English Ivy Farms is located in North Forsyth Co just six miles shy of GA400

English Ivy Farms is located in North Forsyth Co., just six miles shy of GA400. It is

the conception and design of Maureen Cox-Myers, a rider and equine enthusiast for over 25 years. In the spring of 2000, Maureen graduated with honors from the University of Georgia with a degree in Equine Sciences. This education gave her both knowledge and experience vital to a successful program.

When it came to designing her own farm, Maureen wanted to create an environment of sophistication without the attitude. At EIF, we pride ourselves for giving top-notch

care with a program designed for excellence. We offer a vast array of forums for learning including educational seminars, consultations, and clinics, while our monthly "socials" give our clients an opportunity to share their passion for riding with each other. Our events range from trail rides in Dawson Forest to Halloween Dress Up Parties; details can be found on our events page.

When you join EIF, you join a team of excellence. Whatever your aspirations, we can help you achieve them. From ponies to Warmbloods, "A" show riders to beginners, you have a place with us!

Maureen spent her early years riding at Pounds Stables located in Dunwoody, GA. There she rode with many successful trainers and attended numerous clinics, including ones with Olympic trainer Debi Connor. She competed in the Hunter circuit for over ten years before hanging up her amateur status in 1997. While attending UGA, Maureen started a lesson & training program at a local farm in Athens, gaining valuable experience an instructor, farm manager, and horse trainer. She also volunteered as an educational speaker to local 4-H groups, covering topics from horse care to training tips. In 1999, Maureen

decided spend her final year of college in serious training and found herself under the instruction of Kat DeMas-Mulkey of Four Season Farms. But Maureen's vast experience is not just limited to riding and managing. She has also successfully breed and foaled out mares (including her retired TB), started many young horses under saddle, organized and executed numerous horse shows, and has even spent many hours in the judges seat.

Today Maureen continues her education both as a rider and trainer with the guidance of Anne Keenan of Hunter Hill Farms.

Maureen on Sunny Lamb, summer camp, 1984.

Maureen at a Hunter/Jumper show in 1995.

Maureen & "Blue's Sweet Adelle" in 2005.

Although we show for fun and healthy competition, Maureen's riders have achieved great success in the ring for both Hunters and Hunt Seat Equitation. Some of our accomplishments include:

Karly Hopson, a mathematics major at Gainesville College, joined us in April 2008 as our full time working student. With over 12 years

horse experience, she is proving to be a great new addition to our staff. Her story is like most, discovering her passion for horses after attending a summer camp at age 8. She followed up with weekly lessons at a local Eventing barn in Alpharetta, but soon found she wanted more time in the saddle. After many years of half-leasing several horses with local Eventing trainer Tawn Edwards, Karly purchased an Appendix Paint Gelding named Doc. By age 15, they combined their love of Dressage and Jumping by competing in numerous 3-Day Events and Combined Training Trials up to the Beginner Novice Level. We look forward to teaching Karly the "calmer side" of Hunters while giving her some training opportunities with our young prospects.

Unfortunately, Karly had a bad fall when riding a friend's horse that resulted in a major injury (she broke her arm in 4 places!) We need a new working student to take over her shifts starting immediately. Go to our services page for more details.

At English Ivy Farms, we focus on educating our clients in the saddle and on the ground.

Teaching about wound care, wrapping, conformation, and supplements are just some of the topics we include in our program to ensure our clients can provide for their mounts to the best of their abilities. Our open air forum allows students to ask questions at any time, and we encourage parents, spouses, or other family members to do so as well.

Although we compete in the Hunter & Jumper arena, we teach the basic fundamentals of forward riding to create well balanced horses and riders. We take considerable time to develop an effective horse and rider team based upon trust and mutual respect. Through both positive reinforcement and goal orientated teaching methods, we encourage our riders to grow and learn in a supportive environment.

We also focus on building confidence and independence in our riders through controlled situations of "trial and error". This not only creates situations where a client has to "think through" the problem, but is also simulates the realities of the show ring.

"Maureen is what makes English Ivy Farms so very special for my daughter. She has infinite patience and gives very thorough feedback. She does not pressure riders to move at a pace that makes them uncomfortable, and she is in tune with their needs. Maureen creates a very positive riding experience and makes everyone feel confident regardless of their abilities." -Pam A. Lawrenceville, GA

"Maureen started working with my Arabian filly, Maggie, when Maggie was three. She had a professional approach, even leaving written assessments in my grooming bag. Although I was an 'absentee owner' at that time, I was very comfortable having Maureen work with Maggie even when I could not be there. Despite lameness issues that hampered their progress, I was able to ride her for the first time after only a short period of time. In fact, the barn manager/owner where Maggie was boarded had, at first, reservations about an independent trainer coming in unsupervised. But after watching Maureen in action, she hired her to work with her horses too!" -Suzanne Economopolous (Owner of Maggie) Atlanta, GA

"At EIF, the staff actually cares about you and the comfort of your horse. The staff intently listens to your concerns and acts to resolve those concerns, unlike other barns I've attended in the past. In addition, the training Maureen provides for your horse is exceptional; she was able to encourage my horse to be long, supple and relaxed on the flat. Bernie now places higher in his flat classes at horse shows and his jumping style has much improved as a result. Thank you Maureen and the EIF staff for all of your hard work!" -Alexis Gallati (Owner of Nondeductible) Alpharetta, GA

"I love English Ivy Farms because the horses are so sweet, patient, and gentle. I like Maureen because she is funny and cool. She also has a lot of parties for the riders. One party that was the most fun was the "Foal Watch". That's when other riders and I spent the night at the farm, and we waited for a foal to be born. I always look forward to seeing Maureen and Joe!" -Kendall A. (age 10) Lawrenceville, GA

"We contacted Maureen to help us find the perfect first pony for our seven year old daughter. We had a lot of requirements: the pony had to be safe, sound, show quality and priced to fit a limited budget. Maureen's expertise was invaluable. She had numerous contacts all over the state from her years of showing and we felt comfortable knowing we were buying from reputable sellers. In less than a month we were the proud owners of a great pony! The transaction went smoothly and Maureen was there to guide us through the buying process every step of the way." Cathy Trebatoski (Owner of Pippy Valentine) Cumming, GA