Trainer Spotlights
Lee Hughes is a professional trainer who owns and operates Promenade Farm in Athens, GA. Her clients compete successfully throughout the East coast in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation. Lee herself competes in the Grand Prix and has multiple hunter derby wins. She takes great pride in developing young horses that are junior/amateur friendly. Promenade Farm also operates a customized sales program.
When asked about his training philosophy, Ricky Noiseux summed up his thoughts quite simply. "I think horse training is fairly simple when we let it be." Along with his wife, Jessica, Noiseux Show Horses opened their doors last December and has quickly become a force to be reckoned with within the Quarter Horse community. As an accomplished trainer Ricky has also worked across "disciplinary lines" offering his skills and services to Warmblood sport horses. We caught up with Ricky to get some insight into his operation.
Grand Prix Dressage trainer, author, and freestyle choreographer, Ruth Hogan-Poulsen has dedicated her life to developing horse and rider to the highest level of the sport. Sought after by riders across disciplines for her expertise, she found time in her busy schedule to talk with us about her favorite mentor, movement, and memories, and tells us about how most recently, Dressage helped one of her Jumper riders qualify not one, but two horses for Tokyo.
Get to know one of New Englands up and coming young professionals, Rebecca Zimble, of Zimble Show Stables. Becca explains how she views positivity as an essential ingredient for success. During this challenging year, she’s not only been able to open the doors of her new business, but she’s seen her program grow and flourish. Take a closer look at Becca’s unique approach to our industry!
From East Windsor, CT, Lingering Hills Stable has built one of New England's most reputable Morgan horse training operations. The facility has produced World Champions while also introducing equestrian sport to the younger generations who will one day be riding the champions of tomorrow. With 60 horses, this family run business is working hard to produce winning show horses, facilitating an ever-growing lesson program, making hay, and making no complaints along the way! It is safe to say that there is nothing that the Neidlinger family can't handle.
It's no surprise that horse professionals are forced to wear a lot of hats when it comes to running a profitable and successful business. With so many moving parts it is easy to get overwhelmed with the daily routine that is so vital to that success. Owner and head trainer of Summer Hill Farm in Plainville, MA, Courtney DiLalla, summed it up perfectly. "It's not easy to be a good wife, mother, trainer, barn owner and everything in between," Read on for a closer look at Summer Hill Farm, Courtney's aspirations for her business, and how HorseWorks has directly impacted and supported her operation!
When asked how she viewed success head trainer of Highland Farms, Shannon Cunneff, had a very simple answer. "Showing up and putting forth the effort and training at the farm is how I view success.. Not just getting those ribbons!" For the past six years Shannon has built a strong program out of her Atlantic Highlands, NJ facility that fosters personal growth and a supportive, family atmosphere. For a closer look into the background and training philosophy of one of New Jersey's talented and upcoming young professionals read on!
Merin Maggi has found that success in the show ring doesn't just come from hard work. Work/Life balance and family has played an important role in the amazing strides that her business, Maggi Stables, has taken. Read on to find out how a guided trail ride on a big Quarter Horse named Skippy helped lead Merin toward a love for horses and many successes in and out of the show ring.
USDF Bronze & Silver Medalist, Melissa MacLaren Velix of MMV Dressage in Wellington, FL found time between competing in The Challenge of the Americas, prepping her own horse for his Grand Prix debut, and coaching her student shortlisted for Tokyo to give us a behind the scenes look at what she calls hard work happiness!
1) When did you first get involved with horses and what led you to becoming a professional trainer?
The first time I get involved with horses was when my family and I went on vacation to Virginia and we ended up coming home with a three-month-old pony. My mother has this book where at the end of each school year she would write down what I said I wanted to be when I grew up. In first grade I wanted to work behind the candy counter at the mall and then from every year on I knew I wanted to train horses. I never really knew why, all I know is since I was a little kid this is all I’ve ever wanted to do.
Making it in the horse industry can be a challenging endeavor. Juggling tasks like daily scheduling, managing the needs of multiple horses and clients, and balancing finances can all take their toll. For a single person these tasks can seem insurmountable, however for Shane Powell and Matt Martin they wouldn't have it any other way. This dynamic duo combined their talents in 2019 and have built their business, Marketmoor, LLC, into one of the most reputable hunter/jumper operations in the industry. We caught up with Shane Powell for a quick one on one and got some insight into their rapidly growing program.