“Vanessa Roman and Michael DelFiandra provide the ultimate experience at Grafton Ridge. Through a calm and supportive environment, they maintain an advanced and competitive program in which everyone, regardless of riding level, is able to flourish. Vanessa and Michael are not only great trainers who put the horses and their needs first, but also they are friends of mine whom I look up to. I am excited for future successes, memories, and friendships at Grafton Ridge"
— Abby Lefkowitz
“ Vanessa and Michael are the absolute BEST! Not only are my horses thriving in their program, but I’m attaining goals that I never imagined were within reach. Now that I’m working full-time and am unable to be there as often as I’d like, it’s invaluable to be able to show up and have my horses completely fine tuned and ready for me. I feel so lucky to be a part of their team!!!”
— Danielle Holliday
“Grafton Ridge is truly something special that I am honored to be a part of. The community that Vanessa and Michael have striven to create makes Grafton Ridge so different then any other barn. "
— Kathryn McKarthy
“When I first began working with Grafton Ridge I had taken three years off and my goal was simply getting back in a show ring. Four years later, Michael and Vanessa have carried me from a nervous amateur to winning and being champion at venues like WIHS, WEF, The Hampton Classic, and Lake Placid, as well as a top 3 finish at my first Devon. Furthermore, they’ve helped me achieve goals that felt far out of reach, such as qualifying for finals every year, while managing a busy work schedule. They are awesome!.”
— Dylann Ephraimson
“I’ve ridden my entire adult life but my move to Grafton Ridge has improved my riding tremendously in a relatively short period of time. Vanessa and Michael are accomplished riders, excellent trainers and an absolute pleasure to work with. Not only am I happy but my horses are happy.”
— Sheree Holliday
“Training with Grafton Ridge has taken both my riding skills and my horses’ training to the next level. Over the past three years, Michael and Vanessa have been a key component in polishing my equitation skills and teaching me how to bring along my young hunters. They possess that delicate balance of pushing to achieve goals, yet patiently supporting me. Further, they both share my family’s ideology that horse care comes first.
The boutique show barn environment that Michael and Vanessa foster allows for a positive working relationship between rider, trainer, parent and groom. They understand that their clients join the barn with varied knowledge of our sport and are tremendously patient in educating riders and their parents along the way. I have grown to really appreciate the many benefits of the close-knit and supportive environment at Grafton Ridge which in my experience has translated to increased success in the ring. The skills I’ve achieved during my short time with Grafton Ridge have not only made me a more successful rider, but a better all-around horsewoman."
— Cameron Kohls