A lifelong horsewoman, Laura has been riding for more than 40 years. She competed in Open Jumpers at the age of 12, clearing 6’3” at the Indiana Coliseum and has numerous national and state wins, including the Washington International Horse Show and WEF (Winter Equestrian Festival). She has qualified and taken riders to places like La Silla in Monterrey, Mexico.
In addition to her position as head trainer at Country Ridge Stables, Laura judges and teaches clinics in the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Laura loves teaching and hosting clinics in order to expand the reach not only of her own expertise but that of other elite trainers. She is a firm believer that students and horses of all levels gain invaluable experience by working with a variety of trainers at clinics throughout the year. Her teaching philosophy is closely tied to her personal belief that you should never stop learning, and that the only failure is not trying.
Laura specializes in matching horses and riders and helping riders reach their full potential, from short stirrup to the grand prix. She loves starting young horses and bringing them along, but has a passion for rescuing abused and neglected horses. One thing on her bucket list is to have a beautiful sanctuary for senior and neglected animals.
Laura is currently accepting horses in training and new students of all ages and abilities.
Taylor has been riding her entire life. She first started jumping and competing at horse shows when she was just four years old. After Taylor outgrew the ponies she competed successfully in the “junior” divisions. By age 12 she was competing in the high junior/amateur jumpers on her horse, Stepping Stone. A few months after Taylor’s 13th birthday, she competed in her first Grand Prix in Lake St. Louis, Missouri where she placed 5th in a field of 26 professionals.
Taylor had many successes in her junior years riding in all 3 rings. She piloted several horses to championships in the Hunter and Jumper ring while obtaining various medal and equitation wins. As her junior years came to a close, she decided her next step was to become a professional when she turned 18.
Taylor has utilized her talent on the East Coast competing at many shows including HITS and Old Salem in New York under the coaching and employment of Anne Kursinski. While Taylor was working for Anne she was showing in the 1.25-1.30 jumpers regularly and taking on all barn chores such as, cleaning stalls, administering medications, turning horses out to pasture and making sure the horses were happy, healthy and well taken care of. After she worked for Anne, Taylor returned to Illinois. Taylor has competed primarily at HITS Chicago at Balmoral Park ‘A’ and ‘AA’ rated shows. She has ridden many horses to top placings in all of their divisions including consistently being in the top 12 and winning National Hunter Derbies.
Taylor enjoys teaching elaborate and educational lessons to any type of student. Whether a 6-year-old riding in their first lesson, or an adult who has been riding for many years, she loves being able to spread her knowledge and horsemanship skills.
Fernando has been barn manager at Country Ridge Stables since its inception in 2006. He oversees every aspect of horse care, including vet visits, turnout, exercise, supplies and management of other barn employees. Fernando works closely with our trainers to make sure each horse is given the individual care needed. He is also an irreplaceable asset to the barn, overseeing and communicating with facility management when repairs or supplies are needed to keep our facility and equipment running properly.
Originally from Guadalajara, Mexico, Fernando has more than 20 years of experience as a barn manager for the top hunter/jumper stables in Illinois. In addition to his expert knowledge of horses, Fernando has great attention to detail, a high level of organization, and a winning attitude. He may seem relaxed and easy going, but that’s only because he has everything under complete control. Fernando takes his job very seriously. Whether he is checking on the horses at night or caring for horses at the shows, you won’t find anyone more thorough and professional than Fernando.
