Program director Katie Wood is a key player at Messenger Hill Farm South in Wellington. Photo Meg Gehron.
Wellington, FL - February 22, 2025 - If success is in the details, then preparation is the key to unlocking potential. Don't let her warmness and charm fool you. Katie Wood is always three steps ahead with multiple contingency plans. And she is the heart behind the program at MHF South in Wellington, FL, (which is now open 365 days/year!!).
Always ready with a kind word, Katie has a particular talent for bringing out the brightest in her students. She says this is because she strives to be ahead of the game.
"I try to get ahead of a problem beforehand. It's much easier to do your homework before the lesson/horse show/whatever than to deal with the aftermath of unpreparedness," stated Katie.
We've all seen the direct results of Katie's preparedness. Her students and horses always seem to be in such a tranquil place when they are at work, which is, again, by Katie's design.
"This seems so obvious, but we forget that the horse's happiness is crucial. If he's unhappy, he won't want to work with us, and the rider won't get to learn. We've got to work with the horses if we want them to work with us," Katie added.
Always ready with a kind word, Katie has a particular talent for bringing out the brightest in her students. Photo Meg Gehron
.And work with us, they do! Katie's students are regularly in the ribbons and have a blast at ESP and WEF (which are just a short, 12-minute walk from the farm!).
"When I ride with Katie, I always feel uplifted. She gives me great visual examples when I'm working on something new and constantly makes jokes, which helps me relax," says student Carolyn Lucky.
And that's not all! Katie isn't just a great teacher; she's an intuitive rider. In fact, our fearless leader, Freddie Vazquez, even trusted his FEI horse, Kirschwasser SCF, AKA Kirby, with Katie all summer last year for a bit of R&R.
Freddie Vazquez and Kirschwasser SCF. Photo Andrew Ryback Photography.
"There are few people on the planet that I trust to oversee care for my personal horses, but Katie is a top-of-the-line trainer. I didn't think twice about it. We consider her a true asset and an amazing addition to our staff," Freddie said.
Lucky doesn't even cover it. We are so grateful for Katie! Our year-round program at MHF South wouldn't be possible without her!
The beautiful MHF South in Wellington, FL. Photos Meg Gehron.
Our world-class facility in Wellington features gorgeous stalls, plenty of beautiful paddocks for turnout, a top-of-the-line derby field with SALT-designed 3D printed jumps, and a 200' X 300' jump arena with quality Wordley Martin footing. Our services include superior lessons for all levels of riders, training, horse sales and leasing. The program includes showing both locally in Wellington and Chicago as well as nationally and internationally.
For more information on programs at Messenger Hill, shoot us an email at info@messengerhillfarm.com or call Lindsey at 859-457-9042.
773-203-3135
25310 N St. Marys RdLibertyville, IL 60048
Now in Wellington, FL all year!
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