You simply cannot understand Foxfield unless you have lived Foxfield…read more
You do not take a child who, in August, was not trusted to control a nearly 30-year-old trail horse even while an adult led her, and have that same child competing at 2'6" the following July by accident. Liv had just turned 11 in June. That transformation came from her determination, extraordinary training, countless hours of work, and a community that supported her every step of the way.
Foxfield has genuinely changed the trajectory of Liv's life.
Katie is a Foxfield trainer and has been at the heart of Liv's riding journey. She is one of the most incredible human beings I have ever met. She meets Liv exactly where she is, challenges her, gives her tough love when she needs it, supports her when she struggles, and lets Liv drive the show. Liv asks for more, and Katie helps her earn each next step. She sees the whole child, not just the rider, and the trust between them is extraordinary.
Katie has been the most important individual influence in Liv's development, while also being part of an exceptional team. Janie, Chloe, and Lara teach Liv in group lessons, each bringing something different and valuable. Shelly somehow runs everything, so outsiders may think of her only as the barn manager, but everyone at Foxfield knows she is also an incredible trainer--if you know, you know. Susie is a legend, and Liv's enormous respect for her is completely deserved.
The care extends far beyond lessons. Jaime has helped all three of my daughters learn the real foundations of horsemanship--from tacking up and mounting correctly to helping Liv fit the proper bit and girth when she leased her first horse.
Then there is the Foxfield kid community.
Before Liv's first show, an incredible high school senior from her own school spent an entire day helping her groom both horses, organize her tack, pack the tack box, and create a checklist. On show morning, we arrived before sunrise behind a close friend's car. Two older Foxfield girls jumped out to open the gate, and I watched Liv immediately relax. She knew she was not doing this alone.
We had two horses to wrap and load, tack boxes to organize, and no real understanding of the process. The Foxfield kids simply stepped in. Some were showing; others came only to help. They prepared horses, loaded equipment, set up at the show, managed Liv's transitions between horses, answered questions, and anticipated what she needed. They did not just cheer for her--they made the day possible.
They were calm, competent, hardworking, and generous. I have never met a better group of young people, and Liv gets to call them her friends.
I have three daughters who could not be more different. Liv would happily live at the barn. My middle daughter loves horses but wants to progress at her own pace. My youngest is athletic and fearless in most areas of life, but riding still overwhelms and confuses her. Foxfield understands that they are three different children. They meet each one exactly where she is and make her feel that she belongs.
There are not enough words to explain what Katie has given Liv, or what the entire Foxfield team and community have given all three of my daughters.
I trust these people with my children. There is no higher compliment I can give.
Foxfield creates capable riders, but more importantly, it creates capable humans--people who work hard, take responsibility, notice when someone needs help, step in without being asked, and make the people around them better. That is what makes Foxfield extraordinary.
