Meet the Team
Our family of two & four-legged mammals that are mostly motivated by food.
danielle contarino
Born in Boston, Danielle is passionate about horses, travel, and all things food. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Central Florida before starting her own riding lesson program. She also holds multiple judges cards, teaches classes and writes curriculum for a local equestrian college, and coaches a youth horse judging team. Danielle had previously managed Al-Marah Arabian Horses, one of the largest privately owned herds in the US - gaining experience in breeding and sales. Out of the many things that keep Danielle busy, her favorite by far is coaching her riders.
SW Mariah Dawn | “Mariah”
Mariah is the head mare at our farm… and she knows it. Mariah has done it all, from trail rides, to dressage, and her favorite – jumping. She has started most of our beginners and yet manages to keep up with our competing students as well. She is full of personality, yet the gentlest horse you’ll ever meet.
[ Smoke Tree Silver Dragon x SW Tika Breeze ]
Half Arabian Half Welsh
Baniterrih | “Star”
Star is such a gem! She originally started her career as a halter horse, but now excels at dressage. A big mover, Star has gaits that achieve high scores. Her sweet nature and personality make her all the more loveable. She also one of our bravest horses on property – making her even more fun to ride.
[ Soho Carol x MP Serenata ]
Arabian
bella
Bella is Star’s first and only foal. Although she is primarily trained as a dressage horse, Bella does some light jumping as well. Bella is not often found in our lesson program as she is typically on lease. She is by Bask Afire Bey, a stallion boasting multiple regional championships as a breeding stallion as well as a championship at Scottsdale in their Arabian Freestyle Liberty class. Bella carries both the correct conformation and energy of her father – making her a flashy mare.
[ Bask Afire Bey x Baniterrih ]
Arabian
Al-Marah Mambo Queen “Ducky”
Ducky will be turning three this year and started under saddle. She was brought to Silver Birch as a potential lesson horse and show horse. Training and handling Ducky only makes us more excited for her future – She’s smart and enthusiastic. Both of her parents hold multiple championships, including US National Championships, in reining, dressage, and western dressage.
[ Al-Marah Feisty Star++++// x AM Emelias Samba ]
Arabian
Cierra Dawn | “Sierra”
Sierra is Mariah’s second foal and she has all of her mother’s best traits! Sierra is level headed, athletic, and full of personality. She is also in love with having her picture taken – check out our “Create” page to see some of her work! When she is not working on her modeling career, Sierra competes in dressage and as a hunter.
[ The Agitator x SW Mariah Dawn ]
Arabian Welsh Cross