About Astilbe Equestrian
Welcome to Astilbe Equestrian—a family-owned and operated equestrian program built on thoughtful horsemanship and a love of learning. Founded by the Sauce family, Astilbe Equestrian carries forward more than six years of experience operating a successful equestrian academy in Zionsville, Indiana, just outside of Indianapolis. After moving to Atlanta two years ago, the family is thrilled to open Astilbe Equestrian in their new hometown.
Our program warmly welcomes riders of all levels, from true beginners to advanced competitors. All horses in our program are family-owned schoolmasters, allowing riders to learn and compete without the need to own or lease a horse. Astilbe Equestrian proudly offers lessons, camps, and shows in a supportive, professional, and fun environment where riders—and horses—can truly thrive.
Meet The Owners
Maddie Sauce
Head Trainer / Owner
Head Trainer, Maddie Sauce brings energy, expertise, and a deep love of both horses and people to Astilbe Equestrian. With over 20 years of riding experience, Maddie has trained and competed across multiple disciplines—including Western contesting, Hunter/Jumper, and Dressage—giving her a well-rounded and thoughtful approach to developing riders at every level.
Her accomplished show record includes honors such as 4-H Grand Champion Halter Mare and Grand Champion Dressage, IEA Regional Champion, and 2025 Georgia Hunter Jumper Association 3rd Place Overall Thoroughbred Hunter in the state. Maddie spent nine years competing in 4-H in Hamilton County, Indiana, and her show career has taken her across the country, from the Midwest to premier equestrian venues.
With over 10 years of professional training experience, Maddie is known for helping her students build confidence, skill, and success during their riding and showing journey. She is an accredited United States Equestrian Federation Coach/Trainer and is widely appreciated for her kind, encouraging, and supportive teaching style.
Maddie attended Indiana University for three years, studying Elementary Education before choosing to fully pursue her passion for horses and teaching as a career. That educational background strongly influences her approach today—bringing clarity, patience, and a true teacher’s mindset to every lesson. With a genuine passion for children and horses, Maddie creates a positive, motivating environment where riders feel supported, challenged, and inspired to grow.
Gabby Sauce
Owner
Gabby Sauce brings passion, dedication, and a lifelong love of horses to the heart of our program. With a primary focus on the dressage discipline, Gabby’s journey is proof that there is no single path—or timeline—into the equestrian world. While she rode briefly as a youngster, she truly dove into riding about 15 years ago, starting alongside her daughter, Maddie. Together, they’ve grown, learned, and fallen even more deeply in love with the sport.
Gabby believes that horsemanship is a continuous journey of learning, patience, and connection—both with the horse and with oneself. She is a proud example that you’re never too old to start riding, set new goals, or challenge yourself in the saddle.
Outside of the barn, Gabby works for a large automotive corporation based in Atlanta, bringing a strong background in leadership, organization, and business operations to the equestrian world. That balance of professionalism and passion shapes her thoughtful, welcoming approach to everything she does at the farm.
Whether you’re brand new to horses or returning to riding later in life, Gabby is excited to help you feel confident, supported, and inspired on your equestrian journey.
Mike Sauce
Owner
While my wife and daughter are the true horse experts behind our barn, I’m proud to play a supporting role in keeping the farm running smoothly and helping care for the animals that make this place special. I’ve always had a deep love for animals and the equestrian world, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to watch my family form such strong connections with our horses.
Outside the barn, I’ve spent my life balancing entrepreneurship with a career in technology, and I bring that same problem-solving mindset to the farm – whether that means fixing what needs fixing, improving our facilities, or lending a hand wherever it’s needed. I also coach youth hockey here in the Atlanta area, which has reinforced my passion for mentorship, teamwork, and creating positive experiences for young people. I’m excited to help our family business grow and to support opportunities for others to experience the discipline, joy, and lifelong lessons that come with equestrian sports and horsemanship.
Meet Our Horses
