Lucky C Stables has a small group of extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff members. Our staff understands the importance of safety and care regarding you and your horse. We make it our mission to keep the farm beautiful and safe, leaving you with one less thing to worry about.
Susan Clark: Owner, Head Trainer & Riding Instructor-
Gary Clark: Barn Manager/Farm Maintenance -
Gary works hard every day to ensure the safety of each horse and rider. Born and raised in central Missouri, Gary learned at a young age what it took to care for animals. He and Susan moved back to New York to start this farm after they married in 1984.
At Lucky C Stables, Gary does it all! Most days he can be found fixing fence boards, mowing the fields, watering/dragging the rings and building new jumps. Not only does Gary spend hours on these maintenance tasks, but he is also in charge of the feed and supplement regimen as well as the turnout program that occurs here at LCS. He closely monitors each horse to ensure they're mantaining a proper weight and overall good health so it is one less thing for our customers to worry about. Gary spends time evaluating each horse to see which type of turnout would work best whether it's turnout with one other horse, individual turnout or the more contained paddocks reserved for 1/2 day turnout. He is also in charge of scheduling various appointments including the farrier and vet, as well as administering proper medication to the horses if needed.
As if that wasn't enough, Gary also ships our horses wherever they need to go. With a New York State Commercial Drivers License and several years of experience driving commercially, Gary is very qualified to safely bring your horse wherever his destination may be.
Maureen Mayone - Rider & Assistant Riding Instructor
Maureen joined the team at Lucky C in 2011. Since the age of 6, her first time in the saddle, she knew horses would always be a part of her life. Maureen grew up in Westchester, NY learning to ride English at Twin Lakes Farm. Her extensive experience includes training horses, teaching academy and boarder students, showing horses, barn management and more. Maureen has shown and trained students all along the east coast from “C” to “AA” rated shows. She received her Degree in Criminal Justice from Pace University where she rode on their Varsity IHSA Equestrian Team, served as a Captain of her team, and qualified and rode at NCAA Finals. Maureen’s dedication to the horses and her students, as well as her love of the sport make her fine addition to our team. She is able to bring out the best in her students, at home and at competitions, and continues to do so with our students at Lucky C.
Amanda Bender - Rider & Assistant Riding Instructor
Growing up around horses, Amanda began riding at just 7 years old. With Susan's guidance, Amanda had many years of successful showing on the local, Quarter Horse, rated and intercollegiate show circuits. Amanda and her horse Eagles Poco King (Bosco) began focusing on competing in recognized Quarter Horse Shows where her hard work paid off as she qualified for AQHA Congress three times as well as the Quarter Horse Worlds. Not only did Amanda attend these shows, but she took them by storm finishing 11th at Worlds as well as returning home from Congress with a 4th, two 5th's and a 6th. Amanda has been working for Lucky C for about 8 years doing stalls, braiding, grooming for shows and more recently, teaching lessons as well.
Amanda is a 2010 graduate of SUNY New Paltz, where she graduated with a degree in Sociology. Amanda also served as the team captain two years in a row for the SUNY Equestrian Team. It was at the 2009 Intercollegiate nationals that Amanda finished 4th in her Individual Intermediate Over Fences class, something that was truly awesome as she was the first SUNY NP member to qualify for and pin at nationals! Amanda has a passion for horses and she happily passes it along to all those she teaches.
Jess Anselmo - Rider & Assistant Riding Instructor:
Jessica Anselmo holds a bachelor’s degree in equine studies from Centenary College. While in college she was captain of the IHSA team for two consecutive years and successfully led her team to win the national title in 2009.
In addition to her extensive team involvement, Anselmo has worked for Olympian Todd Minikus and has had other related positions, such as in-gate manager for horse shows such as Old Salem Farm, Sussex County and Gardnertown Farms. Anselmo also spent two years at Cloud 9 Farm in Pittstown, New Jersey, working as the director of equine rehabilitation where she was instrumental in the proper rehabilitation and care of top performance horses. After graduation, Anselmo accepted a position as barn manager for Robin Fairclough at Top Brass Farm where she assisted at many nationally rated and prestigious horse shows, including the Young Rider Championships. Jessica has spent the last three years in Savanna, Georgia working for SCAD as the Associate Director of Equestrian Programs. Jessica moved back to New York to follow her passion of teaching and riding to join the team at Lucky C Stables as an Assistant riding instructor and rider. Jessica also holds the position as the coach of the Lucky C Stables IEA team.
Tami Ward - Assistant Riding Instructor: Saturday's
Tami has been with Lucky C Stables for many years, in fact she grew up riding here! These days, she makes it to the barn once a week to lend a hand and offer her services to our beginner clients. Tami has extensive experience teaching, as she has been doing it for quite a few years. Her positive attitude and friendly personality encourages children to try their best during each lesson, creating the beginnings of the bond between horse and rider. Although Tami used to ride and show herself, she now primarily focuses on teaching.
Nicole Turcotte: Assistant Barn Manager
Nicole is a returning Lucky C student who has now joined our staff. Nicole began riding at a young age where she competed on the local and quarter horse show circuits with her horse Quinn's Bonanza. She attended SUNY Ulster where she developed a love for veterinary sciences. Nicole has a very important role at Lucky C, keeping a close eye on each horse. She can typically be found mucking stalls, filling stock tanks and turning horses out. She is a very alert horse person as she has had several years of experience. When not working at Lucky C, Nicole enjoys bringing along her two young horses Balou and Sneakers.
