MEET THE TEAM

Chagrin Valley Farms’ team of lesson and camp riding instructors share the philosophy that riding should always be fun and safe – and they know how to provide a positive experience for every level of rider.  If you are looking for additional services—horse training, coaching at horse shows on the road, buying or selling horses and ponies, Chagrin Valley Farms-based trainers can help you transition to the next level.

CVF RIDING INSTRUCTORS/TRAINERS

Cory

KATIE AURAND

RIDING & HORSEMANSHIP INSTRUCTOR

Katie has been riding and working with horses for nearly 20 years. She graduated from Lake Erie College with degrees in Equine Facility Management and Equine Teaching and Training. With experience in hunt seat, stadium jumping, dressage and cross country, as well as western and trail riding, she has taught students of all ages and abilities. Katie has also groomed for several top dressage trainers, managed show horse facilities, and ridden her Pony of the Americas in jumpers and dressage.

clarissa

CLARISSA CONRAD-LIERZ

RIDING & HORSEMANSHIP INSTRUCTOR

From the Dallas Texas Metroplex, Clarissa has been actively involved in the equine industry for over 20 years. She holds a Master of Science degree in Equine Nutrition from Kansas State University. During her Master’s thesis tenure, she coached the Kansas State Collegiate Horse Judging Team to two world championships, taught a handful of undergraduate level courses, and worked heavily in the laboratory. 

She attended Texas A&M University for her Bachelor of Science degree, where she was active in the equine science department as a clinician for the Summer Horsemanship Program, competitor on the Collegiate Horse Judging Team, and competitor on the Eventing team. 

She has competed throughout her career in various associations like the American Quarter Horse Association, Pinto Horse Association, United States Eventing Association, 4H, Stock Horse of Texas, and North Texas Hunter Jumper Association. In addition, she is currently working on becoming a carded judge within multiple associations. 

Throughout her career, she has instructed and coached youths and amateurs through a multi-discipline approach. She is an avid believer that a good foundation of horsemanship comes from understanding all training aspects of the industry, the science behind it, and the “whats” and “whys” in the show ring from the judge’s perspective. 

julie-mcelhaney

JULIE MCELHANEY

SENIOR RIDING & HORSEMANSHIP INSTRUCTOR

Julie is a life-long equestrian specializing in Eventing, the tri-fecta of horse competitions involving Cross-Country, Dressage and Stadium Jumping. Her students ride through Preliminary level. Julie has competed successfully through Advanced Level Eventing at Morven Park CCI, Radnor CCI, and ridden through Prix St George Dressage. She rides with Canadian Pan Am rider Waylon Roberts, as well as Eventer Robin Walker, and is active with CANTER of Ohio. Julie works with riders and horses of all levels. She has her own business, Four Star Sport Horses in Chardon, OH.

Ashley M

ASHLEY MICLEA

LESSON COORDINATOR, RIDING & HORSEMANSHIP INSTRUCTOR

Ashley has been training horses and riders for 17+ years in various disciplines, with an emphasis on: Hunters/Jumpers, Dressage, Young Horse Development, and Horse and Rider Biomechanics

From Ashley: “It brings me great joy to be a part of this wonderful team of trainers and riding instructors. My main focus and goal for my students is to create an education driven rider who will be able to continue their education throughout their future careers and to give back to our industry in a positive way. It is imperative to instill valuable horsemanship for the next generation for both competitive and non-competitive partnerships.

FACILITY STAFF

Coming soon!