Abby Parke is an ARIA Certified Level II Hunt Seat and Show Jumping instructor with more than 15 years of experience riding, showing, and training, as well as a college education in Equine Studies, and real world experience working and riding for top industry professionals.

Abby's passion for horses started at the age of three, when she started taking lessons from a neighbor. Three years later, she began formal lessons at Glendale Riding School with Molly Foster in Easton, MD.  Mrs. Foster taught Abby the ins and outs of balanced-seat riding and horsemanship.  While at Glendale, Abby participated in the United States Pony Club, with the Tidewater Pony Club division. 

 In August of 2008, Abby enrolled in Virginia Intermont College, where she rode on the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association team, the Intercollegiate Dressage Association team, and the American National Riding Commission team.  Abby had multiple blue ribbons competing with IHSA over fences and on the flat, and successfully competed with IHSA and ANRC at the national level in 2012, placing third in the nation for IHSA Novice Flat as an individual, and winning the medal phase and program ride for her ANRC team.

When not riding, Abby enjoys reading and being outdoors, hiking, fishing and beach-going.  Since graduation has ridden in clinics given by Bernie Traurig, Kip Rosenthal, and George Morris - three legendary professionals.  Abby aspires to continue learning from these masters throughout her professional career.

Do you ever feel that you're on a teaching merry-go-round?  

Jump off that carousel for a while every day - take time for yourself!  It's NOT a luxury - it's a requirement for you to retain the pleasant and calm personality that your students love.  No one wants a tired, grumpy teacher - would you?