UPDATE as of 3/1/2020 Chris is pursuing his Masters and has since stepped back from training at FWF. You may still catch him around the barn riding his lovely mare Roxy, followed by Norman her companion goat.

Chris began his riding career at six years old and has never stopped. As a kid, Chris rode at hunter farms throughout Detroit, where he was raised. He eventually dabbled in the jumpers and came to love that more. Chris enjoys playing it low key and helping more at home to teach or ride versus spending weekends away at the shows like many of the other trainers. It also allows him more time to surf and see his pet chickens each morning at the farm. 

 Chris graduated with his Level II teaching certification and a Riding Masters IV from Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre. He was a jumping major throughout the school’s program; however, dressage classes were a requirement in the school’s curriculum for all disciplines. With respect and love for dressage now, implementing the training scale is part of his training rides and teachings. He moved to California in 2007 and has now called Los Angeles home since. He has trained and worked for multiple FEI and Olympic trainers in both jumpers and dressage. He loves the differences amongst all the trainers. Chris now feels he can give his students more knowledge while training as well as teaching.  

Chris has a BA with an Equine Emphasis from West Virginia University. He completed his Masters in Fine Arts in Writing from Lindenwood University. He is currently enrolled at Pepperdine University and working on his second Masters in Clinical Psychology toward his LMFT. His next academic goal; completing his doctorate and becoming a sports psychologist. Chris has his United States Hunter-Jumper Trainer Certification and is a certified coach with the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. Chris was asked to join two board committees with IEA; the Board of Education and Board of Safe Sport.

Chris has been at Far West Farms now for ten years and calls it home. You will find him often teaching downstairs or riding a horse. However, he could be taking young riders to their IEA  show or wrangling up his pet chickens- before they destroy the flowers Sam bought outside the office.

To schedule a lesson with Chris, please see our CONTACT page!