OUR TRAINERS

ELEVATE YOUR SKILLS

At Kirby Hill, you’ll have access to a range of top professionals to help you pursue your training and competition goals. Instructors associated with Kirby Hill include FEI certified trainers competing at the Grand Prix level.

An ideal environment for those aspiring to compete, our trainers develop personalized training programs and goals for achieving harmony between horse and rider, from classical riding to the more athletic pursuits. They’ll broaden your skills and capabilities while helping you progress from local schooling to A-circuit shows.

A COMPLETE APPROACH

While improving your riding skills, you’ll learn from a staff that’s attuned to the muscular, dietary and behavioral aspects of horse care, and dedicated to strengthening and training the horse to be a caring, fully athletic and active partner.

Please view the below list of Trainers residing at Kirby Hill Farm and feel free to reach out to them directly.

MEET OUR TRAINERS

BARBARA FILIPPELLI (Valley Pond Farm)

About Barbara Barbara Filippelli: Owner and trainer of Valley Pond Farm started riding a really long time ago! (over 45 years…they had cars back then too.) as a lesson kid at Saddletree Farm in Bronxville NY, now Twin Lakes Farm. She has been a professional trainer for over 30 years and loves every minute of it! Barb has qualified many of her students for indoor finals. She likes to work on addressing the mental and emotional side of riding. Barb has the ability to teach students to be confident and effective horsemen both on and off the horse. She maintains a fun atmosphere while educating her students on every aspect of riding. Being a former Vet Tech from New England Equine Practice.Barb currently helps in conducting bone scans for NEEP which has even furthered her education and understanding of these wonderful animals. Barb has been an “R” licensed Hunter/Jumper/Equitation judge since 1991 and fully enjoys the judge’s box! She is also on the Board of Director’s for the National Professional Horseman’s Association, PHA. Barb trains all levels and ages and will work with you on achieving your goals. www.valleypondfarm.com Email: valleypondfarm@gmail.com Phone: (914) 806-5556
MELISSA HOGAN (Revolution Equestrian)

About Revolution Revolution Equestrian offers training in various disciplines; dressage, hunter/ jumper with specialty in retraining and starting young horses, including a lesson program with package options. We also are offering 3 levels of board. Email: RevolutionEquestrian22@gmail.com Phone: (914) 806-5402 Visit us at Revolution Equestrian About Melissa I started riding hunter/jumpers at age 5. I rode and showed locally in the 3ft until age of 16 when I decided to go through the Kenny Harlow certification program (the ‘horse whisper.’) I broke 3 horses through his program and several horses afterwards. I attended Johnson and Wales University, and competed for the school’s IHSA team, and rode through 4th Level dressage in college. I graduated with honors, receiving my bachelors degree in Equine business management and riding. After college I interned at a breeding farm, where I was in charge of mares, foals and medication for all horses. I then went on to work at New England Equine Practice for 2 years as a vet tech. At the age of 21 I began teaching lessons and showing some of the young horses I broke. Since then I have worked, ridden and shown for some of the top trainers in the NY area. After having my first son I started retraining Thoroughbreds off the track to become show horses. I also worked at Akindale TB rescue for 4 years. I could not stay away from the horse show world. I opened Revolution Equestrian and have a terrific group of hunter/jumpers, equitation, lower level dressage and trail riding clients! My students have been excelling in the show ring, and I have kids just starting their riding career to clients jumping over 4 ft. Revolution Equestrian offers lessons, boarding and training for all levels and styles. Our commitment here is to have a safe, fun and happy barn family that offers top class care for your horse and for you. From trail rides to A shows, we offer it all!
DAVID COLLINS (Certified FEI Dressage Instructor)

David Collins - Certified FEI Dressage Instructor by USA Bronze Medal Olympic Coach, Rietmeister Lammers As a professional dressage instructor in NY, it's a pleasure to share my extensive education in classical dressge with my students and horses. I teach riders to think and perform independently. I learned my system from great masters in Europe. I rode with many Olympic trainers and Reitmeisters who were recognized as some of the best in the world. One of my specialties is training young horses to be a pleasure to ride and to excel in FEI competition. My methods are based on effective, classical techniques that promote understanding, fairness and happiness in both horse and rider. My students realize that success is a byproduct that is derived from the effective execution of a detailed process. I provide the roadmap for this endeavor. For more information, please see my website: www.DavidCollinsDressage.com. I'm also the author of Dressage Masters, copyright 2006, by David Collins which is available on Amazon.