Meet Our Training Staff

Shelley Day

Shelley brings 23 years of teaching and training experience to Hillside Farm. She gives lessons from beginner to advanced riders. In addition to having lesson horses available, hauling in is available. Shelley will also travel from northern Wisconsin through southern Illinois.

Shelley is a USDF bronze and silver medalist. She is currently working on receiving her gold. She has attended several trainer seminars through USDF. Shelley has worked long term with trainers and judges such as; George Williams, Jayne Ayers, and Curtis Sage. She has also clinic ed with Caroll Lavell, Gary Rockwell, and Bo Henna. Shelley has been continuing her education on full time basis with Kim and Yvonne Barteau.

Shelley has an extensive show career, winning many USDF awards. She has been in the top 20% in the nation the past 5 years. Shelley has also won many championships through the Westfalen, Trakhener, and Thoroughbred associations. Her students have also had great success. Most recently she had a 12 year old take a reserve champion placing at Silverwood Farm Championship Horse Show as well as 2 other students being in the top 10 at the prestigious region 2 championships.

Shelley has a systematic, easy to understand approach to teaching and would be an asset to any one whether you are a beginner rider or serious competitor.

Courtney DePerte

Courtney DePerte began riding in Northern Illinois where she grew up. Her training began with lessons in Hunter/Jumpers where she soon progressed to competing. Under the instruction of Constance VanderWheele she then began incorporating the fundamentals of Dressage into her riding and began exploring the exciting thrill of Eventing as a young adult from the tutelage of Eileen 'Bud' Roberts. As graduate of Lake Erie College in Ohio, she has a Bachelors of Science degree with a double major in Equine Teacher/Trainer and Equine Facility Management. While at school she competed on the Intercollegiate Hunt Seat Riding team, qualifying for regionals twice. In addition to this she expanded her knowledge of competing in the Jumpers and was chosen to compete for the Lake Erie College Prix DeVilles Team three years in a row. Courtney worked for and ridden with several well known icons in the equine industry, including Frank and Laura Chapot, as well as participating in clinics with Chris Kappler, Tara Stegen, and more.

Courtney offers a fun, comprehensive, and detailed training program for all levels of riders, from those just starting their riding career to seasoned competitors in pursuit of specific goals. She believes that beginners started with strong basics will reflect these skills as they continue to learn and progress to advanced riders navigating their chosen discipline. Whether your desire is to learn the skills to trail ride, start a new hobby, participate in 4-H and Pony Club, or show on the 'A' circuit, Courtney is always happy to pass on her knowledge and passion for riding and horse care.

Margaret Paur

Margie is the Hillside Polo instructor and she teaches Equine Management courses at Waukesha County Technical College. Her approach to training involves the rider treating the horse as an athlete and includes a focus on the special care needed for horses. Margie uses natural horsemanship techniques and gives natural horsemanship lessons on a case by case basis.

In addition to co-owning and managing Hillside Farm and teaching polo and college courses, she also serves on several non-profit boards including the Milwaukee County Zoological Society, the Luthern Social Service Foundation board, the Women's Fund Board, the Milwaukee Polo Club Board, and at Waukesha County Technial College. She's a life-long horsewoman who as a youth was trained in Saddleset and Western riding disciplines. As a young adult she trained in Hunter/Jumpers, later training in Polo and Dressage. Margie also takes in problem horses and fixes them in a gentle, firm, and kind way. No short cuts. It takes longer, but this method works best, the horse is happier for it, and the horse can then accel at what it can done best. Margie strongly believes in non-violent horse handling methods that create a safe learning environment for horse and rider.

Ryan Fetherston

Ryan Fetherston is a professional hunter/jumper trainer with over 15 years of riding and showing experience. From the A circuit to starting young horses and ponies, Ryan will develop a program that works for both horse and rider. Offering lessons and training from beginner to advanced. Private and group lessons available on your horse or one of ours.
Offering: lessons, training, A&B circuit shows, schooling shows, sales, will travel.