Michael grew up in Florida riding and showing as a working student with Alan Korotkin at Castlewood Farm. In his junior years, Michael found success in both the equitation and jumper rings earning ribbons at many major finals. After turning professional in 2006 Michael took his first training job with the Korotkin’s, where he worked for 4 years. Following Michael's time at Castlewood, he held positions at several other successful top training barns on the “A” circuit including two years as Assistant Trainer at North Run and six years with Sweet Oak Farm. While at Sweet Oak, Michael's students earned gold medals in the Prix de States, Young Riders as well as the U25 championship at the National Horse Show.

Michael takes great pride in the fact that his riders have earned wins at Devon, Pony Finals, Indoors and the Winter Equestrian Festival - and thanks to their successes he was honored with the Leading Trainer Award during Junior Weekend at Harrisburg.

Michael’s dream was always to start his own business. In 2017, he opened Grafton Ridge and his style and coaching technique has already brought many successes to his students in the show ring and beyond. Michael believes a confident, educated rider is the one that wins.

Vanessa fell in love with horses at a young age while taking riding lessons at a small family farm in Stamford, Connecticut. Far away from the show circuit, she nourished her passion while riding anything she could sit on in the back-country woods. That pressure free equestrian environment gave her the tools to understand the horse and approach training in less conventional way that has shaped the way she trains today.

Vanessa earned a B.A. at UMASS Amherst where the head coach of the riding program connected her with eventing riders Karen and David O’Connor. Vanessa worked with the O'Connor Olympic horses as a groom for two and a half years. The time with Karen and David's horses provided an unparalleled educated in the highest level of horse care and barn management. That experience that has proven invaluable throughout her equestrian career.

Vanessa moved on to the Boulder Brook Equestrian Center in 2007 where she worked as a trainer for 13 years. In 2019, Vanessa decided to venture out on her own until her partnership with Michael and Grafton Ridge.

Vanessa's unique style which incorporates a mindful approach to the training of both horse and rider incorporates a positive and relaxed environment to the stables. Vanessa has worked extensively with Daniel Stewart and his Pressure Proof Academy. The Pressure Proof Academy is an equestrian sports psychology program, where they not only focus on physical coaching but mental training as well. She keeps active in the program as an assistant coach during training camps and is excited to be featured as a contributing author in his next book.

In an effort to find balance in her hectic schedule, Vanessa discovered yoga. After several years of dedicated practice, Vanessa along with her friend and co-creator Erinn Cayehal Chang developed EquestriOM, an innovative, sport-specific conditioning for equestrians. EquestriOm blends conventional training with yoga, breath work and mindfulness.

Vanessa is driven by her vision to empower riders both in and out of the show ring. The opportunity to inspire riders toward reaching their peak performance goals and spend every day with horses is a dream come true.

Krista grew up learning to ride in both Asia and Europe, before moving to New Jersey at age 11 and competing successfully as a junior on a national level in both the hunters and equitation. After aging out of the junior divisions, she continued to compete as an amateur while receiving her Bachelor’s degree at Skidmore College, and her MBA at Union. For several years she pursued a career in alternative energy, but eventually realized her true passion was in the horse world.

After turning professional in 2012, Krista got her start in training at Back Country Farm, and over the last eleven years she has worked as an assistant trainer and manager at several top programs, including Arcadia Farm, Findlay’s Ridge, and Brianne Goutal LLC. She has coached students from the pony divisions all the way up to the FEI and U25 level, with numerous championship titles and ribbons at the top shows in the country, including Devon, Indoors, Pony Finals, and Junior Hunter Finals.

Krista’s favorite aspect of the horse show industry is the opportunity to train students over the long term, helping them achieve their goals as they grow from the starting levels to the top tier of the sport. She has several past students that she worked with from their start in the pony divisions all the way through their wins in the equitation, junior hunters, and junior jumpers.

Sarah grew up in South Salem, NY, learning to ride in the thriving hunter, jumper, and equitation community of Northern Westchester. As a junior, she rode with top professionals and learned horsemanship and barn management hands-on as a working student. She competed in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation while developing her own young horses, and later worked for top show jumpers, gaining a close understanding of the routines that keep equine and human athletes performing at the highest level. 

Sarah earned her B.A. in History and Political Science at Colorado College. After several years running her own tourism business in Brooklyn, she returned to the sport as a trainer and rider, where she discovered her love for teaching and sharing the knowledge she was raised on. 

Sarah believes a clear education in a positive environment empowers both horses and riders to thrive. Away from the barn, she practices yoga and mindfulness and brings that focus into her teaching and riding. She credits her life with horses for instilling in her the values of courage, tenacity, and empathy; values she hopes to pass on.

Horses have been at the center of my life for as long as I can remember, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have built a career doing what I love. In 2015, I started as a working student for Vanessa and quickly fell in love with the performance horse industry.

Wanting to further my education, I earned both an Associate of Applied Science degree in Equine Science and Management and a Bachelor of Technology degree with a specialization in Equine Rehabilitation. After college, I worked as an equine veterinary technician at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, where I gained valuable experience caring for horses in both routine and emergency situations. That background gave me a deep appreciation for the health, comfort, and overall well-being of every horse in my care. Combining my background in equine healthcare with my passion for horse and client care allows me to bring a well-rounded perspective to every aspect of barn management.

As a Barn Manager, I enjoy being involved in all aspects of barn life—from supporting our riders and clients to ensuring our horses receive exceptional care each day. I believe success starts with strong relationships, attention to detail, and creating an environment where both horses and people can thrive.

One of the things I love most about this industry is that no two days are ever the same. Whether we’re preparing for a horse show, welcoming new clients, or simply enjoying the day-to-day rhythm of barn life, I am grateful to be part of a community built around a shared passion for horses.

My goal is to help create a positive, organized, and supportive atmosphere where everyone feels at home and every horse receives the highest standard of care.Description goes here