Donald Cheska

Donald Cheska began riding at an early age and started competing at only six years old. The entire Cheska family, including twin brother Richard, is involved in the horse business. In 1981, his first full grand prix season, Donald won the Mercedes National Horse Show Grand Prix aboard Southside. That same year he made his international mark when he finished second at the Volvo World Cup Finals in Birmingham, England. Donald was named the 1990 Roled/MGA Ride of the Year and winner of the 1990 Zurich Challenge.

Donald continued his grand prix successes with 45 other wins including the Grand Prix at the National Horse Show aboard Southside, The Grand Prix at The Royal Winter Fair in Toronto aboard Eagle, the Grand Prix of Harrisburg aboard Destiney and the Grand Prix of Devon aboard Eadenvale. Donald has competed in 7 World Cup Finals. He was given a special award at the World Cup Finals in Vegas in 2006 for competing in 100 world cup classes. Donald is a member of the "Million Dollar Club" and was a team Gold medalist at the Pan Am Games in Caracas, Venezuela.

Not only is Donald an accomplished horseman, but he also is a wonderful family man! At almost every horse show you will see his daughter Chapin and wife Cara on the sidelines and in the ring! Cara also competes successfully in a multitude of jumper divisions. She has won numerous championships at all the major horse shows, including Devon and WEF, and Donald has trained her to 3 Grand Prix wins as well. Chapin has made her horse show career debut in 2007in the Lead Line classes and is now competing in the crossrail classes with her mounts, Finger Paint and Beaumont.

Bayside credits its successful show resume to 4 of the best guys around. Because of this fantastic team, our horses and students are always able to perform at their absolute best. They are invaluable to the Bayside team!