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J.MICHAEL HALBLEIB - TRAINER
A United States Equestrian Federation “R” licensed judge in Hunters, Jumpers, and Hunt Seat Equitation. J. Michael started competing as an amateur in 1981 with Kathy Moore at the Flintridge Riding Club in Pasadena, CA. During the mid ’80’s he trained at Hunterdon, Inc. and brings with him over 20 years of experience of teaching methods, problem solving skills and the search for perfection he learned from Frank Madden, Bill Cooney, Anne Kursinski, and the legendary George H. Morris. While at Hunterdon, he competed in the Amateur Owner and Green Hunter Divisions, the A/O, Preliminary, Intermediate, Grand Prix, and World Cup Jumper divisions. He has conducted clinics throughout the United States and Mexico coaching all levels of riders. His riding and horse show experience include: Montreal- Canada, Lignier, Bern, Neauchatel, Lac Lugano, and Geneva - Switzerland, W.Palm Beach, Devon Horse Show, The National - Madison Square Garden, Pennsylvania National, Washington DC National, and others. Riding “Springlight”, he jumped 7 feet in the Puissance class at the Hollywood Charity Classic. J. Michael has judged more than 100 USEF sanctioned horse shows; most notably the USEF Olympic Sports Festivals in San Antonio ’93 and St. Louis ’94.
ELLEN BETHEA BLALOCK - ASSISTANT TRAINER/BARN MANAGER
Ellen started riding at the age of six after her mother gave her riding lessons for her birthday. She continued riding and showed throughout high school and college and is now the assistant trainer and co barn manager at Blackjack Farms. Ellen teaches beginner and intermediate riders, oversees vet records, and book keeping. She also coordinates the entries for competitions and helps to train and show young horses at the local and national horse shows. She shows across the south east including Brownland Farms, Georgia International Horse Park, Kentucky Horse Park, Gulfport, and many more. She also shows and trains with the Alabama Hunter Jumper Association circuit.
ELLEN GORRIE WALKER-
OWNER/CUSTOMER RELATIONS
Ellen started riding as a small child and has continued her passion for riding to the present. She , along with her parents, Miller and Frances Gorrie, designed and built the barn and riding facilities in 1995. The Hunter-Jumper program soon followed. She and her daughters have competed in local and national horse shows across the region. Ellen oversees horse shows, clinics, summer camps and other custom events.
