Debbie Kennon

Debbie started out competing in Hunt Seat, then later branched out into Eventing and Dressage.  During the past 30 years, Debbie has had the opportunity to expand her own skills while training with some of the best instructors in the country.  Some of Debbie’s previous instructors include Bruce Davidson (an Olympic Event Rider and World Champion), Stephanie Baer (an International Event Rider), Susan Williams (an FEI Dressage competitor and Judge) and Gunner Ostergard (an FEI Dressage competitor).  More recently Debbie has kept up her training riding locally with Stephie Bear and Adam Cropper.

Throughout her career Debbie has been a successful competitor, placing first at several well-known events such as Groton House Horse Trials and King Oak Dressage Days. 

Jen Kola

My equestrian pursuits began in the 1970s. I began lessons at Fleetwood Farm on Route 53 in Pembroke, with Carl Catani, who now owns River Wind Farm. A few years later, I was directed up the street to Friars Gate Farm owned by Julie and Richard Ulrich. Here I was introduced to Show Jumping, Hunters and Dressage.

While attending Wheaton College in Norton, Massachusetts I was Co-Captain of the riding Team from 1981-1984. In the years to follow I met Suzi and Jim Gornall and evented through Training Level riding in beautiful open space at Huntington Farm, Stoneleigh Burnham, Groton House and King Oak.

Lately, my instruction is of a more recreational nature. I incorporate some Dressage in all my lessons, jumping for the more adventurous students and an emphasis on harmony and balance with your equine partner.

Laurel Hughes

Laurel has involved herself in all aspects of farm life for the past 25 years. Initially competing locally with catch rides, Laurel progressed to junior equitation medal classes.

She continued her involvement in various equestrian roles, including horse management and instruction, as well as competed in her college’s IHSA team and locally in equitation, hunter, and jumper events. Presently, she enjoys a more leisurely approach to riding with her semi-retired 23-year-old Dutch Warmblood, Response.

As a dedicated instructor, Laurel takes pleasure in teaching horsemanship and riding skills to beginner to intermediate students of all ages, finding fulfillment in their accomplishments. In her role as Barn Manager, she prioritizes creating a safe, enjoyable, and educational environment for students to thrive.

MEl Cookman

With over two decades of hands-on experience, Mel Cookman brings a unique depth of horsemanship and technical skill to her work. Growing up riding hunter/jumper sales horses, she went on to manage an A-show barn before spending ten years as a veterinary assistant. Now, Mel has returned to the training side of the industry, focusing on providing compassionate, expert training rides with an emphasis on horsemanship and empathy. She also actively trains her home-bred Warmblood in both dressage and jumping, competing at second level and working toward a bronze medal in dressage. Mel is available exclusively for training rides, offering a balanced approach that combines both her competitive and veterinary backgrounds to support each horse’s development.