Laura Gerst, Owner/Trainer
Laura comes with extensive experience in hunters, jumpers,
and equitation. She began her career as a professional working for
Linda Hough i n 1990 and worked for Carleton & Cindy Brooks until 1994,
when she started a business with her dad. In 1999, Laura decided it
was time to be on her own so she formed Windy Hill Equestrians, Inc. a
full time training barn with 40 horses. Laura enjoys competing at the
grand prix level and helping her students develop and reach their riding
goals.
Matt
Sereni, Assistant Trainer
Matt was born and raised in Los Altos Hills at Fremont Hills Stables where
he learned to ride at a very young age. He recently gradua ted from Cal
Poly State University San Luis Obispo and completed a major in Animal
Science with a minor in Equine Science concentrating in Equine
Reproduction. Matt’s riding accomplishments include winning the NorCal
Pony Medal at age 9, winning the CPHA Medal finals in 2000, receiving individual
and team gold at the North American Young Riders competition in
2001 and winning the Maclay/ASPCA Medal Finals in 2003.
Gustavo Cruz,
Barn Manager
Gustavo has been with Laura since 1997. He manages 3 other grooms
at home, the care and maintenance of Windy Hill's 40 horses in training,
hires and manages grooms at the horseshows, and manages the horses that
go on the road.
Paul Bennett,
Trainer
Paul Bennett owns Sungrove Farm in San Ramon, CA but he and Laura join
forces at the shows. Paul has been a successful trainer and rider
on the circuit for many years so we are lucky to have him with us.
He helps with buying and selling, riding, teaching, and managing the
show horses.
Chris Borba,
Trainer/Consultant
Chris was a successful trainer with his own business, Tailgate Farm, for
many years. In 2000, Chris decided to retire from Tailgate and
that's when Laura enlisted his help with her business. Chris meets
us at the shows to assist as the ground man for the grand prix horses as
well as many others that are showing. He is a valuable consultant
at Windy Hill, and we are fortunate to have him.
Jenny Whitworth, Assistant Trainer
Jenny came from Dorset, England eight years ago and has been riding for
Laura for the past five. Jenny has an eventing background with an
emphasis on dressage. She is a British Horse Society Intermediate
Instructor but much prefers the California climate. Jenny's lessons keep
both horse and rider in tip top shape.
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