We Are
Equestrians
OUR MISSION
To become the region’s most trusted center for shaping confident riders and exceptional sport horses through unwavering integrity, dedicated training, and a culture of excellence, creating a welcoming community where families, horses, and riders grow together.
ABOUT US
At Sterling Elite Sporthorses, we believe every horse and rider deserves a program built on respect, patience, and a commitment to excellence. Nestled in the quiet countryside of Byhalia, our facility offers a place where riders can grow, horses can thrive, and goals—big or small—are taken seriously.
Our team specializes in developing confident, capable equestrians in the hunter, jumper, and eventing disciplines. Whether you’re stepping into the ring for the first time or preparing for recognized competition, we tailor each program to support your journey. Horses in our care receive thoughtful, individualized attention, from daily handling to conditioning, training, and show preparation.
We are more than a training barn. We are a community built on integrity, sportsmanship, and a genuine love for the horse. Families, amateurs, young riders, and seasoned competitors all find a home here—supported by experienced trainers, a positive learning environment, and a facility designed for safety and success.
If you’re looking for a place where you and your horse can grow with purpose, passion, and expert guidance, Sterling Elite Sporthorses is ready to welcome you.
MEET THE TEAM
Sintia "Cynthia" Raday
Owner/Manager
Sintia “Cynthia” Raday was born in Lubumbashi, Zaire, where she was first introduced to the disciplines of Jumping and Eventing. Her love for the sport took root at the esteemed Cercle Hippique de Lubumbashi, sparking a passion that has endured for more than three decades. After immigrating to the United States as a teenager, completing her education, and building a family, Sintia has once again carved out the time to pursue the sport that has always inspired her. With the unwavering support of her husband of more than twenty-five years and their two daughters, she is excited to partner with Professional Rider and Trainer Staci Gust to develop a premier training and show program in the Memphis, Tennessee area. A fiercely competitive rider, Sintia is joined in Memphis by her courageous 2013 gelding, Grey Goose—affectionately known as “Goose.” Together, this dynamic duo is eagerly preparing to compete throughout the mid‑south. Sintia approaches her riding with exceptional motivation and ambition, setting high standards for herself and Goose while striving to grow as a unified team. Her drive to perform at the highest level and her commitment to continuous improvement naturally led her to Trainer Staci Gust. United by a shared vision, Sintia and Staci aim to offer a personalized boarding, nutrition, and training program designed to unlock potential and elevate performance for every horse and rider who joins their community.
Staci Gust
Head Trainer & Instructor
In 1999, Staci Gust began riding at a local stable in her hometown of Colfax, Wisconsin. From her very first lessons, she knew she had found her calling. That early spark grew into a lifelong ambition to become an accomplished rider, trainer, and coach. Throughout her junior years, Staci competed across multiple disciplines—including Dressage, Eventing, Hunters, Jumpers, and Equitation—building a versatile foundation that continues to shape her approach today. After high school, Staci rode for the University of Wisconsin–River Falls Equestrian Team, competing in Zone 7, Region 3 of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association (IHSA). Following her college graduation, she advanced her professional education by grooming at both the National and FEI levels. These experiences deepened her understanding of high‑performance sport horses and fueled her growing ambition to one day compete at the Grand Prix level in Show Jumping. Grounded by more than two decades of competitive experience, Staci has shown extensively on both local and “A” circuits throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Illinois, Ohio, Texas, Florida, and now Tennessee. Along the way, she has been fortunate to learn from many of the nation’s top riders and trainers, dedicating years to developing a strong background in Natural Horsemanship and a solid foundation in Classical Dressage. Staci brings these influences together in her training philosophy, focusing on strengthening the connection between horse and rider. Her goal is to help each partnership develop clear communication, mutual trust, and long‑term success in the show ring. Through thoughtful, individualized training, she strives to support riders and horses in reaching their fullest potential.
Carissa Martinelli
Assistant Trainer
Carissa Martinelli joined Sterling Elite Sporthorses in the fall of 2024 with her horse, Raphael Sonnabend. Her equestrian background is rooted in a diverse range of disciplines, beginning in western riding under Pam Cornett, continuing into hunter/jumper with Anne and Skip Thornburry, and later advancing in dressage and eventing with Dressage Bronze Medalist Meghan Courtney. Carissa discovered her passion for eventing in 2014 and, through years of dedicated study, progressed from working student to assistant eventing instructor. She has competed through Novice level eventing and Third Level dressage, consistently prioritizing a strong classical foundation and a horsemanship‑centered approach. In 2024, she transitioned her competitive focus to show jumping, bringing with her a deep appreciation for correct development, discipline‑specific clarity, and long‑term athletic soundness. Since joining SES, Carissa has become an integral part of the program. She continues to refine her skills under the guidance of Staci Gust and the Raday family, working closely with the young horses progressing through the SES training system. Her work emphasizes confidence‑building, clear communication, and preparing each horse thoughtfully for future success in the show ring. Carissa is committed to cultivating a solid foundation in natural horsemanship—one that strengthens the partnership between horse and rider while supporting each horse’s mental, physical, and emotional development. Her goal is to ensure that every horse she works with is set up for confidence, clarity, and long‑term success in their careers.