Featured Rider: Chase DeMarco — A Grand Prix Partnership Captured in Fine Art

This October at the GAIG/USDF Region 3 Dressage Championships, I had the privilege of photographing a rider whose story embodies hard work, classical horsemanship, and unwavering dedication to the sport of dressage — Grand Prix rider Chase DeMarco.

A Decade-Long Partnership: Chase & Diva

One of the most inspiring elements of Chase’s journey is his nearly ten-year partnership with Diva, the mare he started himself. What began as a promising young horse with natural talent has evolved into a polished Grand Prix dressage partnership built on trust, consistency, and thoughtful training.

Diva is powerful, elegant, and expressive — the kind of mare who lights up the arena with every stride. Photographing Chase and Diva together at Regionals was like witnessing a decade of connection unfolding in front of my lens. Their ride is the embodiment of why I love equine portrait photography: the story is already written in the partnership.

Capturing them at Region 3 allowed me to highlight not just their athleticism, but the depth, history, and heart behind their journey.

From Bike Rides to Barn Aisles — Chase’s Path to Grand Prix

Chase’s love for horses began long before any championship titles. As a young boy, he would ride his bike to Wickham Park simply to be near horses. Those early moments led him to cleaning stalls in exchange for lessons — the humble beginning of a lifelong passion.

Through 4-H, influential mentors, and countless hours in the saddle, Chase cultivated not only his riding skills but also a commitment to classical dressage and teaching. In 2012, he founded DeMarco Performance Horses in Grant–Valkaria, Florida — a family-centered training program rooted in integrity and horsemanship.

His accomplishments reflect years of dedication:

• USDF Bronze, Silver & Gold Medals

• Multiple Region 3 Champion & Reserve Champion titles

• Multiple Region 3 Top 10 placings

• 2023 #1 ISR Oldenburg in the Nation – I-1 Freestyle

• Invitations to the US Dressage Finals

• Top 10 in the I-1 at US Finals

• Practical Horseman Trainer of the Year – Top 10 Finalist

Chase’s story is proof that grit, passion, and a deep love for the horse can take you anywhere — even to the Grand Prix arena.

Honoring the Horses Behind the Milestones

Chase recently celebrated a huge personal milestone: purchasing his own farm. As he completes his tack room renovation, he shared something meaningful with me — something that speaks to the heart of why I create fine-art equine portraits.

He plans to display a portrait of every horse he has brought to the Grand Prix.

A tribute like that is powerful. These horses shaped his journey — each one contributing their heart, talent, and spirit. To be trusted with creating artwork that honors those incredible partners is one of the greatest privileges of being an equine photographer.

Fine-art portraits don’t just decorate a space…
They preserve a legacy.

And photographing Chase and Diva at Regionals was a reminder of why I love doing what I do: capturing the story behind every stride, every bond, every horse that helps a rider reach their dreams.