CHRIS JONASON

Chris has been an avid horsewoman since the age of 3. Her diversified background started with Jorgenson Enterprises packing and driving teams, followed by Rapid Transit and Outdoor Adventures. At these establishments, she not only ran dude strings and drove draft teams but also learned to raft and became a whitewater raft guide. To expand her knowledge of equines, Chris attended the South Puget Sound Community College Farrier Program and became a certified AFA Farrier. With a desire for independence and an entrepreneurial spirit, Chris ran two businesses concurrently. CJ’s Farrier and Wave Trek, based in Index, Washington. Farrier work and raft guiding seasonally, eventually expanded to her becoming the first woman to be certified as a Swiftwater Rescue Instructor trainer for Rescue 3. This opened doors to teach Swiftwater, high-angle, boat and technical large animal rescue all over the world as well as guiding trips in Africa and South America. Chris has written numerous curricula for various agencies and possesses a wide range of knowledge in backcountry equine and river experiences. This expertise makes Chris a qualified and knowledgeable instructor for both equine and real-world scenarios. When not teaching, Chris enjoys the fast-growing discipline of Working Equitation as well as escaping to the mountains with her equine friends.

Lydia Friel

Lydia Friel is a full-time professional barefoot farrier and horse trainer. She completed her barefoot trimming certification course in 2016 taught by Chris Jonason of Rendezvous Ranch, along with continued education by attending equine hoof seminars. Lydia also specializes in starting horses from the ground up for all disciplines and working with problem horses. 

Lydia has loved horses since childhood and had always dreamed of making a living working with these amazing animals. At age 12, Lydia had humble beginnings learning about horsemanship and basic hoof care from the small herd of donkeys her family bought originally intended as livestock guardians. She began training these donkeys, and the occasional mule, how to ride and ground drive, and also how to hold their feet for the farrier. In 2014, Lydia was employed as head of horse staff at a summer camp in Middle Tennessee and worked a total of 6 seasons there.

 In 2016, Lydia moved to Washington state and apprenticed with Chris Jonason for almost 2 years. During that time, Lydia learned a plethora of skills from how to rehab acute hoof issues, how to recognize lameness, equine bodywork, working equitation, and competitive mountain trail. 

After her time as an apprentice, she moved back home to Cookeville, Tennessee to continue with her own business, Head to Hoof Equine Services, for 3 years where she has serviced over 200 horses. 

Now she resides in Spokane, Washington with her husband, 2 dogs, and 3 horses where she is continuing her passion for equines by building her business in the Spokane area. In her free time, you will find Lydia either training her own horses for endurance, hiking with her husband, Josh, or taking pictures of her dogs.

Leigh Cochran

Leigh Cochran is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist plus she was on the prestigious USET Dressage long list of Developing Rider Team.

Leigh has trained, taught, and shown Dressage for over 30 years. She has taken many horses and riders up the levels from training level to GP. Leigh has trained with many of our top riders and clinicians over the years who have been on our Olympic team. Kathleen Raine, Steffen Peters, Conrad Schumacker, Ulf Wadeborn, and many more.

Leigh loves to share her knowledge with all levels of riders and has no preference for breeds. “ Everyone has to start somewhere” Leigh has a very patient and easy way of explaining how to get the most out of you and your horse in a fun and STRESS-free way of training. Each lesson is custom to what your goals and needs are for you to succeed as a partnership.

Michelle Wolf, BASW

Michelle is a lifelong learner that is thrilled to be teaching in an environment that involves her first love, horses. Michelle’s grandmother initially shared that love and experience with her at the age of 6, and horses have stayed in her life ever since.

She pursued a degree in Social Work at the University of Washington, eventually working with women in crisis pregnancy while teaching skiing on weekends. Dental hygiene was her next career transition that culminated in teaching didactic and clinical skills in three community colleges in the Seattle area.

After raising three children, retiring from Dental Hygiene, and moving to central Washington, she returned full time to that first love. Michelle has extensively studied fear, nervous system regulation techniques, and how it applies to riders and their equine partners. Riding has brought back traumatic incidents from her younger years, and parenting has brought numerous opportunities to work with others dealing with anxiety. She is thrilled to be connecting with others and helping them to walk through fear while on their equine journeys.

Michelle and her two equine partners, Luna and Jasper, can be found taking lessons from numerous local clinicians, exploring local trails and competing in Working Equitation shows.