Arabian Knights Farms and
Training Center Incorporated

Kelly Reichard Trainer/Instructor	Trainer/Instructor	Carol Gawronski  Trainer/Instructor
Instructor	Stacy Stackhouse Instructor

Kelly Reichard, Trainer / Instructor

My amateur career was spent predominantly traveling, training under the expert eyes of Vic Fraley, Diane Underwood, and Tom Leech. The long hours and hard work paid off with numerous regional championships and national honors in Stock Seat Equitation, English Pleasure and Park Horse divisions.

I turned professional in 1989, starting out as an assistant trainer to Tom Leech in Kansas City, Missouri. I then returned home to Iowa to work as assistant trainer for Vic Fraley, and to take over his Western and Amateur programs. Following a very successful three years, I relocated to sunny California for a brief association with Kit Hall Arabians.

1993 was quite a year for me with My second return to Iowa and the development of Arriviste Arabians in Polk City. Receiving championships in Halter, English Pleasure, Western Pleasure, Saddle Seat and Stock Seat Equitation, Reining, Show Hack, Side Saddle, Driving and Walk-Trot-culminating in three top tens at the National Show Horse Finals in Omaha, Nebraska.

I am very excited about my move to Arabian Knights Farm. Our goals for this year are to take AKFs already strong amateur emphasis and expand it, as well as initiate a training program based on the development of the young horse. With the expansion of the Arabian junior Horse divisions, increased interest in the Snaffle Bit Futurities, and the introduction of Youth Nationals, I feel that these programs will help give a competitive edge to the Chicago area. My personal long-term goals include being part of one of the strongest amateur show programs in the country, and I am confident that my involvement with Arabian Knights Farm is a giant and important step in that direction.

Carol Gawronski, Trainer / Instructor

I have been teaching dressage (or basic horse training), as the "traveling trainer" for over 12 years. Before that, I learned from, taught with and worked for Neil Mannebach, a prominent dressage trainer in the southern suburbs for many years. During that time, and subsequent, I have worked with a variety of breeds - from Arabs to Warmbloods, Thoroughbreds to Morgans, as well as with students of varying abilities, styles and goals. I have trained and shown horses from Training level to FEI and at the present time I am showing at both ends of the levels - my Appaloosa gelding, JP at Ist level and my Half-Arab, Half-Saddlebred gelding, J.C. Mr. Pepper Man, at Intermediate.

Stacy Stackhouse - Instructor

My earliest memories are those shared with horses. Growing up on a small farm in rural Michigan, animals -- particularly horses -- were my favored companions.

My mother encouraged my enthusiasm for horses and there began my riding career atan early age. Under the expert tutelage of Barbara Baker of Michigan and Annie Cowgill at summer riding camps in Missouri I started to understand how much there was to learn.

Day after day, year after year, show after show I worked diligently. Working with my three American Saddlebreds, I had the honor of winning a State Championship and several Reserve Champions in Three-Gated Amateur and Saddle
Seat Equitation divisions. I also rode on my high school equestrian team and helped win two State Championships - my partner in this was my half Arabian pony named Majah.

College and a B.A. in accounting from Michigan State University temporarily sidelined my showing career. But I have cqme back with a new emphasis - teaching others. I want students to experience horses, along with showing and all the responsibility, love and hard work it entails.

Teaching beginning riders is what I find most rewarding. You see, it's not enough to experience horses, you need to become a part of them, flow with and anticipate their every move. It is a fabulous journey of horse-awareness and I feel, more importantly, self awareness.

My students, children and adults alike, become a part of a family. We cheer for each other and take pride in individual and group achievements. We work hard as a team and have fun enjoying our beautiful horses at the same time.

It is a sport to become passionate about. I hope you will consider joining us at Arabian Knights Farms.

 
6526 Clarendon Hills Rd.
Willowbrook Illinois
630-325-3482