Staff
Leslie B. Haynes, Owner & Operator
A British Horse Society Certified riding instructor, Leslie brings more than thirty years of experience in the equestrian industry to her role as owner-director of Rough Terrain Farm. She provides riding and driving instruction that emphasizes safety and correctness, as well as effective communication with the horse/pony. As a trainer, she emphasizes bomb proofing, lightness, and a willingness to work. As an instuctor in the Vermont Technical College Equine Studies Program, Leslie teaches a balanced seat on a lunge line, long lining, driving, and how to train a horse to drive. She specializes in training driving horses, ponies and minis, as well as equines for handicap driving.
Natalie Jarnis, Farm Manager & Assistant Trainer
Natalie, pictured with Beau, has been working at Rough Terrain Farm as Farm Manager for six years. She assists with the training of riding horses and ponies and teaches dressage and Natural Horsemanship. Natalie instructs private lessons at the farm and for the Vermont Technical College Equine Studies Program. To further her training in natural horsemanship, she has attended two clinics with Chris Cox at Diamond Double C Ranch in Mineral Wells, TX. Photo by Vanessa Wright.
Jessica Stewart, Trainer & Coach
Jessy, pictured with Allegra Walters, is a member of the American Quarter Horse Association Professional Horsemen. She has won numerous state championships and regional all-around awards and competed nationally at the AQHYA World Championship Show in Fort Worth, Texas; the East Coast Championship Shows in Lexington, Virginia; and the Gold Coast Circuit in Tampa, Florida. Jessy adapts training schedules are to match each horse’s personality, temperament, and the priorities of the owner. Equine experience levels may range from an unbroken yearling to an older seasoned horse in need of fine-tuning, and all ages, breeds, and experience levels are welcome! AQHA disciplines offered include Showmanship, Halter, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship, Hunter Under Saddle, Hunt Seat Equitation, Trail and Hunter Hack. Lessons with Jessy are a fun learning experience focused on the goal of improving both horse and rider. They are geared toward the individual needs of each team, whether their goal is success with showing or just riding safely on the trail. Clients may either bring their horses to Rough Terrain Farm for lessons or have Jessy travel to their facility. In addition to preparing at home with lessons and training, clients can receive complete coaching at shows. Show preparation services include but are not limited to, clothing and tack consultation, show-ring strategies, training rides and pattern coaching. Jessy regularly coaches Youth and Amateur at AQHA shows throughout the season.
Lori Berger, Dressage Instructor
Certified by the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA), Lori teaches introductory through second level dressage. She received her early training with Olympic medalist Michael Poulin and has since become interested in the application of dressage and human/equine biomechanics to improve the success of amateur riders of all disciplines. Lori is an adjunct professor of Equine Studies at Vermont Technical College and teaches dressage lessons at Rough Terrain Farm by appointment. Contact Laurie at 802-889-3242.
"It's always a pleasure to come to Rough Terrain Farm. Leslie and her crew, daughter Jessy and assistant Natalie, maintain a neat and well run facility with happy and healthy horses and people. Postitive attitides, always looking to add to their own knowledge and share it with others."
~ Sterling D.B. Graburn, FEI Top Driver North American Champion 2004
Kingsforth Hall Training Center, Florida