The Riding School at James River Equestrian Center offers lessons to those who do not own a horse at our riding school (this is the first barn on the property).  We teach beginner through advanced lessons.  Our lesson horses are carefully selected.  We have ponies and horses that are appropriate (very quiet) for the beginner as well as those who can challenge and accommodate the more advanced rider. In our riding program, each student is developed at his or her own pace.  All lessons are taught in groups (beginners in groups or 2 -3). The maximum in a group is 5 riders. This approach allows our students to learn from each other as well as enjoying the social aspect of riding as well. Our staff is very friendly and knowledgeable.
 

Vicki Phillips, Owner.  Vicki has owned James River Riding School and/or the James River Equestrian Center since April, 1996.  Vicki owns James River Equestrian Center which includes the Riding School ("front barn"), as well as the Boarding facility ("back barn").  At the Boarding facility, Vicki trains riders that compete in the GRHSA and VHSA Associate circuits. 

Vicki is proud to announce the new staff for The Riding School at James River Equestrian Center:

 

Sara West, Barn Manager, Instructor/Trainer. 

Sarah attended Hollins University from 2000-2004, where she rode on the Varsity Riding Team.  As a member of the Varsity Riding Team, Sarah competed at both the Intercollegiate and open horseshows.  Sarah was also a member of Hollins’ winning ODAC team as a freshmen, sophomore and senior.  Piloting Hollins’ school horses, Sarah received many championships in the Adults at both South West Virginia Hunter Jumper Shows and rated shows.  Sarah won the Oak Ridge Medal Finals and was third in the SWVHJ Adult Medal Finals in 2004 as a fitting end to her riding career at Hollins. 

            Upon graduating Sarah worked with racehorses at the Charles Town Racetrack where she gained valuable experience regarding horse care.  Sarah then took a position at Spring Valley Farm in Manakin Sabot, VA managing their Annex facility.  As manager of the Annex facility, Sarah was responsible for establishing the clientele base, training and riding all horses in the Annex.  She did everything from breaking young horses to showing older horses. 

            Sarah left Spring Valley to work independently as a rider and trainer.  She maintained her client base and continued breaking and training show horses.  Sarah has a great deal of experience in bringing young hunters along as well as starting them.  She can handle the very green horse to the more experienced hunter. 

            Sarah will be accepting horses for training at James River Equestrian Center.  Please call Sarah at 804-690-5675 for more information. 

 

Debbie Howell, Office Manager. 

Debbie came to James River over 14 years ago when her oldest daughter began to ride.   
Debbie has been a valuable asset to Vicki in many ways over the years.

As Office Manager, Debbie is responsible for scheduling, coordinating make-up lessons, handling phones and answering rider/parent questions.  Debbie is at the Riding School Monday through Friday during lesson time.  If you have any questions about lessons or the facility... please ask Debbie.

Debbie is at the riding school Monday through Friday.

 
     
     
Tammy Rutledge, Instructor/Trainer.

 

Description coming soon

   Kim Buerkley, Beginner Instructor.
 
As a beginner instructor, Kim will combine her love of horses and her experience teaching children to provide a wonderful riding experience for your child. Having ridden during her school years, Kim introduced her daughter to riding and assists her as she competes in CHSA/VHSA shows in the area and she also began riding again herself as an adult. Kim will teach fundamental riding skills to her students in a fun, supportive and safe atmosphere.		   Katri Brock, Saturday Instructor.

Description coming soon
 

 

Jim Spevak, Webmaster.  Jim's oldest daughter began riding at the School in 2003.  She and her younger sister are now both "pony crazy".  Jim enjoys being active in his daughters' activities, and observing the many life lessons they learn at the barn.