Our Staff

 

Mark Rarick, Head Trainer

Mark Rarick is an established equine professional in East Windsor, Connecticut as the head trainer at Oak meadow Farm. After finishing up his junior career of showing horses in the tri-state region, Mark attended Delaware Valley College in Bucks county Pennsylvania receiving a bachelors degree in Equine Science. While studying at DVC he was selected to take part in a study abroad program at Hartpury College in Glouchester, England. In England, Mark took advantage of his opportunity by training with many top professionals in show jumping and dressage. Also while in Europe he competed internationally in show jumping and dressage. In his senior year, Mark then was chosen to return to England to compete for his college in international intercollegiate competition, finishing 3rd over all. Once he finished college, he started his professional career at the Farmington Polo Club. Mark’s jobs required him to manage the barn, and full training of the clientele and horses, as well as showing and coaching at horse shows. To further his professional career, Mark was hired to the assistant trainer position at Narnia Farm. Mark’s teaching skills have lead to many champions and reserve champions for his clients and his own horses while showing in both local and national shows. Mark’s never ending drive for knowledge, and his positive out look makes him a great asset to the farm. Mark also looks forward to continuing his success with his clients and own horses as he further develops his professional career.

 

Dawn Luke, Barn Manager

©Raphael Photography

Dawn Luke has spent her entire life around horses and has over 30 years of experience owning, riding and training horses, and competing in shows. Her father owned and managed Dale Stables in Enfield, specializing in breeding and showing Appaloosas. Dawn sat on her first horse when she was just one year old. She has shown on both the Hunter/Jumper and Western circuits in everything from Lead line and Walk Trot to Hunt Seat and Western Equitation and Pleasure, right along through the more advanced Hunter divisions. Dawn trained under Flo Wellington as a child and in later years developed a great interest in natural horsemanship, taking lessons and training at a Ranch in Colorado. She has been teaching all levels of riding - English and Western, youth as well as adult riders, both flatwork and jumping for over 17 years. Dawn now manages Oak Meadow Farm which consists of over 40 horses and also assists Mark with the training program.

Dawn's personal comments

“Horses had, and still have, a tremendous influence on who I am today in all aspects of my life. They’ve taught me valuable life lessons and have been saviors to me in so many ways, and no matter how much experience we have, we all continue to learn daily lessons from every horse we encounter. Bundle that all together with a solid horse/rider relationship, in and out of the tack, and you can go anywhere!”

 

Amy Kriwitsky, Assistant Trainer

Amy began her riding career at the age of 5 and it has been tough getting her away from horses ever since. Her junior career consisted of experience in the hunters, jumpers, and equitation at “A” rated horse shows in CT and New England, riding with the Farmington Polo Club. In her last junior year, she took the pony jumper “Just Do It” (pictured) to National Pony Finals under the tutelage of Mark Rarick. Most notably, at Pony Finals she captured the Emerson Burr Horsemanship Award in the 15-17 age group. Amy attended the University of Connecticut, riding on their IHSA team and obtaining a Bachelor’s Degree in Animal Science with a concentration in equine. While on the equestrian team, Amy qualified for regional finals in the Open Division each year, and finished 4th in the region out of 30+ open riders. She began teaching as a junior with summer camp, and refined her skills at school, turning professional upon graduation.

 

Sherene Taniwha, Office Manager

 

Kathy O'Connor, Instructor

 

Megan Schlichtig, Instructor