Kathleen Fiske
Director of Grand Cypress Equestrian Center

Originally from Maine, Kathleen joined 4-H and began riding Western at the age of 9. A few years later a friend introduced her to English riding and jumping. In 1969, Kathleen and her large pony, Leprechaun were Maine State Champions in the Pony Jumper Division. Following training at Porlock Vale Equestrian Center in England, Kathleen received her British Horse Society Assistant Instructor Certification. Since that time, Kathleen has been actively teaching and competing. While training with Michael Poulin, she competed successfully through Fourth Level on her Thoroughbred, Classic Fox. She currently trains with Peter Stoepker of the Netherlands and competes D'Luna, a Hanoverian mare. Her students have competed and achieved yearend awards through Third Level. Kathleen is an active supporter of Pony Club. In Maine, she was instructor for Puckerbrush Pony Club in Dixmont, Maine. For three years she was Joint DC of Horsekeeteers Pony Club based in Orlando.

Certified with the British Horse Society and the Certified Horsemanship Association, her depth of knowledge and attention to detail has helped many students achieve their equestrian goals. Since 1996, Kathleen has been employed at Grand Cypress Equestrian Center. She has been in charge of all operations of the Equestrian Center since 2006.

Jennifer Thompson
Instructor - Available Friday through Mondays

Jennifer Thompson is a native Floridian. She has been associated with Grand Cypress Equestrian Center since her grandmother brought her here for a pony ride. Jennifer returned to Grand Cypress to train in our British Horse Society programs. She is a certified BHS Preliminary Teacher and has her certificate in Stable Management. Jennifer brings a wealth of experience in several different areas. She has successfully competed in the Hunters through 3'6" and in Dressage at Training Level. She has been riding for 17 years and was twice Regional Reserve Champion on the Florida Arabian Horse Circuit. Jennifer's friendly approach and deep interest in her students of all levels make her a very popular instructor.

Aileen Hawxhurst
Instructor - Available Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays

Aileen was born and raised in Long Island, New York. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and International Economics from Long Island University in New York. In 1996, Aileen moved with her husband to Florida. A life long rider, she has participated in a wide range of equestrian events from dressage to hunter paces. Aileen has also trained polo ponies and field hunters. An active competitor, Aileen has successfully competed in hunters, jumpers, equitation, and dressage from local shows to USEF competitions. Students of all levels benefit from Aileen's depth of experience. She has taken numerous students from the lead line to the show ring.

Kimberly Nelson
Instructor - Available Tuesday through Fridays

Kimberly is one of the newest instructors at the Equestrian Center. She has a unique ability to structure a lesson program around a rider's personality and skill level. Kimberly enjoys teaching all levels of riders, including those who are just starting out as adults. All lessons include balance and elasticity for horse and rider. 

Cera Hoffman
Instructor - Available Thursday through Mondays

Cera is a native Floridian who has been on horseback since the age of 4. As a teenager she competed in Pony Club and was an instructor and trainer at Su-B Farms in Deleon Springs, Florida for seven years. Cera employs a natural approach to horsemanship focusing on the bond and teamwork between horse and rider. She is currently a student at the University of Central Florida Rosen Campus earning her B.S. degree in Hospitality Management. She is also working on her BHS certifications. Recently, Cera participated in the Great Florida Cattle Drive 2006 in Kissimmee, Florida.

Jenna Von See
Instructor - Available Saturday through Wednesdays

Jenna began her riding career in 1991 at Grand Cypress Equestrian Center.  Since then she has gained valuable experience showing on various show circuits around Florida, competing in both hunters and jumpers.  Following her 13 years of showing experience, Jenna has spent 3 years re-training off the race track thoroughbreds and teaching various ages and levels of students.

Katy Woodcock
Instructor - Available Wednesday and Saturdays

Katy was born and raised on a farm in the county of Staffordshire in the U.K. At the age of 9, Katy started riding in Pony Club and at the local riding club. By the age of 17, Katy became serious about pursuing a career in horses. Since then she has been involved in breeding, training and eventing. Last year, she qualified for the Dressage and Show Jumping Championships in Warwick, England. Katy is qualified in British Horse Society Stages I and II has an NVQ2 in Horse Care and Stable Management, and in Equine Specific First Aid. She is in Florida to gain valuable experience in the riding school industry and take her BHS Preliminary Teaching Test. Katie enjoys teaching clients in all disciplines including sidesaddle.

Lisa Stern
Instructor - Available Sundays and Tuesdays

Lisa is originally from the New England area where she competed on the "A" circuit for over twenty years. She has trained with Olympic Bronze Medal dressage rider, Dorothy Morkis, and currently trains with world class Equitation, Hunter/Jumper trainer, Paul Valliere. Her experience includes the Massachusetts, New England, and Rhode Island Medal finals, A/0 Hunter (3'6"), fox hunting with the Old North Bridge Hounds, dressage and two-phase events. She enjoys helping students of all ages and ability levels. She is available for lessons on Sunday and Tuesday.