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 started riding at age 5 at Pounds Stables located in Dunwoody, GA. There she rode with many local trainers, including Kathy Jones and Gwen Bradley, who helped shape her showing career at GHJA local shows beginning at the age 8. Pounds' Stable and "Mr. P" gave Maureen

many opportunities to learn about the industry, from re-schooling sales horses to feeding to general & emergency care. In fact, she cleaned her first stall at 7 for a catch ride. By the age of 12, she was the weekday feeder for over 30 head of horses, and by age 13 she purchased her first horse. Pounds also provided clinic opportunities, and she attended several during her junior years including ones with Olympic trainer Debi Connor.

After ten years of showing the Hunter circuit, Maureen chose to hang up her amateur status. While attending the University of Georgia, she started a lesson & training program at a grassroots farm in Athens, gaining valuable experience as an instructor, farm manager, and horse trainer. During that time she also volunteered as an educational speaker to local 4-H, covering topics from horse care to training tips, and also helped local Girl Scouts earn their rider badges. In 1999, Maureen decided to spend her final year of college in serious training and found herself under the instruction of Kat DeMas-Mulkey of Four Season Farms. She also worked as a Working Student with Hunter Hill Farm of Gainesville, GA. Today Maureen continues her education both as a rider and trainer with the guidance of Anne Kenan and the ANRC.

But Maureen's vast experience is not just limited to riding and managing. She has also successfully breed and foaled out mares, including three foals with her retired TB. She's started many young horses under saddle for different disciplines, such as hunters, pleasure, & endurance. Her internship with Blue Jeans & Chaps Horse Show gave her the foundation to organize and executed numerous horse shows, and she has spent many hours in the judges seat for Rolling Hills, Lanier Equestrian Association, and Athens Area Hunter Jumper Association. She is also a volunteer for the GHJA Finals Horse Show committee.

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:

Courtney Gould joined us in February of 2009 and has been a wonderful addition to our program. She comes to us with 14 years of riding experience as well as many years of work as a stable hand and barn manager. She started her riding career at age 7, and most recently rode at North Wind Equestrian Center here in Cumming. If her face looks familiar, you are not alone; Courtney also spent five years working at Tack Tavern. We are very excited and fortunate to have her in our program.

Our philosophy is rather simple: anything worth doing is worth doing right. We don't take short-cuts in our horses' training, and we don't move clients up before they are ready. Some say we go too slow; we say, "what's the rush?" As a result, we have happy, confident riders on happy, stabilized mounts.

We believe that horsemanship includes an education in the saddle and on the ground. Topics such as wound care, wrapping, conformation, and supplements are just some of the additional education we provide. 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.

Our lessons focus on the fundamentals of forward riding, an approach to riding that strives 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 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 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.

And although we show in the Hunter/Jumper arena, our area of specialty lies with green horses, re-schooling the aged horse, and the development of confidence in timid riders. As a result, we do not maintain a showing requirement for clients. But we do recognize the value (and fun!) of showing; therefore, horse shows from locals to the "A"s are attended regularly.

In the three months we have been at English Ivy Farms, I have witnessed a remarkable improvement in both my daughter & our pony. Through pro-active instruction that is both positive & encouraging, Maureen provides attainable goals for Haley that emphasize a connection between horse & rider. In training rides, Maureen has taught Patches to be better balanced and to use her hind-end; as a result her gaits have become relaxed and long. She is extremely generous with her time, teaching so much more than riding. I highly recommend English Ivy Farms to anyone looking for more that just your average riding experience! Marcy Clark (Owner of Patches) Cumming, GA

"As an adult re-rider, I found a lot of habits & memories joining me in the saddle; fortunately, Maureen has a ton patience and a great sense of humor! She continues to address and improve weak areas in my riding while lifting my confidence and providing me with a solid foundation. I feel I have learned more about riding and proper horse care in the past year than my last fourteen years of riding. It has been an absolute blast being here and I look forward for what is to come!" Karly Hopson (Owner of Country Smart), Cumming, 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

"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

"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) Green Bay, WI

"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

"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