About us

Shawn Schilling

Owner/Lead Trainer

Horses have been at the center of Shawn Schilling’s life for as long as she can remember. She entered her first show ring at just four years old, and by the age of ten, she had her first professional training client — a rare accomplishment that speaks to both her natural ability and unwavering dedication to the craft of horsemanship.

Over the years, Shawn has trained and shown horses to the highest levels of competition, earning World and National Championship titles across multiple breeds, including American Saddlebreds, Pintos, Arabians, and Classic Shetlands. Her talent has been shaped and refined through mentorship under some of the nation’s most respected training barns, and her own methods reflect a lifetime of study, intuition, and experience.

But beyond the ribbons and accolades, Shawn finds her deepest fulfillment in developing the next generation of horsemen and women. Countless young equestrians have found not only skills but confidence under her guidance — many going on to achieve top honors of their own.

At Windance Farms, Shawn leads with quiet strength, a sharp eye, and a deep respect for every horse in her care. Her training philosophy is rooted in patience, partnership, and precision — creating a space where horses thrive, riders grow, and dreams take shape. 

Skye Schultz

Trainer/Exhibitor

Skye Schultz may be young, but don’t let that fool you — her resume in the horse world reads like a seasoned professional’s. Having started riding practically as soon as she could walk, Skye has developed into an accomplished trainer and show competitor under the guidance of her sister, Shawn.

By the time she was 16, Skye had already trained multiple horses and ponies from the ground up and taken them all the way to the winner’s circle — earning National and World Championship titles in both youth and open adult divisions. Her name is well-known across several breed circuits, where judges and exhibitors alike have come to recognize her as a force in the ring — and a class act out of it.

These days, Skye is trusted to run the farm, prep show strings, and represent Windance Farms solo at events — a testament to the faith her team has in her experience, maturity, and talent. She’s even received serious job offers from some of the most prestigious training barns in the country — but for now, her path is taking her in another direction.

Skye is preparing to head off to the University of Northern Colorado, where she’ll pursue a degree in Music Education. While her future may include more baton twirls than tail sets, her horsemanship and work ethic will forever be part of who she is. We’re proud to have been part of her journey, and we can’t wait to welcome her back during school breaks — preferably with her boots on and a lead rope in hand. 

Alesha Wozny

Facilities Coordinator/Fowl Wrangler 

Alesha Wozny may have been hired to feed horses and muck stalls, but it didn’t take long for her to become something much more — the heartbeat of the barn and the glue that holds daily life at Windance Farms together.

Now serving as our de facto Facility Manager, Alesha keeps a sharp eye on every animal, chore, and detail across the ranch. From the towering Saddlebreds to the tiniest Guinea fowl, she ensures every creature is safe, fed, healthy, and maybe even a little bit spoiled.

Her love for the animals is obvious — especially the feathered ones. Alesha has an uncanny ability to communicate with the farm’s flock of chickens, ducks, and Guinea fowl. Whether she’s playing with them, talking to them, or patching one up after a not-so-bright decision to walk behind a horse, she does it with patience and compassion.

She’s also earned her stripes as a Bobcat driver — a responsibility that not only keeps the farm running, but also gives William a much-needed break (and probably saves his back, too).

To call Alesha “just barn help” is like calling the sun a space heater. She’s dependable, kind-hearted, and fiercely committed to the animals and people of Windance Farms. We’d be lost without her — and the barn wouldn’t run nearly as smoothly (or as cleanly).

William Schilling

Owner/Trainer/Massage Therapist/Photographer 

William Schilling’s story with horses started like many great things do — in childhood and bareback. Raised around horses and trail rides, William got his first taste of equine life riding for fun and helping his dad run a tourist trail ride business during high school. While others were chasing ribbons, he was chasing sunsets on horseback with a pack of curious tourists in tow.

Though he took a different path for a while, life had bigger plans. In 2019, William reconnected with his junior high school best friend — a certain legendary horsewoman named Shawn — and the two picked up right where they left off… only this time, they got married. And the horses came back into his life in a big way.

Since then, William has become a skilled and successful Shetland trainer, earning a National Grand Championship title in 2023 with his pride and joy, Soundview’s Smoke and Mirrors (affectionately known as “Smoke”). With Shawn’s mentorship (and a few nudges), he’s mastered the art of pony prep, performance, and presentation — often with more glitter than he’d care to admit.

William is also a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist, bringing both care and science to keeping the Windance herd in peak condition. His hands-on knowledge of anatomy, movement, and muscle therapy has helped their show string stay sound, supple, and show-ring ready.

But wait — there’s more! Behind the camera since he was ten and professionally filming by fourteen, William’s background in photography and video production gives Windance Farms a distinct marketing edge. From sleek sale videos to moody sunset portraits, he captures the spirit and beauty of every horse they present. His media work has aired nationally and even included filming the official tribute for a South Dakota governor’s funeral.

When he’s not massaging muscles or managing media, you’ll find him exactly where you’d expect: knee-deep in mud fixing a waterline, hammering a stubborn fence post, or trying to remember where he left the hoof pick… again.

William’s philosophy? Work hard, love harder, laugh often — and always keep the camera rolling.