Leap Of Faith Training Services

Krista and her gelding, Wishes, have been together since she purchased him in 2000 (after he was injured on the track) as an eventing prospect.  Krista spent 18 months retraining Wishes in dressage and jumping before they entered their first show. 

Their first show was at the USEA recognized  Redlands Horse Trials in Maryland, a recognized event.  Wishes placed 8th out of 16 horses going clean and clear in both phases of jumping and bringing home a ribbon!  Since then they have brought home numerous placings at both Horse Trials and Jumper shows.  You can see competition pictures of them here.

Wishes and Krista have taken the last few years off due to the birth of Krista's daughter. 

Wishes is currently enjoying his life as pleasure /and occasional lesson horse while Krista focuses on bringing her young horse along.

The newest addition:

We are extremely excited about welcoming "My Lucky Break"  to Leap Of Faith!  A 2006 ApHC gelding standing 18hh. 

Bred by Hopes Creek Ranch in College Station, TX, his sire is Multiple World Champion All Hands on Zip, and he is out of the Thoroughbred mare Right In Time, a Mr. Prospector granddaughter. Breakers outstanding conformation, movement, and mature mind make him an exceptional prospect!

*Many thanks to Ann for making this incredible dream a reality!*

About Krista:

Krista started riding at the tender age of 3. At 8 she had begun walking 2 miles to hang over the fence of a local barn begging for a moment with the horses. The property owner took Krista under her wing, teaching her about grooming and general horse care. Her further experiences with other local barns saw her teaching/training and showing for private owners.

By 1988 Krista was hired as the Barn Manager and Trainer for Facade of Jewell (FoJ) stables in Bealton, VA. Krista started, showed, and sold client horseswhile at FoJ. She bought prospect horses and retrained them for sale. 

Her jobs included galloping and conditioning the owner's racehorses, and training/showing horses in Hunters, Western Pleasure, Pleasure, Harness and Trail. While working for FoJ she trained and showed undefeated high-point jumper champion, The Magistrate and reserve champion, Flashy Dancer in the Clifton Saddlery Jumper series.

In 1990 Krista began working for Mulford Summer Camp and Bay Ridge Stables in Centreville, VA as an instructor. She spent the next 18 months teaching Hunt Seat to riders Tiny Tot through Advanced.

Krista opened Leap Of Faith Training Services (LOFTS) in 1990 as well. She found a niche market - private owners who needed trainers and instructors who would come to them.   Word of mouth facilitated a sharp and steady rise in Krista's client base in the first 6 months. Within a year of beginning LOFTS, Krista had a waiting list of clients eager for her services.

Moving to California in 1996 Krista began working for Stone Mill stables and coaching students on the 'A' circuit (hunters).  She also began working for Raven Roost Ranch training their Thoroughbred stallion to jump and helping with the young stock.

Over the ensuing years Krista worked with many different types of horses and at several barns as an instructor and trainer. Her specialty has become retraining challenging and off track horses. 

In 2003 Krista began competing in recognized eventing with her OTTB Wishes. 2004 saw Krista return to the hunter world as the manager of Cavallo Farm, a large 'A' barn located in Northern VA, where she was also an instructor.

In May of 2010 Krista accepted a job as the Equine Program Manager for www.bearcreekequestrian.com and is happy to have relocated to the beautiful Methow valley in Washington.  Stop by and visit us at our new location!