As Head Trainer in Spain, Doina prepared Andalusian stallions for SICAB and trained Saltador V, Spanish Champion in 1997. She later founded Earthbeat, combining classical horsemanship with the art of flamenco, before returning to the United States to compete, teach, and present clinics internationally.

In Brazil, Doina played an important role in developing dressage education within the Lusitano community. She introduced FEI Young Horse principles, organised clinics and judges' seminars with leading international experts, became an accredited Working Equitation judge, and judged the Brazilian Championships and several International Lusitano Expos. As Manager and Head Trainer at Haras Crystal, she developed Lusitano sport horses from young prospects to successful competition horses, winning the Small Tour with Unico JB in 2011.

Throughout her career, Doina has continued to expand her understanding of equine biomechanics, particularly through her studies with Dr. Gerd Heuschmann. Today, this knowledge forms the foundation of her teaching. Rather than chasing quick results, she helps riders understand how horses move, why exercises work, and when they are ready to progress.

Working Equitation is a natural extension of this philosophy. Its obstacles and practical exercises develop balance, adjustability, straightness, collection, confidence, and communication, making it an ideal complement to classical dressage while keeping training varied and enjoyable.

Today, Doina teaches internationally through clinics, private training, lectures, and educational programmes. Her articles and videos have helped riders around the world understand the science behind classical riding without losing sight of its traditions.

In April 2025, Doina relocated to the tri-border region of Switzerland, France, and Germany, where she continues to teach Classical Dressage with Biomechanics in Mind and Working Equitation, welcoming riders who want to deepen their understanding of both horse and rider education.

Her philosophy is simple:

Only a horse that is correctly educated, physically developed, and mentally motivated can reach its true athletic potential.