Team BioStar Welcomes Marcus Orlob and Shannon Stevens
BioStar is pleased to welcome Marcus Orlob and Shannon Stevens to the BioStar sponsored rider team!
In addition to being a renowned international Grand Prix rider, Shannon Stevens was the first American to be accepted as a student of the German Riding Academy.
Certified Bereiter F.N. Marcus Orlob specializes in developing young horses, and has proven to be the perennial champion in a plethora of USEF Young & Developing Horse National Championships.
Together, Shannon and Marcus run Elite Expression Dressage, a full-service training center based in New Jersey with winter operations in Wellington, Florida. We caught up with the superstar dressage couple to hear more about their dressage journeys, partnership, and experience with BioStar.
How did you get into dressage?
Shannon:
“I started riding when I was 7 years-old in upstate New York. I was privileged to ride with Sally Swift, so I had a nice introduction to biomechanics, body control, and how it affects the horses, so I’m very grateful for that. I pursued dressage through high school and college. I went to Johnson and Wales for equine business management and animal science. Upon graduating there, I went to train in Europe at the academy for professional riders in Warendorf, Germany. That’s where I met Marcus while he was going through his Bareiter program. After this, we developed a personal relationship, doing long distance for about a year before he came to the U.S.”
How did your training business develop?
Shannon:
“Through talking, Marcus and I felt the need for structured riding and training in the U.S. He decided to come here with this goal and mind, and because of me as well! He was introduced to another professional in New Jersey, so that is what initially brought us there. After this, we wanted to give it a go and establish our own business, which we did 14 years ago. We’ve been based in New Jersey and purchased the facility that we have now about 9 years ago. That’s home base for us, but we’re also fortunate to winter in Florida, so we get the best of both worlds.”
How were you first introduced to BioStar?
Marcus Orlob:
“I met Tigger when she invited me to ride on the quadrille team for breast cancer research in the Challenge of the Americas. I didn’t know she was the owner of the company at first, later I figured it out and got to know her and familiarize myself with her nutrition philosophy. I believe last year was the first time we used the products. It really worked and made a huge difference in our horses. It made me want to become part of the BioStar team. Shannon and I both use the In-Zen and Zen Max pastes. I ride quite a few young horses, and it really helps them focus and calm down. I also use the GI support products.”
Shannon:
“I had heard great things about the BioStar products for a long time, but I didn’t have personal experience with them until about a year ago. I actually met Tigger for the first time at the dog park, and the rest is history! I first started feeding with BioStar in Kentucky while competing. I’ve tried so many products in the past, but this was the best, honestly. It led me to do some research and learn more about the company. I really appreciate the attention to detail and the science behind the products.”
