Briana Owen Atwell:
    I started riding at the age of 4 in a weekly lesson program. My parents were very hesitant to pursue riding too much because they were convinced it was just a phase, since every little girl wants to learn how to ride a pony. Well, it has been almost 20 years since I started riding and I am still in that phase. When I was 6 they got me my first pony. He was a little grey Shetland pony that had already taught most of Southern Pines how to ride. 
    I was very active in Pony Club through the National level. This is where I got the foundation of my riding career and learned all aspects of horse care. I consider this to be where I became a real horse "person" and not just a rider. 
    Three Day Eventing was my passion. I had an amazing horse who took me through the international levels of competition. Together we competed all over the east coast, until an unrelated injury forced me to quit jumping and make the switch to dressage. It was not a switch I was happy about, but over time I learned to love dressage as much as I did eventing. With this same horse I was able to train to the international levels of dressage as well. This is something that is rarely accomplished, much less on the same horse. I still have that horse. His name is Sutterby Good and he is 18 this year. I still consider him to be my ultimate partner and best friend. 
    On a personal level, I am married (for 3 years) to my highschool sweetheart, Kevin. Our daughter, Hailey, was just born in February 2009 and we are loving life with our first child. I am a licensed nurse with a pediatric speciality, however I am focusing my attention solely on teaching riding lessons in an effort to have a more flexable schedule to spend time with my family. We own a small farm in Eastwood where our 6 horses, 5 dogs, donkey and goat reside. Kevin owns a tile installation business. 
    I love teaching, it has always been a passion of mine. Watching my students excell at something they work so hard at is one of my greatest joys. Horses are such amazing animals and great partners. I look forward to sharing my love of these animals and my experiences with you. ~Briana

Together Briana and Susan operate the riding academy. Between our combined experiences we feel we can offer a safe, enjoyable, and challenging program. We have something to offer to riders of all levels. If you are serious about riding and want to take your skills to the next level, or if you are just looking for an occasional extra curricular activity we have a program that will fit your needs. Contact us today to schedule your first visit! 

Susan Lehman:
    I grew up in San Francisco, not an area condusive to riding, but I found a way. Starting at age 12 my riding career began with a weekly lesson at the local riding school. I continued taking weekly lessons through high school. 
    After my graduation I left home for a year to train in England. While there I honed my skills in both riding and teaching, earning the British Horse Society Instructor Certificate. From there I went on to Colorado State University where I earned a BA in Equine Science and a minor in business.
    I have owned and operated Fleet of Foot Farm for 6 years in this location and in Colorado prior to that. I named the farm after my great partner and friend Fleet Ambition. Fleet is currently enjoying his retirement here at home. 
    I have ridden many horses through the years, but Fleet was that one special one, the kind of horse that comes along only once in a lifetime. 
    He was my teacher, forgiving my mistakes and patiently waiting for me to figure things out.     
    He was my inspiration, with unparalled courage and one of the biggest hearts ever created, he gave me courage. Together we travelled all over the country competing from Jackson Hole, WY, to Fair Hill, MD, to Tallahassee, FL. We competed at the highest level the sport has to offer against the best horses and riders in the world.    
    He is my friend, every day I go out in the field to see Fleet to bring him a carrot, rub his ears and scratch his neck (his favorite things). He still knickers everytime he sees me and everytime I see him I am flooded with memories of all of our adventures together.
    My daughter was born 4 years ago and I am enjoying watching her grow up with the same love, respect, and awe of horses that I have. At age 4 I already have her riding. As with anything there is a risk, but I feel the rewards are much greater. Horses teach responsibility, compassion, teamwork, and patience. It is often hard to figure out how to communicate with something so large that doesn't speak, but watching my child beam with pride and a sense of accomplishment when it is achieved is second to none.
    Thank you for your interest in our program and I hope to meet you all soon. ~Susan

Briana and Susan Competing:  

 Meet Our Horses:

William: 16.1 Hand, Bay, 13 y/o, Hann/TB, Gelding. William has been a show hunter and schooled some 2nd level dressage in the past and is now used for our lessons. He is the perfect lesson horse because he is great with everyone from timid beginners and children, to more experienced riders.


Sam I Am: 16.1 Hand, Bay, 25 y/o, TB, Gelding. Susan and I have known Sam for almost 10 years. We were so excited when we got the chance to add Sam to the riding program. Even though he is 25, he thinks he is about 10 and loves to work. Sam was an event horse with my good friend, through the prelim level. He is a perfect addition to the riding program because he is so educated but is such a patient teacher too.


Dominic: 15.3 Hand, Black, 24 y/o, Quarter Horse. Dominic was Susan's first competition horse. She has owned him for 20 years. Together they have traveled across the country from California to North Carolina and everywhere in between. He has been there, and done that and taught many, many people how to ride. His favorite things in life are food. He loves anytype of food, but especially carrot cake on his birthday which is May 1st.
  

Gingersnap: 14.1 Hand, Appalosa, 19 year old, POA. She is amazing. She has done a little bit of everything: dressage, eventing, foxhunting, you name it, she's done it. She is such a kind and patient teacher that she has already proven to be a student favorite. (Not to mention everyone loves a polka dotted pony!!)


Clover: 15.3 Hand, Palomino, 7 y/o, Quarter Horse. Clover is one of the sweetest horses we have. He loves attention and will stand at the gate and knicker until you come pet him. He was a ranch horse in Utah before comming to North Carolina to be a foxhunter. His favorite treats are carrots and he will beg for them all day long if you let him. 
           

Twix: 15.2 Hand, Bay, 8 y/o TBX Gelding. He is already proving to be a student favorite with his charming personality. Look for our student at horse shows on him in the near future.


Shorty: 15.3 Hand, Bay, 10 y/o, TB, Gelding. Shorty was a steeplechase horse who recently retired to FOFF. He has the greatest personality and is quite a character around the barn. 
 

Lollipop: 10 Hands, Chestnut, 16 year old, Shetland. Lolipop worked giving pony rides with her previous owners. She is great with children because she is so patient. She will stand and let the kids play with her all day long. Her favorite treats are peppermints.