Greenwich, CT - August 26, 2009 - Mike Henaghan, the much respected horseman and nationally renown instructor, has combined forces with Olympic silver medalist Peter Leone at Lionshare Farm. Henaghan, who counts internationally acclaimed riders like Beezie Madden, Greg Best, Ray Texel and Allison Firestone among his list of past students, has partnered with the Grand Prix show jumping veteran at the full service equestrian facility in Greenwich, CT. The partnership officially launched during the 34th annual
Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY.
"I'm very excited to be able to put this type of individualized, unique
program into play," stated Henaghan in between teaching at top notch stables one quiet afternoon in August. "The balance that is possible at Lionshare, working with Peter, allows every client, and each horse, the optimum attention and individual care. It is great to be back on the East Coast," added Henaghan, who has been been on the road over the past year teaching clinics as well as working with his children at their California based stable. "I couldn't have chosen a better partner than Peter or a finer facility to call home. It is a pleasure each day to be able to work with our clients and horses and see them progress and grow as both riders and horsemen!"
Balancing the training responsibilities, Henaghan will take the lead
teaching the equitation and hunters, as well as handling the jumpers when needed. Leone will primarily focus on his upper-level jumper clientele as well as competing himself on his Grand Prix show jumping mounts.
³Mike is the marquis partner I've always wanted since I started Lionshare in the early 90¹s," stated Leone. "We share the same principles of horsemanship and riding that of DeNemethy, Morris, and Pessoa. He is one of the best riding teachers I have ever known and communicates with patient, knowledgeable commitment," continued Leone. "Being teamed up with someone of his caliber allows each and every rider at Lionshare more than they
magine possible - in both the coaching and show experience!"
This new partnership allows Lionshare Farm's horses and clients to literally be in two places at the same time. The first collaborations between the two have proved successful, with Henaghan handling coaching duties at horse shows in Old Salem, Lake Placid and Vermont, while Leone both trained and competed in Kentucky, Spruce Meadows, Calgary and Bromont.
The dynamic duo will culminate their union with their first official
appearance working together at a show at the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY beginning August 23rd. Leone will take on a third role, leaving his riding helmet and horses back at the tents as he acts as the on air commentator for WVVT-TV's live broadcast for the show's exciting Grand Prix on Sunday, August 30th.
"Because there are two of us at the top level of our sport," concluded Leone, "no horse or rider will ever be compromised, each will receive the individualized attention and support they deserve. The best part of Mike being at Lionshare is that we get to have fun doing our job - producing riders and horses that win in junior equitation, all levels of hunters, and as far as you want to go in the jumper ring.²
Throughout the year, both trainers will divvy up responsibilities a true
force to be reckoned in the competitive world of horse shows. For further information go to
www.lionsharefarm.com