July 2021 Issue

EAST COAST EQUESTRIAN July 2021 Page 7 By Haylie Kerstetter A first of its kind eques- trian facility has opened in Far Hills, NJ to allow equestrians to train at the top of the sport while enjoying the amenities of a beautiful property, stunning barn, and unparalleled quality of horse care. The Hill was founded by top hunter/jumper/equitation trainers Michael Dowling and Michael Meyers, along with their close friends Tracy Howe and her hus- band Peter Kraft. The Hill was created from the combination of Dowling and Meyers’Windham Hill and Howe and Kraft’s Taylor Hill Farm to bring to life a high end equestrian facility of “Grand Prix Village” caliber, but in the heart of Far Hills, NJ. As described by Peter, “The Hill is the realization of 10 years of vision, dreams and planning about what a top equestrian farm could be. And frankly, it’s the culmination of decades of horse farm experiences by Michael Dowling and Tracy Howe.” As individuals who have ridden for most of their lives and have the experience of being consumers in the industry, Tracy and Peter bring expertise regard- ing the services clients want in a facility. Michael, co-owner of the Monmouth at the Team show held at Hamilton Farm, has more than 25 years in the business. A professor of Equine Studies and Intercollegiate Horse Show Asso- ciation (IHSA) coach at Cente- nary University, he has qualified riders for ASPCAMaclay Finals, USEF Medal Finals, USET Finals, Young Riders, USEF Junior Hunter Finals, USEF Pony Finals, and Indoors. He attributes this success to an emphasis on horsemanship and developing thinking riders, as well as the forward riding system. Due to the availability of Michael Meyers and assistant trainer Ginny Lussan, training is available for riders of all ages and levels. Lessons are available on the client’s own horse or on one of The Hill’s horses. “Once we decided to create The Hill, the obvious need was to find a facility that would be everything we wanted it to be,” Michael noted. The Hill is less than 50 minutes from New York The Hill's barn combines old world architecture with modern technology to make the comfort of horse and rider the top priority. The Hill, a One of a Kind Equestrian Facility, Opens in Far Hills, NJ city, so several clients commute from the city, and this location will allow more to do so, while remaining accessible to those in the New Jersey area. “We also needed a place that allowed us to grow. We are lucky to have found a place that will allow us Tell our advertisers you found them in East Coast Equestrian. (Continued on page 9)