Today we’d like to introduce you to Denise Chase.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Denise. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I grew up in New Jersey, My parents had Standardbred racehorses all my life and I grew up on the tracks. They still keep their beautiful training facility in Monmouth County, NJ. I used money from working with racehorses to pay for riding lessons and horse shows as a kid. I worked full time and went to school full time, to get my education and experience in the business. I lived in Germany and in Virginia, where I also rode extensively, before settling in Georgia.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
The biggest struggle is being in business with partners that eat while you sleep. Care of horses is an unending routine. By the time you have cleaned the last stall, the first is dirty again. It is a HIGH OVERHEAD, LOW REVENUE GENERATING business. You have to give a lot of riding lessons to cover the farm, feed, hay, vet care, farrier work, equipment and supplies. There is always a project underway, such as repair of a fence or special needs of a horse or rider. I rarely leave the farm, except to attend horse shows as a trainer, exhibitor or judge.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Established in 1997, Chase Meadow Lane Farm provides riding instruction and opportunities to equestrians of average means. Riding is a very expensive and often elitist sport. But the elite image has nothing to do with the quality of instruction. We are well known for starting children, AS YOUNG AS AGE 2, in riding lessons. I usually place young children on old horses.
Many horses have been given to my farm after their long, successful show careers, to ensure the animals’ good home and worthwhile work with young people. After more than 20 years, we have taught thousands of people how to ride. Folks come from around the country to attend our Summer Equestrian Leadership Camp, now in its 19th year. Many trainers send their children to me, because MY BARN IS MY CLASSROOM and I love children and horses.
Even though I train to a much higher level of riding and jumping, I most enjoy TEACHING VERY SMALL CHILDREN TO RIDE. Providing a solid foundation in riding and the fundamentals of horse care and barn management has become my market niche in my community and in the horse industry. We have placed many riders on college equestrian teams and students have gone on to a lifetime love of horses and careers in the horse industry, such as veterinarians, farriers and farm managers. But I tell them to get their education, so they have something to fall back on! It’s best to keep horses your avocation, not your vocation, in my opinion. But if you can find a way to combine them and still make a living, that is ideal.
What were you like growing up?
I was much like the children I teach, passionate about horses and very energetic. I loved to work with the top people in the industry, often volunteering at the barns of Olympians Nona Garson and Anne Kursinski. This gave me knowledge but also the chance to establish myself as a team player and hard worker. I talked with everyone, grooms, owners, parents, riders, veterinarians, and developed GOALS early in my life for the farm I someday hoped to have. Many people say they wanted to ride but could not. I say WHERE THERE IS A WILL, THERE IS A WAY! I have a successful farm that makes horses and quality riding experiences accessible, It is a peaceful place where people and animals live in harmony. And our goals of SAFETY, FUN and PROGRESS are attainable for everyone. Of course, we have won many ribbons and championships over the years. But those pale compared to the many great relationships, between horses and people and among riders who grew up together here.
Contact Info:
- Website: ChaseMeadowLane.com
- Phone: 7702148285
- Email: ChaseMeadowLane@gmail.com
- Facebook: FB/Chase Equestrian at Chase Meadow Lane
Image Credit:
CML Farm
Shari Mangham
Jai Otwell
Amy Harris
Gina Langley
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