Our Team

Laura Gerst, Owner/Trainer
Laura comes with extensive experience in hunters, jumpers, and equitation. Over the years, she has worked with Linda Hough, Carleton & Cindy Brooks, and her father, Larry Mayfield. In 1999, Laura decided to launch her own business, so she formed Windy Hill Equestrians, Inc., a full time A-Circuit training barn with 40 horses. She also does buying and selling of horses for clients and imports horses from Europe through Paul and Emile Hendrix, with whom she has had a long standing relationship.  Laura enjoys competing at the grand prix level and helping her students develop and reach their riding goals.  

 

Maja Lindeman, Trainer
 Maja was born in Southern California where she rode with the Karazissis family and Far West Farms showing in the ponies, hunters, and jumpers.  As a child she went to the Pony Finals three times.  She is a graduate of UC Davis with a BS in animal science specializing in equine science. During her time at Davis, she rode on the equestrian team where she eventually became president and coach of the team.  Upon graduating, she went to work for Rudy Leone for one year before moving to Woodside and working for Willow Tree Farm from 2006-2011.  Her accomplishments at Willow Tree include winning the $10,000 5 year old Young Jumper Championships, championships and reserves in all jumper levels at Thermal, Del Mar, The Sacramento International, and Woodside where she was recently 4th in the $10,000 Grand Prix.  Maja has experience teaching riders of all levels on many different types of horses.  She has a calm, patient demeanor that suits everyone well.

 

Gustavo Cruz, Barn Manager
Gustavo has been with Laura since 1997. He manages 3 other grooms at home and the care and maintenance of Windy Hill's 40 horses in training. He hires and manages grooms at the horse shows, and manages the horses that go on the road.  He is an integral part of what makes Windy Hill a successful A-Circuit show stable.

 

Paul Bennett, Consultant
Paul and Laura join forces at the horse shows. Paul has been a successful trainer and rider on the circuit for many years. Paul assists Laura and Matt as needed, particularly at horse shows where he schools and shows the horses and provides extra training for the riders.

 

Jenny Whitworth, Assistant Trainer
Jenny came from Dorset, England and has been an assistant trainer for Laura for the past ten years. Jenny has an eventing background with an emphasis on dressage. She is a British Horse Society Intermediate Instructor but much prefers the California climate.  We are fortunate to have Jenny to teach lessons when the rest of the Windy Hill team is away at horse shows.  Jenny's lessons keep both horse and rider in tip top shape.