For riders who don’t have their own horse and take lessons at SSSH, LLC, the farm owns Andy, a 13 year old paint gelding who is safe for beginners but well-trained enough on the flat and over fences for more advanced students to enjoy.In addition to taking lessons, students also get the opportunity to go on trail rides in nearby state parks or participate in local horse shows.Featured here are some photos of Andy with different friends and riding students here at the farm. (Click on the pictures to enlarge them.)

Image: Doris Rudishill

Here's Andy and Bridget (his biggest fan; see below) at a local horse show having a little break before their class. This was Bridget’s first show in many years and she did a great job keeping her nerves under control and having fun. We look forward to their next outing in the year ahead and enjoy getting Andy’s friends and students to local shows as much as possible.

When at home in Ashton, Ireland Alan takes weekly lessons at a local riding academy and is developing his horsemanship skills so he can get his own horse.We were fortunate enough to have Alan come take lessons almost daily for a week in June while visiting relatives in the Jefferson-Area.We look forward to seeing him again next summer – hopefully for a whole month of lessons!

When she isn’t working hard as an editor for the Georgia Center’s Continuing Education Program, Lee Ann takes lessons here at SSSH,LLC and at a private farm in Winterville where Merrilee also offers instruction once a week.

As founding member of the Andy Fan Club and Manager and Salon coordinator for a local favorite, Classic Hair & Spa, Bridget comes out and rides Andy once or twice a week as her hectic schedule permits.She always arrives with tons of treats for everyone and is invaluable as the farm’s official house & pet sitter.The dogs are actually disappointed when we come home as Bridget spoils them even more than we do!

When she isn’t out on long runs, Gretchen comes out weekly to escape from the stress of her career as a local healthcare professional and rides Andy in lessons and on her own (for students who want to get practice rides in between lessons and can safely tack up and ride without supervision, arrangements can be made to schedule riding time outside of lessons).

Living and working in the Atlanta-area, Johanna is a busy attorney juggling her career and an active life-style (rock-climbing, camping, hiking etc.).On top of it all she tries to make it over for weekly lessons on Andy and, as one of Merrilee’s first riding students, she has been taking lessons since 2005.