|
 Vicki has owned James River Riding School and/or the James River Equestrian Center since April, 1996. Vicki's passion for teaching began as a Riding Instructor in 1991. Over the years, Vicki has enjoyed her various equestrian roles, from competing herself, seeing her students and her own children grow through their experiences with horses, to owning her own animals and learning the business of running an Equestrian Center. Vicki is most proud of the unique family environment that has developed at the James River Equestrian Center.
|
|
|
Sarah Ranson, Barn Manager, Instructor, and 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. |
|
Debbie Howell, Office Manager |
|
|
|
|
 Debbie came to James River over 15 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.
|
|
 Susan grew up in Vermont and began riding and showing at the age of 6. She rode hunters, jumpers and also did eventing. Susan took a break from riding after college but when her oldest daughter, Katie, began to beg for riding lessons at a young age, Susan was thrilled to find herself back in the company of horses. Katie, now age 14, has been riding at the James River Equestrian Center for 7 years. Katie’s younger sister, Sarah, began riding as well and now, with husband Daryl helping around the barn, it is a family affair. Susan has worked in the field of education for nearly 20 years so to combine her love of teaching with horses is a dream come true. When she is not teaching, she can usually be found riding or helping her daughters with their ponies.
|
|
|
Katia Brock grew up riding at the JREC Riding School and is thrilled to be able to share her enthusiasm and experience with the next generation of riders. Katia attended Oberlin College where she competed on the college's Intercollegiate Equestrian team. The riding school environment prepared her well for success on the Ohio Intercollegiate circuit. Katia returned to Richmond to pursue a degree in Early and Elementary Education from VCU, which has served her well in teaching students of all ages at the Riding School. Katia's goal as an instructor is to help her students become lifelong riders and horse lovers. |
|
|
|
|
|
