Pat Clodfelter - Owner and Operator
Over ten years ago Pat's daughters, Lisa and Emily, began riding. Emily soon bought a horse of her own, then another, and another. Since the farm had plenty of room, Pat and her husband decided to keep the horses at home rather than board them elsewhere. Pat's husband, Harrell, built a 4-stall barn. As time passed, Emily's friends wanted to keep their horses here as well. They then added more stalls and a riding ring. She enjoyed taking care of the horses, and it occurred to her that she could make a living doing something she loves. At that point they began to accept boarders. Pat's farm now offers 2 barns totaling 25 stalls with room to create more if needed. Rosewood's facility has expanded over time, and now includes a lighted jumper ring, a full size dressage arena, and plenty of trails. The starting goal of the business remains constant, which is to care for every horse here as if it is their own. The Clodfelter's live on the property, so they can keep an eye on the horses around the clock. Students are encouraged to learn about all aspects of horse care and horsemanship aside from their lessons. Boarders are welcome to ride at their own leisure. The barn family does their best to encourage everyone to achieve their riding goals at every level. They have been lucky enough to make lasting friendships through horses, and they look forward to making new ones in the future!
Alexis Gragg - Instructor and Trainer
Alexis Gragg has an endlessly growing passion for the horse; both as a the noble creatures they are, and as the amazing competitors they have become. Receiving her first pony at age 6, she hasn't been able to live without them since.
Alexis had the luxury of taking professional riding lessons starting at age 9. Her education began at a hunter/jumper facility by the name of Deerwood Farm in Winston-Salem, NC, under the instruction of Kristi Watson. She later moved to Vero Beach, FL. Julie Trigger of Two Bridges Equestrian in Vero Beach, FL was her first trainer after a 4 year break since the move. A few years later she moved to Tampa, FL and began lessons at a premier hunter/jumper facility, Keilyn, Inc. Her trainers were most often Jan Baker, and on occasion with Keith Powell. Alexis's college education moved her back to Winston Salem, NC in 2008, so she could continue pursuing her degree at UNCG.
Since then, Alexis has continued her riding, and has been a loyal instructor at Rosewood Farm for nearly 2 years. Although, her dedication is with Rosewood Farm, she will teach and train at a other facilities, both public and private. Her once Hunter path has recently taken a swift turn into the world of Eventing and Jumpers. She is actively expanding her abilities and knowledge in that discipline. Her most current instruction has been with USDF certified trainer Cindy Thaxton from High Point Farm in Watkinsville, GA, dressage trainer Dan Gillie of North Carolina, jumper/eventing/dressage/pony club trainer Nicole Kemerling of Winston Salem, NC, and Grand Prix jumper Paige Rassas-Sorce. As well attaining private instruction, she has and will continue to audit and participate in future clinics. Past audits include Paige Rassas-Sorce, Jack Towell, Vicki Autry, Nanci Lindroth, Brock Griffith, and Robbie Potter. Recently, Alexis was able to spend a few weeks in Wellington, FL at the Winter Equestrian Festival 2011 with a friend who was competing. In doing so, she was able to watch many of the lessons, assist in the grooming, and was able to serve a small role in the overall process of the work it takes to compete at that level.
This education will continue so she can properly apply her knowledge to the lesson program at Rosewood Farm and elsewhere. Alexis's goal is to instill confidence in each rider, by connecting with each one as an individual. She understands that each rider has different goals, and interests for their riding. Disciplines ranging from hunters, jumpers, low level dressage, low level eventing, basic natural horsemanship, and general western riding can be accommodated. Each rider will be sure to learn not only how to ride, but also how to groom the horse, how to correctly tack up, as well as proper etiquette and safety precautions. Whether your ambition is to compete or ride merely as a hobby, Alexis will be happy to fulfill your desires.
Alexis had the luxury of taking professional riding lessons starting at age 9. Her education began at a hunter/jumper facility by the name of Deerwood Farm in Winston-Salem, NC, under the instruction of Kristi Watson. She later moved to Vero Beach, FL. Julie Trigger of Two Bridges Equestrian in Vero Beach, FL was her first trainer after a 4 year break since the move. A few years later she moved to Tampa, FL and began lessons at a premier hunter/jumper facility, Keilyn, Inc. Her trainers were most often Jan Baker, and on occasion with Keith Powell. Alexis's college education moved her back to Winston Salem, NC in 2008, so she could continue pursuing her degree at UNCG.
Since then, Alexis has continued her riding, and has been a loyal instructor at Rosewood Farm for nearly 2 years. Although, her dedication is with Rosewood Farm, she will teach and train at a other facilities, both public and private. Her once Hunter path has recently taken a swift turn into the world of Eventing and Jumpers. She is actively expanding her abilities and knowledge in that discipline. Her most current instruction has been with USDF certified trainer Cindy Thaxton from High Point Farm in Watkinsville, GA, dressage trainer Dan Gillie of North Carolina, jumper/eventing/dressage/pony club trainer Nicole Kemerling of Winston Salem, NC, and Grand Prix jumper Paige Rassas-Sorce. As well attaining private instruction, she has and will continue to audit and participate in future clinics. Past audits include Paige Rassas-Sorce, Jack Towell, Vicki Autry, Nanci Lindroth, Brock Griffith, and Robbie Potter. Recently, Alexis was able to spend a few weeks in Wellington, FL at the Winter Equestrian Festival 2011 with a friend who was competing. In doing so, she was able to watch many of the lessons, assist in the grooming, and was able to serve a small role in the overall process of the work it takes to compete at that level.
This education will continue so she can properly apply her knowledge to the lesson program at Rosewood Farm and elsewhere. Alexis's goal is to instill confidence in each rider, by connecting with each one as an individual. She understands that each rider has different goals, and interests for their riding. Disciplines ranging from hunters, jumpers, low level dressage, low level eventing, basic natural horsemanship, and general western riding can be accommodated. Each rider will be sure to learn not only how to ride, but also how to groom the horse, how to correctly tack up, as well as proper etiquette and safety precautions. Whether your ambition is to compete or ride merely as a hobby, Alexis will be happy to fulfill your desires.
Michelle Hester - Certified Instructor, Trainer, and Equine Massage Therapist
Michelle Hester is the newest member of the Rosewood team! Since the age of 6, Michelle had the passion for horses that led her where she is today. She has 7 years of experience with barn management, teaching, training, riding and working with kids on variety of levels. She is confident in her skill set, and is applying that to Rosewood's team.
At the young age of 13 Michelle became a volunteer at the Keyauwee Program for Circle C Ranch, a girl scout camp in Sophia, North Carolina. She performed tasks ranging from teaching private lessons, group lessons, ground work, grooming, properly tacking up the horses, and much more. After 3 years of working at the camp she then moved her experience to Bales Stables, a Hunter/Jumper show facility, in Thomasville, NC. For two years she was an apprentice trainer at Bales teaching kids ages 4-14. She also has the knowledge to start horses under saddle, she worked with those that tend to be problematic, and showed horses of various breeds. She then took that training to local and out of state shows competing at different levels in the A and C circuit. While working at a preschool she went to college to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. After a year and a half she decided to follow her dreams instead, She took this passion and dedication to Meredith Manor International Equestrian College in Waverly, West Virginia. Michelle took classes for barn management, training, teaching, equine sports massage, horse health, and in advanced riding classes in jumping and dressage, schooling up to 4 ft. Michelle rode over 90 horses on all different levels, temperaments and breeds out of the 140 on campus. She has the knowledge, passion, and the correct training to work with students of all ages and levels. Whether an individual just wants to ride for the mere pleasure, or wants to compete and grow, she is capable of meeting your needs.
As an instructor Michelle hopes to motivate her students to reach the goals they have established. She is a self motivated, hardworking and capable individual. Michelle believes in putting the students and horses first. She will continue to focus on these points throughout each person's development. Rosewood Farm is confident Michelle will be a great asset to the team by using her knowledge, understanding, and dedication to help our team succeed.
At the young age of 13 Michelle became a volunteer at the Keyauwee Program for Circle C Ranch, a girl scout camp in Sophia, North Carolina. She performed tasks ranging from teaching private lessons, group lessons, ground work, grooming, properly tacking up the horses, and much more. After 3 years of working at the camp she then moved her experience to Bales Stables, a Hunter/Jumper show facility, in Thomasville, NC. For two years she was an apprentice trainer at Bales teaching kids ages 4-14. She also has the knowledge to start horses under saddle, she worked with those that tend to be problematic, and showed horses of various breeds. She then took that training to local and out of state shows competing at different levels in the A and C circuit. While working at a preschool she went to college to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education. After a year and a half she decided to follow her dreams instead, She took this passion and dedication to Meredith Manor International Equestrian College in Waverly, West Virginia. Michelle took classes for barn management, training, teaching, equine sports massage, horse health, and in advanced riding classes in jumping and dressage, schooling up to 4 ft. Michelle rode over 90 horses on all different levels, temperaments and breeds out of the 140 on campus. She has the knowledge, passion, and the correct training to work with students of all ages and levels. Whether an individual just wants to ride for the mere pleasure, or wants to compete and grow, she is capable of meeting your needs.
As an instructor Michelle hopes to motivate her students to reach the goals they have established. She is a self motivated, hardworking and capable individual. Michelle believes in putting the students and horses first. She will continue to focus on these points throughout each person's development. Rosewood Farm is confident Michelle will be a great asset to the team by using her knowledge, understanding, and dedication to help our team succeed.
