Please welcome Libby McKinney, who will be joining the Westbrook Hunt Club, August 1, 2010 as our new head trainer.
Libby McKinney’s early equestrian background began with her first pony at the age of three. From there she went on to compete through her junior years in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation all over the east coast. Culminating with the Zone 1 Junior Hunter Championship and also, the Zone 1 Equitation championship winner. As an Amateur, Libby won the CHJA Adult Eq Medal finals and was second in the CHJA Adult Hunter finals with numerous top placing in Ariat Medals Finals, and NEHC Medal finals. Competing from Ocala, Florida to The National Horse Show in the ASPCA Finals. Libby spent her junior years under the watchful eye of Kip Rosenthal, Scott Stewart, and her mother, Lucie McKinney, among others, before going to Lynchburg College to compete in the Open division on their IHSA team.
After college, Libby went to work for Michael Kirby at Bridge Brook Arms, then returned to her farm in Stamford, Connecticut, Sound View Stables where Libby trained the 25 private customers from beginner to advanced levels. Taking students to competitions all over the US, Mexico, and Europe. From Short stirrup to Grand Prix Jumpers, Libby has taught and competed in it all.
After 7 years of managing, teaching, and riding at Sound View Stables, she sold her business and went on the road with her Grand Prix Horse, Gun Du Desfi, and few sales horses. Traveling all over Europe, and the United States competing at the Grand Prix level, Libby qualified to represent the United States in the Nations Cup in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Under the guidance of George Morris, Libby and the US team earned the Gold Medal in November 2007.
As an instructor, Libby has worked with all levels of rider, from beginner to advanced. Teaching basic dressage and English style. She is a knowledgeable and enthusiastic coach, who specializes in training children the basics of riding, showmanship, and horsemanship.
Welcome Libby and congratulations to all the lucky young riders who will benefit from her knowledge.