TRAINER INFORMATION:

Stephanie A. Carter  -  Trainer/Instructor - "Storybrooke Farms"

Stephanie is capable of coaching all levels but adores teaching children! Her objective is to provide children and amateur owners with competitive partners who are confident, safe, and athletic.  Storybrooke/Idlewild pupils compete at all levels of shows from schooling to the 'A' circuit.

Raised by an equestrian professional in Eastern Michigan, Stephanie has competed successfully for more than twenty years in Hunter/Jumper and Dressage.  She is a former United States Pony Club member with C-1 rating and during her junior years worked as a show groom and assistant trainer for an internationally known welsh pony farm.  There she received the knowledge and experience training horses and ponies for carriage driving.  Stephanie is also a certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist (ESMT) and has worked as a Veterinary Technician for many years .

Safety and horsemanship are top priorities in every aspect of her training.  Her philosophy places emphasis on developing a strong rider as well as a solid foundation for horses of every discipline; to instill confidence and evince kindness, with a will that is calm yet flexible.

Melissa Anderson Duran   -  Assistant Trainer

Melissa has over 25 years experience riding and showing hunters.  Her riding career began in Hilton Head, South Carolina and eventually took her to Florida and Georgia where she trained with various trainers such as Carol Wilson, Greg Best and Chris Kappler.  She enjoys working with all levels of riders and horses, but particularly "rotten little ponies".  Her training methods strongly emphasize positive motivation. In addition to teaching and training in the equestrian world, Melissa also teaches canine behavior as well as basic and advanced obedience courses. Though her passions are canines and horses, she loves animals of all species and has worked as a Veterinary Technician for over 10 years.