Meet Team Quiet Meadow

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Meet Some of Our Adult Amateur Riders

Learn more about them, their horses, and why they chose Quiet Meadow...

Bonnie & "Sully"

"I have known Stef and Shirley since I was in middle school (about 25 years). Stef rode my very first horse, "Houdini" as a catch rider and was in charge of the lesson horses care when I was in the lesson program at CVF. Shirley taught lessons at CVF. Our friendship as a whole grew from that time and has remained ever since. They are like family to me. Stef and Shirley have a lot of experience and a great blend of teaching styles and perspectives. They both have the patience to help me despite my sensitive nature," Bonnie shared.

Bonnie has a new 3 year old OTTB gelding named "Sully" that she is very excited to work with Stefanie as they bring him along with hopes of him becoming an Adult Hunter someday. Bonnie's first ride (pictured) was a success. Stefanie's ability to give green horses confidence and the right foundation is proven time after time with the young or green horses that come into the program here at Quiet Meadow.

Marla & Liz
"Dolly", "Rebel", "Apollo"

Marla and Liz Lucarelli are a mother-daughter duo here at Quiet Meadow. Liz, who has ridden since she was four, now competes in the Children Hunter Pony division on her pony, “Moon Run Duplicity”, recently qualifying for Pony Finals. She also rides her pleasure quarter horse mare “Red Rockin Rebel” at the barn for fun. She humbly shares “Rebel” with her Mom, who recently re-entered the lesson program with Shirley Kopas.

Marla is one of the “Barn Moms” we all feel lucky to have! She can always be found cheering on the entire team, supporting our horses and riders, and often sends those heading off to away shows with snacks and goodies for the drive! Marla and Liz can often be found helping out around the farm including Sunday mornings when boarders give the barn staff the day off.

“We love the family friendly atmosphere with a sensible and safe training approach, guaranteed to teach a hard work ethic,” says Marla.
They both cheer on their third horse, “Acapulco”, a young imported Dutch Warmblood gelding, shown by trainer Stefanie Portman in the Greens, Derbies, and Jumpers, with hopes of him becoming an upper level horse with his continued mileage and training.

Mandy
"Sheldon"

Bio Coming Soon

Cali & "Percy"

Meet Adult Amateur Cali Karbler:
Cali is one of our junior riders that came to us with her $1 retired standardbred pacer-turned jumper, when she was looking to reach the next level of competition and was looking for our expertise to guide them there. Devon, Harrisburg, Washington have all been crossed off their bucket list in such a short time due to their hard work and dedication to the sport. Cali will be attending college in South Dakota this fall and we will surely miss them both!

"Stefanie and Shirley’s individualized training program has allowed my horse, Percy, and I develop into a competitive partnership and continuously allows me to grow as a rider. Their impeccable training style has continuously proven that any horse can have a successful career, even the most unorthodox," she explained.

"I love River Run because it has such a relaxing atmosphere for the horses and people. Its important for the horses when they’re home to be able to be horses and not competitors. The farm is beautiful in every aspect and I know my horse is always comfortable and happy!" said Cali.

Maureen
"Tony" & "Cato"

Maureen Hole, owner of the beautiful farm we call home "River Run", and a dedicated lifelong rider. She owns two horses, First Crush a young hunter prospect showing in the Green Hunters, and Jet Set, her low-adult hunter. Maureen is always willing to step in and help from barn chores, to setting courses, and helping everyone in the barn during long days at shows. Maureen isn't afraid of hard work and truly loves being around the horses every day!

"I started back riding about 4 years ago when my son was a senior in High School. I had more flexible time on my hands, and had an opportunity to half lease a friends horse 3 days a week. Today I have two horses, one that I show in the low adults, and the other that our trainers, Shirley & Stefanie are bringing along in the the 3’Green Hunters & National Derby. I love riding with all the ladies at the barn both young & old. Our barn is a very low key, peaceful, a happy place for all the horses and our riders."

Susan
"Jonah"

Bio Coming Soon

Phoenix & "Grace"

Meet Adult Amateur Rider, Phoenix Hill:Stefanie has been riding/training her horses professionally for 16 years, with 10 of those years being training directly with Stef/Shirley. Phoenix currently competes in the High Adult Jumpers with her Appendix QH mare Skys Burnin Blue, with a resume of accomplishments and awards a mile long. "Gracie" came to Stefanie as an un-broke, neglected young mare, with Stefanie starting her from the ground up before Phoenix bought her and continued their path of success. Their accolades reflect on the talent Stefanie and Shirley have for bringing out the best in every horse and rider.
"What I love about Quiet Meadow is the drama free zone it offers, and the most inviting and friendly environment for all ages and skill levels. Stefanie and Shirley put the welfare of the horse at the forefront of their training programs. They instill in their riders that horsemanship takes precedence over any ribbon. For me that hits home. At the end of the day, no matter the competitions outcome I am comforted by the fact that my horse is always in a safe environment," shared Phoenix. "My favorite part of the farm is how peaceful and quiet the barn is. I love seeing the horses looking out the window and watch the Chagrin River while munching on some of the best quality hay in the state."
Phoenix is an Assistant Vice President at PNC, enjoys fitness and running tough mudders when she isn't riding. Her husband Zach, a huge sports fan, is supportive of her passion, often encouraging that Gracie needs more treats and attending the shows he can or watching live streams and cheering them on. Zach has learned enough about how the jumpers work to get just as excited over them having a clear round as he would each time Ohio State scored a touchdown.

Taylor
"Seti"

Meet Adult Amateur Taylor Beebe:
"I chose to ride with Shirley and Stefanie because I heard so many great thing about them and was looking to start showing more often and become a more competitive rider. I’ve been riding since I was 5. I love our barn because everyone is always supporting each other. We always help each other out with everything. It really feels like a second family to me. Shirley and Stef have really helped me excel as a rider. They really have a personal interest in my success and always encourage me to challenge myself," explained Taylor.

Taylor has leased Paige, a mare that has been with Stef and Shirley for many many years. Paige was Shirley's daughter Lauren's horse, and has taught countless kids and adults over the years, while also having numerous foals. Taylor recently began leasing "Seti", one of Paige's foals, where they are now doing the Adult Hunters as Taylor recently moved up from the low-children's and non-pro divisions.
Taylor plans on attending Dayton University in the fall where she will study political science, criminal justice with the possibility of moving towards a career in law. She plans on continuing to ride in college. While we will miss her when she goes off to college, we look forward to summer breaks when she can come visit and ride anytime she wants!

Erin
"Jonah"

Bio Coming Soon

More rider spotlights coming soon...

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