Messenger Hill’s Acclaimed Training Program Now Open Year-Round In Wellington, FL

press release

Mar 173 min read

Reasons to Rethink Your Training Program

In the recent weeks at WEF, Messenger Hill Farm’s riders have claimed top ribbons in classes from the FEI jumpers to 2 ft. hunters, securing a number of championships in the process.

Lindsay Streich & Highlighter claim the championship in the Adult Amateur 2’9" Hunters. PC: Meg Gehron

The owners of Messenger Hill Farm, Jodi and Freddie Vazquez, are seasoned professionals when it comes to producing winners, splitting their time between their northern home base in Lake Forest, IL, and Wellington, FL. Over the past few years, Jodi and Freddie expanded Messenger Hill by acquiring the incredible Nature’s Point Farm, located just a short walk from WEF showgrounds.

“Our dream has always been to have a world-class facility in Wellington where all the champions compete. The competition here is at the highest level, no matter what level you compete in. This facility is everything we dreamed of, it’s state-of-the-art,” beams Freddie.

Messenger Hill South PC: Lindsey Oaks

Most training programs of this caliber close up shop during the summers while they head back up north to their home bases.“We want riders who are staying in Florida year-round to have access to premium facilities and training, so we will be fully staffed with high-performance coaches in all locations, year-round! It’s exciting to be at a place in our business where we can offer the Wellington area our services all year,” adds Jodi.

The “X” Factor

The Messenger Hill program is best described as “comprehensive.” Not only is the training top notch, but every inch of the farm is set up to support horses and riders and “service” doesn’t stop at the edge of the arena.

A horse enjoys the view at MHF South, PC: Meg Gehron

Spacious stalls with windows for the horses to see the activity are piled high with shavings; the horses walk out of their stalls onto non-slip flooring, catching the breeze as it flows through the barn. They walk down to the Olympic-sized, all-weather arena for a lesson and then go for a relaxing hack around the 3-acre, grass jump field before heading back for a bath and some private turnout.

The Messenger Hill Jump Field. PC: Junior

Every hour of each horse’s day is planned for their success.

“If a horse needs exactly three hours of turnout and a five-minute lunge to set up for a great lesson, that’s what it gets,” says Jodi.

Additionally, their matchmaking service is unparalleled. Jodi and Freddie are outstanding at finding just the right horse for their riders. Ditch horse shopping online. Jodi and Freddie’s list of contacts for horses is full of highly respected professionals in the industry, forged over decades of doing business and building trust.

A peaceful morning at MHF South, PC: Meg Gehron

But the real secret sauce to the Messenger Hill Farm's recipe for success is in their day-to-day support system that includes not only Jodi and Freddie, but Wellington Program Director Katie Woods (read more about Katie here).

“From her very first day at Messenger Hill Farm, my daughter knew that she had found her second home. Jodi and Freddie and their amazing team consistently give her the time, training, and encouragement to reach her potential. They have helped my once timid girl become a confident young woman in and out of the show ring,” says Leslie Sonnenstein, whose daughter started riding at MHF last year. “Jodi, Freddie, and Katie have shared their passion, experience, and expertise with our family, and have helped us to navigate the often-overwhelming equestrian world. Messenger Hill Farm is truly exceptional in every way.”

Testimonials like this one are not rare and almost always mention the amazing amount of support outside of riding lessons that clients receive. This support, on and off the horse, is how MHF produces confident, successful riders. As Messenger Hill’s new year-round program elevates the equestrian experience in Wellington, it’s clear that MHF is not just a training facility; it’s a true home for champions.

Contact Messenger Hill Farm for a private tour!