Marie has loved horses since she was a child. At age 12, her dreams came true with the arrival of her first horse, Pal. Now she is the happy owner of Peekaboo, a Morgan with a ton of character. Marie teaches beginners at Rancho del Lago, usually on one of our many Welsh ponies. She is also the director of our summer camp program. Marie has a Masters Degree and Ph.D in Social Work from UC Berkeley. Prior to owning Rancho del Lago, Marie directed the quality improvement department at Kaiser Permanente in Oakland.
Jessica Miller has been a rider and horse owner for more than 20 years.
Jessica knew from a young age that she wanted to be a riding trainer and
instructor. Jessica apprenticed for over five years with Sue Curry Schaffer
at Fairwind Farm, and has worked with many Olympic riders and judges from
all over the world. Jessica has a degree in Human Development from Sonoma
State University, and feels this education is very useful in teaching both
adults and children.
Jessica has started young horses, excelled with difficult horses, as well as ridden the world famous stallion Donnerschlag in F.E.I competition. Jessica teaches a classical approach to riding with emphasis on safety and respect for the horse. She has been teaching riders for over eight years, and has coached riders to championships. Jessica believes that riding and horsemanship is a great way to build character and partnerships that last a lifetime.