As a lifelong horsewoman, Vanessa began riding horses in the early 1970s and started her professional career in the 1980s with the establishment of her facility in Sandy Spring, Maryland. She has successfully trained under several internationally-recognized trainers including Danish Olympic rider Bent Jensen, “O” Judge Linda Zang, German Three-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Nichole Uphoff, Danish Olympic rider Lars Petersen, Pan American Games rider Wendy Carlson, established trainer Barbara Silverman and Portugal’s Nuno Olivero. 

Vanessa’s resume boasts a wide range of experience with breeding, breaking young horses and buying and selling horses in the United States and abroad. She has personally brought multiple horses through the levels from babies to Grand Prix, earning several wins at BLM dressage championships and USDF regional competitions along the way. Throughout her years in the horse industry, she has earned her USDF bronze, silver and gold medals and her U.S. Pony Club 'A' rating, remaining involved with the organization as the co-D.C. of Redland Hunt Pony Club. She is also known for her work with freestyles. When she isn’t in the ring aboard her own horses or offering guidance to her students, she can be found at USEA recognized events, helping her daughter, Courtney Swartz, rise through the ranks of the eventing world.