2017 Horses, Trainers and Judges
2017 Rescue Challenge Winner! Kailey Perkins
2017 Rescue Challenge Trainers and Horses
Cassy Hoban astride Reno
Growing up on 140 acres in rural Wisconsin riding horses through the rolling hills is where Cassy developed her passion for developing horses. Seeking a career in the horse world, she became a professional tour guide in Northeast Florida. It is there that she discovered connecting horse and humans. Looking to continue her education in both connecting the mind of both horse and human, Cassy is actively involved throwing mentor and friends to progressively develop these skills developing a driven and focused sense of horsemanship.
Reno is a 16.1hh 6 year old OTTB Dark Bay Gelding. He was surrendered to GDA and brought into GERL’s foster program.
Reno’s trainer is Cassey Hoban.
Jenny Fox astride Blue
My name is Jenny Fox and I participated in the Rescue Challenge in 2014. I wanted to participate again to help another horse find its place. I learned a lot in working with Dixon, my adopted rescue horse, and I hope to take that knowledge further with another rescue.
I enjoy seeing the changes a horse is able to make and enjoy helping owners build a partnership with their horses. I have experience in multiple riding disciplines including show jumping, eventing and endurance riding. I was on the NC Equestrian Team and have ridden in clinics with Buck Brannaman for 13 years. I am also a member of the 5th Georgia Cavalry and travel the country participating in civil war re-enactments.
Blue is a 15.3hh 4 year old Grey grade gelding. Blue came into GERL’S foster program due to his owner’s health issues. He was a GDA horse previous to that. Blue’s trainer is Danielle Gibson.
Jordan Faulconer astride Apollo
My name is Jordan Faulconer. I grew up on a horse farm. I have learned a lot in my horsemanship Journey, from many horses and
I’ve studied with Equine professionals from every discipline across the country. Most of my horses have been “throwaways” horses that had a bad history, or excellent bad habits, and I’ve learned the most from them.
Kailey Perkins astride Ranger
My name is Kailey Perkins, I’m 21 years old and from Statesboro, GA. I have been riding and competing for 15 years, training personal horses for about 6 years and over the last 2 years I have been offering my training services to the public. I am an avid Clinton Anderson Downunder Horsemanship follower and believe that any horse, despite breed, age, discipline or past history can become a willing and wonderful partner form the train to the show pen. Creating a soft, supple and willing horse is my ultimate goal, along with gaining respect and control from the ground and under saddle. Horsemanship is a journey and I would be honored to be a part of it with you and your horse.
Ranger is a 14hh 4 year old Sorrell Quarter Horse gelding. He was seized by Hall County. Ranger is a son of Maverick. Like his dad, he has a gorgeous head.! Ranger’s trainer is Kailey Perkins.
Lisa Berry astride Chad
My name is Lisa Berry. I am 24 years old and originally from upstate New York. My love for horses started at a young age. I began doing internships with trainers when I was 15 and quickly fell in love with the bond you share when training horses.
When I wasn’t competing in the show jumper ring, I was volunteering at a local rescue farm. I then went to college in Europe and studied Equine and Agriculture. Once I graduated I worked with multiple different trainers within different fields, such as classical dressage, jumping and liberty. Since then I have opened my own stable, Valkin Stables, where I offer training and riding lessons.
Chad is a 15.1hh 10 year old Sorrel/White Paint. He was surrendered to GDA and brought into GERL’s foster program. Chad’s Trainer is Lisa Berry.
Sara Hoppel astride Patches
Sarah Hoppel started at the age of three she began her riding and showing experience but through her growing years she would continually leave for a bit and always be lead back to horses. In college she found a 401 C3 organization that she volunteered at and later became an assistant manager, instructor, and trainer. After college she joined the Cloud9 Ranch team as a working student and has traveled and learned a lot from the adventures they have taken over the last few years. Sarah continues her horsemanship education today working on creating willing loving partners with every horse she works with.
Patches is a 15hh 6 year old Brown/White Paint gelding. He was surrendered to GDA , then taken into GERL’s foster program . Patches’ trainer is Sara Hoppel.
2017 Rescue Challenge Judges
Elaina Schmersey, through years of studying different types of riding (Dressage, Jumping, Competitive Trail, Western, and Trick Training), Elaina has learned how horses really mirror who we are as people. Using horses to help others discover the positive power inside them, Elaina has learned to take the horse and rider team relationship to new levels. Her love of teaching and riding has led her to owning Fancy Mount Farm where Elaina teaches lesson, clinics and hosts extreme obstacle challenge shows. Elaina was also the winner of the 2015 GERL Rescue Challenge with Peaches.
Joann McBride is a third-grade teacher and part-time horse trainer. She became familiar with the natural horsemanship training method in 2007 when she was experiencing difficulty with her horse, Archie. She was considering selling him when she began working with a wonderful natural horsemanship trainer who taught her the importance of being a leader and how to establish a relationship with her horse. Joann and Archie now do a little bit of everything including obstacle competitions, dressage, jumping, horse soccer, trick training, and cow sorting. In 2012, Joann took a break from her career as a teacher and managed GB’s Stable in Smyrna and did lessons and training. Joann has won the GERL Rescue Challenge two times, in 2004 with Faye Dunaway and 2016 with Copper Penny
Rebecca Bowman is the founder and trainer of North Atlanta Equestrian in Cartersville, GA. Rebecca has participated in Extreme Mustang Makeovers, Thoroughbred Makeovers and organized Youth Makeover events.
