About

Molly Xanthopoulos, owner and operator of XDH, is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist and has trained several horses to become successful FEI competitors.

Exceptional horsemanship and a solid foundation in dressage have shaped Molly's career. Starting in Houston, Texas, Molly earned her USDF Bronze and Silver medals as a junior rider. She competed at the North American Young Rider Championships four times and helped her Region 2 team win the Gold medal in 1991. That year she was also awarded the prestigious Captain Andrew DeSzinay Sportsmanship Award.

Molly spent many years training in Europe at Reiterhof Moos in Salzburg, Austria, as well as the breeding and training facility Gestut Moosmuhle in Weilheim, Germany. She worked under Gunnar Ostergaard at his Deerwood Farm in Vermont and in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Molly developed her dressage training business in 1994 out of her own North Star Farm in Xenia, Ohio. Molly has started many horses under saddle and completed their education through Grand Prix. In fact, Molly earned her USDF Gold medal on a horse she imported as a three-year-old and trained herself. Her accomplishments include USDF Horse of the Year awards as well as Regional Championship awards.   

In 2005,  Molly trained intensively in Germany with Ulla Salzgeber. Her riding and showing was supported back in the US by Scott Hassler. Additionally, Molly participated in the Young Dressage Horse Trainer’s Symposium at Riveredge for nine years. Over the course of her riding career, Molly received instruction from world-renowned riders such as Nicole Uphoff, Debbie McDonald, Michael Klimke, and Ingo Pape.

In 2012, Molly moved her family and business to the East Coast and now calls Wyndham Oaks in Boyds, Maryland, home. As the resident trainer, Molly works with a variety of horses, spanning young horses at the beginning of their careers to FEI competitors. Molly competes on her own horse and those of her clients at recognized shows in Region 1. She receives continued support in her training and showing from Scott Hassler.

Most recently, Molly and her own Laredo HTF became the 2024 Great American Insurance Group Region 1 Open Training Level Champions. Molly purchased Laredo as a two-year-old, started him under saddle, and began competing him nationally in 2024. Molly enjoys the many successes of her client horses and riders, helping them meet their individual goals.

Molly's extended bio can be found here.