Meet our riding instructor and horse trainer, Stephanie O’Neill
Stephanie O’Neill, grew up in Alice Springs, Australia where she began her amazing journey with horses at the tender age of five.

As a teenager her family moved to Sarasota, Florida and she was introduced to the renowned trainer, Laurie Dickerson. After much hard work she became a successful competitor in the worlds of Hunter/ Jumper and Dressage; however, she sought even greater challenges.

Accepted as a student at Flying Eagle Farm, Stephanie was introduced to the Arabian horse under the watchful eye of Kelly Michaels. It was during this time that she became successful in the ‘A’ rated Arabian circuit in Hunter, Dressage, Western Pleasure, and Show Hack. Next, with a capable purebred Egyptian Arabian named Zakhir, she became a force to be reckoned with in the Jumper ring.

Just a few short years later Stephanie turned in her amateur status and started teaching and training professionally. With many regional and national championships for herself and her students she was able to open her own training facility, Willow Acres Equestrian Center.

Stephanie continued to attend clinics to further her knowledge with Greta Wrigley (Bronze,Silver and Gold medalist for USDF competing Arabians), Michael Matz (Olympic rider in ‘76, ’92 & ‘96; trainer of Barbaro and Round Pond). In 2000, she moved to San Juan, Puerto Rico and rode under the instruction of Greg Jackson preparing young thoroughbreds to race.

As busy as she was Stephanie found time to ride for Colonel Herrman and his world famous Lipizzaner Stallions. In the past couple of years she has competed in the Steeplechase circuit as well as exercised flat track horses at Philadelphia Park.

In addition to her accomplishments on horseback, she is also a certified Equine Massage Therapist.

Stephanie conducts her lessons and training in a natural horsemanship manner, and has the same wonderful way with the people she teaches as she does the horses she trains and rides.

Call Stephanie at 828-450-9202 and book a lesson with her today!