Meet Hill Crest Farm's Horses

At Hill Crest Farm, our horses are the heart of everything we do. Each one has their own unique personality, talents, and story to tell. From patient beginner mounts to experienced show partners, our equine team plays an important role in helping riders learn, grow, and achieve their goals.

Our lesson horses are more than teacher. They are trusted friends, confidence builders, and cherished members of our barn family. Whether they arrived as seasoned schoolmasters, successful show horses, or rescue horses looking for a second chance, each has found a special place here at Hill Crest Farm.

We invite you to get to know the amazing horses who make our farm such a special place. Learn about their journeys, their accomplishments, their favorite treats, and the little quirks that make them unforgettable. We think you'll love them just as much as we do!

Jimmy

Beginner-Intermediate

Jimmy is a handsome off-the-track Thoroughbred with a heart of gold and a personality that keeps everyone smiling. Rescued through Mountain Horse Rescue, Jimmy joined the Hill Crest Farm family in 2016 and has been a barn favorite ever since.

Over the years, Jimmy has earned a reputation as one of our most trusted and dependable lesson horses. Whether he's helping a first-time rider find their balance or supporting more advanced students as they refine their skills, Jimmy is always up for the job. His patience, kindness, and willingness to teach have helped countless riders build confidence both in and out of the saddle.

Jimmy has also enjoyed a successful show career with many of our students, proudly carrying riders to ribbons, championships, and memorable milestones along the way. He seems to know exactly when his rider needs a little extra encouragement and always gives his best effort.

Around the barn, Jimmy is known for being sweet, reliable, and just a little bit goofy. He loves attention, enjoys making new friends, and has perfected the art of winning hearts wherever he goes.

Fun Fact: Jimmy’s signature move is sticking his tongue out! Whether he's relaxing in his stall, posing for photos, or simply expressing his opinion on the day’s events, there’s a good chance you’ll catch him with his tongue hanging out—and it never fails to make everyone laugh.

Rebid

Beginner

Rebid is one of the special horses that makes our lesson program possible. This beautiful retired Standardbred racehorse came to us through the Standardbred Retirement Foundation in New Jersey, where she was given a second chance after her racing career.

Today, Rebid has an important job teaching our beginner riders. From learning how to walk, steer, and trot, many of our students take their very first riding lessons on her. Her patient, gentle nature and steady personality help riders build confidence in the saddle.

We are so thankful for horses like Rebid who prove that life after racing can be just as meaningful.

Phil Dancer
aka Matrix

Advanced: Dressage Schooling Second Level

Meet Our Lesson Horse: Phil Dancer (“Matrix”)

Phil Dancer, affectionately known as Matrix, is an Off-the-Track Thoroughbred (OTTB) currently competing at Second Level Dressage.

Matrix is an excellent partner for riders looking to develop a strong, balanced core and a steady, elastic connection. His experience and sensitivity help riders understand the correct feel for lateral movements while improving adjustability and balance within each gait.

Whether you’re refining your flatwork or advancing your dressage skills, Matrix is a patient and knowledgeable teacher who helps riders build confidence, feel, and effective communication in the saddle.

Highland Terrific aka Kingston

Beginner-Intermediate

Kingston's story is one of second chances and big dreams. He came to Hill Crest Farm through the Standardbred Retirement Foundation in New Jersey, and from the very first day he arrived, we knew there was something special about him. Although he began his journey as a rescue horse, Kingston quickly showed us his incredible personality, kind heart, and potential to excel in a new career as a dressage horse.

With his sweet nature and willingness to try anything asked of him, Kingston has become a favorite among riders and instructors alike. He approaches every lesson with enthusiasm and always gives his best effort, especially when tackling the challenge of learning to canter. His positive attitude and eagerness to learn make him a wonderful teacher for riders and a joy to work with every day.

Whether he's working in the arena, enjoying time with his favorite people, or simply soaking up attention in the barn, Kingston's gentle personality shines through. He reminds us that patience, trust, and a little perseverance can go a long way.

Fun Fact: And if you happen to catch him sticking out his tongue, don't be surprised—it's one of Kingston's signature moves! Playing with his tongue is one of his favorite pastimes and just another reason everyone who meets him falls in love with his quirky charm.

Don Sebastiani
aka Doni

Advanced: Dressage Schooling

Fourth Level

Don Sebastiani, affectionately known as Doni, is a beautiful black Hanoverian and an accomplished schoolmaster. Schooled through Prix St. Georges (PSG), Doni offers riders the opportunity to develop feel, precision, and confidence in their dressage training.

Doni excels at teaching riders the correct feel for lateral suppleness, flying changes, and advanced flatwork. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a steady, elastic connection while encouraging riders to correctly ride from back to front, creating true engagement and balance.

With his comfortable gaits, sensible nature, and extensive training, Doni is an exceptional partner for riders looking to refine their skills and progress through the levels of dressage.

Malley

Beginner to Second Level

Malley is a well-trained German Riding Pony with a kind, dependable temperament. This quiet, medium-sized pony is an excellent choice for beginner riders and is currently used for walk-trot lunge lessons, helping new students build confidence and develop a solid foundation.

For more experienced riders, Malley offers much more. She is trained through First and Second Level dressage and confidently performs all the movements required at those levels. During her show career, she successfully competed at both First and Second Level.

With her gentle nature, versatility, and adorable personality, Malley is truly cute as a button and a favorite among riders of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, Malley is a wonderful partner to learn with.