Wakefield Barn: About Us

Wakefield is a Hunter/Jumper/Equitation training and showing facility located in North Raleigh and owned by Steve and Mary Schilling. In October of 2004, the Schillings brought Thom Pollard to train at Wakefield. Thom has a long, proven record of success training, coaching, judging and showing at all levels of equestrian sport.

Our approach to riding and training starts with the basics and continues to build on them as the horse and/or rider progresses. Our goals and priorities for our riders, whether at the introductory level or Grand Prix, are always the same:

• Safety of horse and rider:
  Horses can be a physical challenge but we can decrease risk by
  attention to detail and by using an established system.
• Progress through education:
  Understanding the horse on his level, acceptance of responsibilities,
  and hard work foster progress and success (and more ribbons!)
• Fun
  Enjoying the horses and ponies we love is always the bottom line.

If you already have a horse and wish to compete, be assured that we will give you an honest evaluation of the abilities of both horse and rider, and that we will help you set realistic benchmarks to meet the goals you lay out. We keep the big picture in mind when outlining a program for your horse. Longevity of your horse’s career is paramount.

If you have decided to buy or lease a horse of your own, we specialize in helping you find a suitable match, a horse that will fit your goals and your budget whether you wish to ride only at the barn or whether you aspire to compete at horse shows. We understand that a horse, particularly a sport horse, is an investment and we will give you a practical overview of what is involved.

Along with first-rate care, we provide (if you wish) an individually designed program for progression of horse and rider. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your riding goals with you and look forward to helping you meet your expectations for your riding and/or your horse’s training.

Smoking is not permitted on the property and visiting dogs must be leashed. We do not board stallions.