About Us

Jodi Linn Gitschier

Jodi uses all of the knowledge she has gained over the years riding, training, competing, and working with the other professionals to give students and their horses the resources they need to be happy, healthy, and well rounded. Jodi has taken students from lead line to pony hunters, suitable hunters to adult medals, as well as short stirrup to the jumpers. Her teaching method incorporates positive reinforcement with clear and concise direction. She modifies each lesson to ensure success with each student on an individual basis. Jodi believes that riding instruction does not begin or end with riding. She incorporates horsemanship and general horse care into lessons and expects students to respect and care for horses as partners. Jodi's accomplishments include successfully competing in hunters, equitation, jumpers, pleasure, showmanship, dressage, and eventing. Jodi has ridden with professionals such as Janet Briggs, Dawn Dascomb, Francois Lemare De Ruffieu, Judy Westlake, Greg LaPlace, and Jamie Dee Frontiero.

 

Most recently, Jodi has received her level 2 certification from the American Riding Instructors Association in Jumpers, Hunt Seat Equitation, and Stable Management. The certification tests potential candidates on their knowledge, teaching ability, safety procedures, and much more. Jodi is looking forward to testing for level 3 certification in the fall of 2010!

Ben Gitschier

Ben is co-owner of Graceful Image Farm and the resident horse show dad to all of the students! While Ben doesn't ride horses, he has never missed a horse show and loves driving the trailer! You can regularly find Ben hanging out with his most favorite horse in the world, Willie!

 

Kimberly Romano

Kim is the newest addition to the Graceful Image Farm team! As of October 1st, 2009 Kim will be our Assistant Instructor and Trainer. Her years of riding and showing in the hunters, jumpers, and equitations will be a valuable asset to the farm. She has competed all over New England with many successes at the New Hampshire Finals, Maine Finals, Vermont Summer Festival and much more! To schedule a lesson with Kim please call (603) 767-2797.

Susan Lakeway

Susan is our Barn Manager and resident "mom" to all of the kids at Graceful Image Farm. Her attention to safety and the welfare of the horses makes her an extremely valuable member of the team. You can regularly find Susan keeping the barn neat and organized and helping Jodi to keep everything running smoothly!