About Us
Amy Nichols is a USEA Certified Eventing Coach (Level 3) and USEF "R" Eventing Judge. She is currently working on her FEI Eventing Judging License. Amy has successfully competed and produced students through the 3* Level of eventing and on Young Rider teams with top finishes nationally and regionally. She has received instruction from top riders and trainers including Peter Atkins, Amy Barrington, Chris Bartle, Carol Bishop, Chris Burton, Clayton Fredericks, Beth Perkins, Heath Ryan and others, and she continues her education by attending riding and teaching clinics and teaching symposia throughout the year.
Geoff is an amateur rider having competed through Preliminary eventing. In addition to riding Geoff spends time on the tractor and mower keeping the farm looking it's best. Geoff is emeritus professor and coordinator of the Sustainable Agriculture Program at Clemson University.
Horse Boarding
We work hard each day to create a safe and friendly environment for you and your horse (and have been doing so for over 20 years). We know that maintaining a consistent horse management program is key for horses to feel comfortable and secure in their surroundings. Our horses are provided with free-choice high quality fescue hay, Triple Crown feeds and full-service care including supplements, blanketing, medications and specialized care if needed. We maintain our pastures using regenerative agriculture practices including rotational grazing, overseeding and application of manure to improve soil and grass quality. Pesticides and herbicides are never applied to pastures.
Horses are happier outdoors, and ours are kept outside on pasture 24/7 except during inclement weather when they are brought inside. They also come in morning and evening for feeding when they are visually checked by staff. Our excellent staff love horses and SHF and it shows in the quality of care they provide. Our farm veterinarian is Dr. Keith Stafford and farrier is Mr. Bill Mathis. Equine dentist Dr. Michael Lowder comes to the farm every 6 months. Equine chiropractors, acupuncturists and saddle fitters are scheduled as needed.
Rider Instruction and Horse Training
With a lifetime of experience, Amy Nichols teaching focus is on developing horse and rider biomechanics utilizing the German Training Scale as well as improving rider skills to achieve their goals. Of paramount importance is to promote relaxation in the horse and correct reaching contact. When learning to jump, students will do exercises to practice getting the horse supple, straight and to correctly turn the horse to a fence. Amy's students range from those who want to move safely up the competition levels to those who don't necessarily have competition goals but want to become better riders. Each student's program is personalized according to their skill level, horse experience and capabilities, and the riders' short and long term goals. We welcome ship-in lessons in addition to resident lessons.
SHF Featured Horse: Big Red
Big Red, or "Red", is a 12 year old with dual registry as both Appendix and Paint. He came to us as an 8 year old from a client to sell, but Geoff liked him so much he convinced Amy to buy him (as a surprise birthday present!). We don't know too much about his history, other than he raced on the track (he has a tatoo), and did some barrel racing. Red has a super sweet disposition and is a pleasure to ride because of his intelligence and trainability. He's currently back in top form after taking most of 2024 off dealing with a nasty case of uveitis.