Michele and Jonathan edel

With a passion for teaching riders and training horses, Michele and Jonathan Edel began their team as a professional equestrian couple in 1994. Michele started her equestrian pursuits in southern NH by begging her non-horsey parents for lessons, which eventually led to riding and showing up and down the east coast while working for various trainers as a working student. Jonathan grew up showing and fox hunting in Fairfield, CT out of his parent’s small stable, gaining his colors with the Fairfield County Hounds at age 12.

Michele and Jonathan focus their teaching program on giving their students a solid foundation of basics, combined with learning feel and compassion for the horse.  Teaching riders how to be effective through correct equitation and having fun while learning is always the common goal! They’ve spent years learning their craft and absolutely enjoy sharing the love of horses and riding with riders, from beginners to advanced competitors.

Susie Williams

Susie has been a part of the Southlands Foundation since she was 4 years old and knows more than anyone what a magical place it is; one that allows adults and children to explore the limits of their potential through horseback riding. Watching the growth of individuals and helping them to expand their personal boundaries is what Susie looks forward to every day. Teaching people to understand that their relationship with a horse can be a metaphor for their life is how she has incorporated her education with her passion. Susie feels truly blessed to come to work each day.

Mrs. Dows was Susie’s mentor, teacher, and beloved friend for 40 years and it is Mrs. Dow’s vision that she shares with her students. Susie trained with Harry DeLeyre for 3 years at the Knox School for Girls and numerous highly regarded clinicians throughout her years of riding.

Susie has a B.A in Sociology and Secondary Education, as well as an M.A in Secondary Education (Social Sciences) and has worked at Southlands in some capacity for over 30 years.