Hunter's Dream Staff

Chris and Jon Hughes

Owners

Owning her own stables has been a life-long dream of Chris Hughes', who has known a love for horses from a very young age. Childhood summers spent on a family farm in Oklahoma sowed the earliest seeds of this equestrian “affair of the heart” and, unknown to the five-year-old who clung to Bessie’s mane to stay upright, a passion for horses was imbued that would remain with her long after she mastered the art of staying astride. Through the ensuing years, not only did Chris take advantage of every opportunity to ride, and to improve her skills through lessons but also encouraged her children, Jonathan and Rachel, to explore the equestrian world.

After seven years of their children showing and being active in the hunter sport in Powell and then New Albany, Chris and Jon decided to bring their horses closer to home. As they searched for a new stable in the Dublin, Powell, Marysville, Delaware and Jerome areas it became apparent that there were few new or large facilities that were not filled to capacity. During their search they met trainer Jen Waller and decided to board their horses with her at Wishing Well Stables in Delaware, Ohio, which was still a 30 minute drive for them. Realizing the lack of available facilities, particularly Hunter/Jumper stables, in their area they began to consider opening a place of their own.

They began their search for a horse property to purchase and remodel in January 2007 only to find that it would cost nearly as much to remodel an old facility as it would to build a new one and so the decision was made.

Knowing from experience that show parents spend a minimum of 4-6 hours a week at their children’s lessons in conditions that are not usually very clean or comfortable, many even lack restrooms, they decided to provide a heated/cooled lounge equipped with bathroom, kitchenette, vending machines, wireless internet connection, large screen television, a well-stocked library and a children’s area.

Parents can sit in a lovely environment and watch their child’s lessons while doing work on their laptop, conducting business over the phone, watching television, entertaining their younger children in a safe environment or just relaxing with other parents over a cup of coffee. Hunter’s Dream is also equipped to handle credit card purchases making it more convenient for parents to finance this sport.

Another concern that the Hughes’ had was that riding becomes a seasonal sport due to the climate in central Ohio. The 90’ X 200’ insulated indoor arena is one of the largest in this area changing riding to an all-year-round sport, thereby eliminating paying board and supporting horses that can’t be ridden several months of the year.

In addition there is a 125’ X 250’ outdoor arena and 60’ round training pen as well as plenty of turnout pastures and two all-weather paddocks.

The property provides our customers with riding paths, a two-acre pond professionally stocked for fishing and a picnic area.

Jennifer Waller

Head Trainer & Stable Manager

Jennifer Waller comes to Hunter’s Dream as its exclusive trainer, bringing more than 18 years of riding, and 9 years of teaching, experience. During these years, Jen operated her own successful Wishing Well Stables, served as assistant trainer/manager to some of the top hunter/jumper facilities in the Columbus, and Medina, Ohio areas, and coached the Olentangy Equestrian Team – one of the first, and most successful, teams in the Interscholastic Equestrian Association. She also has multiple OPHA, Up and Over and OHJA year-end championships.

An excellent communicator and instructor, Jen’s goal is to help riders achieve their greatest potential, taking them to the highest level in the hunter/jumper discipline that they aspire to reach. She takes pride in the individual attention she gives her students, having a passion for watching them thrive and achieve their goals, and our boarders can be assured that the same attention and pride extends to the comfort and well-being of the horses under her care.

Another superior skill that Jen brings to Hunter’s Dream is that of “matchmaking.” Her ability to pair horse and rider for the safest and most pleasurable experience, as well as for optimum performance in the hunter/jumper discipline, has proven to be invaluable when making the all important decision of choosing a new horse! She is well versed in all levels of training but excels in finding horses to finish and/or to fill in any gaps in their previous training.

Jen is continually learning new techniques to ensure that she is providing top-drawer instruction, and to increase her personal enjoyment as a rider, herself. We are extremely fortunate to have Jen on our staff, and know that our boarders, guests, and horses will benefit greatly from her expertise, gentle care and enthusiasm.