Sandra 'Sam' McCarthy is one of the nation's top trainers with over 20 years of competition experience, coaching and training at the AA level.

Most recently she was the head IHSA coach and Director of the English Riding Program for the University of Findlay since 2005, with her team achieving the Zone 6 Champions 2007–2009, Reserve Champions 2006, Zone 6 Region 3 champions 2006–2009 and were undefeated in 2006–2008.

Her students’ individual championships included IHSA Nationals, Open Flat, Intermediate Flat, Intermediate Fences, ADV WTC, Novice Fences, Novice Flat, Third Place Overall Cacchione Cup 2008, and numerous hunter and jumper Championships won at AA shows by UF riders and UF horses.

Prior to 2005, Sandra’s students qualified for Pony Finals, Onondarka Medal finals, PCHA medal finals, Maclay finals, USET finals, Medal Finals and her LEC Prix De Ville teams in 2006, 2007, and 2008 consistently placed in both high and low teams.

Sam enjoys instructing riding theory as well as practical management in classroom situations, teaching practical horse care and wound care to her her students, as well as course design and course building.

Sandra often gives outside clinics and has a diversified judging background including local shows, IEA shows, hunter trials, and horse trials.

As a rider, Sandra has competed in the hunters and jumpers at AA shows throughout the Midwest and West Coast  and is still currently competing hunters and jumpers when her busy schedule allows.

She has worked as a trainer/rider at Marley Sales inc. Tuam, County Galway, Ireland; in 2004 was trainer of the winner of the Connaught Regional Qualifier at 1m10, Glenamaddy, Ireland, and in 2003, the trainer of the Connaught Regional 6th place overall young riders at 1m10 Glenamaddy, Ireland. She has also trained both dressage and show jumpers at European Equestrian Concepts in Coto de Caza, California.