We’re a small, family-run farm in Vernon, VT, just over the Northfield, MA border. Our seasoned lesson horses are kind, dependable, and love their jobs! Whether you have a horse-crazy child or you’ve always dreamed of learning to ride, we’d love to be part of your journey.
I’m a Massachusetts-licensed riding instructor with over 20 years of experience. I’ve worked with students as young as five and adults of all ages. My passion is sharing the joy of horses with everyone—no matter where you’re starting from.
Lessons run about an hour and include grooming, tacking up, riding, untacking, and plenty of time to bond with the horses. We focus on building respect and appreciation for these incredible animals. During our time together, we also explore topics like conformation, tack, and horse care—woven naturally into each ride.
I’ve ridden at Stoneleigh-Burnham through the Community Riding Program, and spent years riding, apprenticing, and teaching at Birchwood Farm. Now at Lily Pond Meadows, we’re proud to offer a peaceful, welcoming space with over seven acres, two paddocks, and a riding ring.
If you’re interested in learning more, please feel free to contact us We’d love to give you a tour and see if we’re the right fit for you or your child.
Lily Pond Meadows, LLC
116 Lily Pond Road
Vernon, VT 05354
A Brief History
Susan’s love for horses began around age three, when her paternal grandfather—who had served in the Scottish cavalry—offered to buy her a pony. Unfortunately, her mother declined, citing property zoning restrictions. But Susan never let go of that dream.
Years later, after moving to Western Massachusetts, getting married, and accepting a position at the Stoneleigh-Burnham School, she found herself surrounded by horses once again. During her interview, riding camp was in full swing, and the Head of School mentioned she wasn’t quite sure what the kids were doing—but it sure looked like fun. When Susan shared her lifelong passion for horses, the Head arranged for her to join the community riding program. That one opportunity opened the door to weekly lessons, giving barn tours to prospective students, and free riding during school breaks. One of the highlights: chaperoning a student riding trip to South Carolina.
In 2007, Susan and her husband Wilfried welcomed their son—and as luck would have it, he inherited her love for horses. He began riding lessons at Birchwood Farm in Greenfield about nine years ago. In 2020, Susan joined him, finally returning to the saddle.
With a day job that gave her summers off, she took full advantage—riding as often as possible, taking lessons on Lilly and free riding on Scarlet. Then, in the summer of 2022, a colleague asked if she could help out at a daycare for a few weeks. Susan considered it, but also wondered if there was something else she truly wanted to do. After a lesson, she approached her instructor, Kerry Hammond, and asked if she could apprentice with her that summer in pursuit of her Massachusetts riding instructor’s license. That decision sparked what would become the best summer of her life.
When Birchwood Farm was sold in the fall of 2023, four of its beloved horses—including Susan’s heart horse, Scarlet—became hers. They were temporarily boarded at Meadowcrest Stables in Greenfield while the barn at Lily Pond Meadows was being prepared.
Now they’re home—and we can’t wait to share our vision with you!
