About Us

Sarah Todd

"To this day I still remember heading home from our family vacation to the horse capital of the world and fighting the urge to cry as we left KY!" Sarah knew from the moment she sat on her first horse that horses were in her blood. She wholeheartedly credits her younger sister Leah, and Leah's connection to "Velvet and Pi" from National Velvet at 3 years old, for her passion for horses.

Sarah is originally from Dearborn, Michigan and has lived and studied in various states in pursuit of her equine career such as Lexington, Kentucky, Wellington, Florida and North Salem, New York. Sarah's experience with English riding comes from a strong background in Classical Dressage. She is schooled through USDF 3rd Level and spent the 2010 winter season in Orlando, FL with our current US Olympic Dressage Coach Ann Gribbons at Knoll Dressage.

"Understanding your partner and gaining that respect as a PARTNERSHIP and not a dictatorship has got to be one of the greatest feelings in the world"

Additionally Sarah has experience in Hunter Under Saddle, Eventing, and has shown at USEF and USDF  rated shows and Horse Trials. Sarah's emphasis in her lessons and training is starting with a strong foundation between horse and rider using basic Dressage principles,no matter what your ultimate goal is with your equine partner.

If you have any questions, please give us a call at (704) 798-2572 OR send us a message via our Contact Us page.

Carissa Baskett

"When I think back to the days of begging my parents for a pony, I chuckle a little knowing that I was very serious about having one. My parents, of course, said "No". That discouraged me a little, but not enough to quit chasing my dream. Sure, I was sent to Maine every summer and if I was lucky, my aunt pony'd me around on her horses. That still wasn't good enough because I wanted more. So I tried my parents again asking for a pony but it was still a "No". As I got a little older, the trips to Maine and random trail rides were not cutting it. My mom was catching on and just happened to run into someone wearing a pair of riding pants and enquired about where she rode. Since, my upbringing was not one of riches, lessons were not in the budget. My mother got creative and told me that I still couldn't have a pony, but I could go to Sunchaser Equestrian Center and Academy in Jupiter Farms, FL to clean stalls and care for the horses in trade for riding lessons. My joy was too huge to contain.

"I remember my first lesson ever, and it was in an English saddle. I remember thinking "What am I going to hang on to?!" because on the rare occasion that i did ride, it was always in a saddle with a horn. There I was, 12 years old cleaning stalls and riding horses.... I was quickly hooked. My trainer emphasized the importance on controlling the horse with my seat, leg, then reins.

"My parents never did get me that pony. Instead I worked at Sunchaser for years and my trainer was so very pleased that she gave me my own HORSE!!!! At age 16, I had a strong work ethic and appreciation for the fantastic animal that I had earned. She taught me so much about hard work and dedication that I want to pass it down to any and all committed students.

"From a primarily hunter/equitation background I wanted to expand my equine skills even further. I traveled and worked for various Grand Prix Jumper and Dressage riders and farms. Even then, I wanted to do more to broaden my equine education by attending an equine technology school in Parkersburg, West Virginia.

"At Meredith Manor International Equestrian Centre I rode well over 50 horses with strong emphasis on Natural Horsemanship, became educated in Farrier work through the informational Farrier Course, and received my certification as an Equine Massage Therapist, and Riding Instructor, as well as my Riding Masters, Equine Health and Safety, along with a comprehensive Camp and Managing Program.

"I am thrilled and delighted to move up, spread my wings, and share the knowledge with my clients and staff at Common Ford Farm."