Far Meadow Farm is owned by
people who are passionate about their horses, and it is run by
experienced, knowledgeable professionals who care deeply for
the animals, and for the quality of services which they provide.
- Back row from left:
Chuck Conn, Brittany Coloske, Ken Galvin, Chris Decker, Brian
Jeffries
- Middle row: Chuy
Lopez, Ange Chmura, Katie Rocco, Megan Elsenboss, Carole St.
Mark
- Front row: Jessie
Ives, Pat Galvin, Shawna Barry
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Andrea Chmura, Barn Manager
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Ange grew up loving horses,
and began riding and taking care of her own horse at a young
age. She learned her horsemanship skills in her teen years, when
she apprenticed to Joe Keefe at Keefe Stables in Litchfield,
Connecticut. She worked at a number of stables, and for twelve
years, she managed the 55 stall Mountain Valley Equestrian Center
in Southbury, Connecticut.
Ange is responsible for hiring
and directing all personnel involved in horse care. She manages
our relationships with veterinarians and farriers, and is responsible
for all boarder services. She and her dog, Hemi, and cat Dorris,
live at Far Meadow. In her "spare" time, Ange
competes her horse TJ in Reining:
- Katie O'Connor Rocco, Head
Trainer
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Katie has over 40 years of experience
in all aspects of horsemanship. She has competed in and taught
Equitation, Hunter/Jumper, Dressage and Eventing. She is an "L"
rated Dressage judge, a Certified US Hunter Jumper Association
Trainer, and certified Level II US Eventing Association Instructor.
Katie began riding as a child
on her Shetland pony, then got her early training with Emerson
Burr in equitation and hunters. She participated in Pony Club
and started eventing in her teens. She managed several equine
facilities during the late 70’s and early 80’s, being
responsible for foaling of mares, breaking, training and showing
young horses, as well as teaching. She has owned boarding and
training facilities, and was responsible for evaluation and purchasing
of horses for the Chelsea Equestrian Center in New York, NY.
Katie is a sought-after clinician. She has organized and run
sanctioned horseshows, and continues to own and manage Dragonfly
Farm in Sandisfield, MA.
Katie has competed in Equitation,
Hunters through Working Hunter, Jumpers through Level 3, and
Dressage through Prix St. Georges. She has trained with Emerson
Burr, Kathy Connelly, Joy Congdon, Michael Page, David O’Connor,
Kim Walnes, Eric Horgan, Max Gahwayler, Alex Steiner and Pam
Goodrich.
Katie’s teaching philosophy
is to build a positive connection between horse and rider, no
matter what the discipline, or rider experience, creating correct
balance and harmony. She strives to create an encouraging and
enjoyable learning environment. Katie teaches all levels of riders
from beginner to advanced. She will tailor a training program
to fit the individual’s goals, be they pleasure riding or
competitive showing. She is a licensed riding instructor, and
is First Aid and CPR certified.
Patricia Galvin, Office Manager
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Pat has owned and ridden horses
most of her life. After a corporate career in information technology,
Pat came to Far Meadow to manage our administrative functions.
She is responsible for supply procurement, lesson and training
scheduling, office administration, and showing and travel arrangements.
Pat's husband, Ken, also a horseman, is our van driver for shows
and other horse transportation.
Jesus Lopez, Head Groom
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Chuy has worked extensively
with horses for the past 21 years. He started his career in Midland
Texas, working with cutting horses, and then moved to New York
State to work with driving horses. He spent many years working
with top hunters and jumpers under such renowned riders as Norman
Dello Joio and Geoffrey Welles. He was a show groom for Irish,
Reinaldo, and Gino Ginelli, to name a few famous horses.
Chuy and his wife, Marianne, and their two children, live at
Far Meadow. He is responsible for maintaining our horses in top
condition, for accompanying our riders to shows, and for training
all our grooms in proper horse care.
Our passion for horses causes
us to treat each animal with love and respect, regardless of
its age, ability or vices. We believe that riding should, above
all, be fun, not just for the rider, but a good experience for
the horse, as well. Because of this, we stress patience, and
safety. We don’t take short cuts in training of either the
horse or the rider.
We also want to be surrounded
with a beautiful environment. We believe that horse farms don’t
have to be utilitarian in appearance. Cleanliness is of paramount
importance to us. Not only are our barns very clean, but we have
tried to make them, and all of our facilities, beautiful to look
at and a pleasure to visit.
We believe in teamwork and friendliness.
Everyone who works here tries to help our boarders, students,
and each other, in any way that they can. And we always try to
have a lot of fun!
We believe in supporting our
communities and neighbors. We belong to the local Chamber of
Commerce, and support local scholarship funds, the library, the
fire department, and other organizations engaged in helping others.
If you join us as a boarder
or as a rider, you will find an environment that is supportive,
friendly, and pleasant to be in. We will always treat you with
respect and absolute honesty in all of our dealings with you.
You will find that our horses are pampered, some would say spoiled,
and that their welfare is always our primary concern.
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