Testimonials from our riders

Dear Stella & Steve,

We would have called you tonight, but we know that you are probably asleep at this late hour. However, we couldn't wait to share some wonderful news with you.

Mackenzie tried out for, and was selected for the College of Charleston Equestrian Team today. We just found out a few minutes ago. She begins her college riding career tomorrow morning at 8:30am. Dreams do come true!!!!

We wanted you to know just how deeply we appreciate all that you both have done for Mackenzie, Paparazzi and the rest of our family. We are absolutely certain that Kenzi is one of the happiest people on the planet tonight because of your patience, kindness, professionalism, generosity, steadfast encouragement and support that you have shown our daughter for all these many years. You both stood with her and beside her during some very dark days, and celebrated her victories and achievements while steadily pushing her to be better and to do her best. When other young girls were chasing boys and getting into trouble, Kenzi was happy to be anywhere the two of you were, soaking up your goodness and gentle souls. We will never forget the countless hours of unbridled joy that you both gave to our daughter and we will never be able to repay you for all that you have done for us all. We could not have chosen two better mentors for Mackenzie and hope that you will someday know just how magical her time with you has been.

Parents may sometimes get too much credit for the way their children turn out. In our case, we have had some extraordinary people come into our children's lives who have touched them deeply and helped them become the young ladies that we always prayed that they would turn out to be. So, thank you! For all the lessons... both in and out of the ring, for the late nights holding her hand and stroking Pap's nose, for the long truck rides to shows, the shared hotel rooms, the encouragement and the prodding, the blue ribbons and the heat induced red flushed face, for the blood sweat and tears...but mostly for the love that you so gently and safely wrapped around our little girl. God puts important people right in the middle of other people's lives for distinct and purposeful reasons. We know that you two were given to Mackenzie as a gift...a gift of life, passion, friendship and purpose. We may not be the only family that you have touched so profoundly along the way, but please count as as the most appreciative.

We have been, and are now forever connected by the common thread of the dream of a little girl. We love you both and share her incredible joy with you tonight and always. Thank you for helping Mackenzie find her way over and around some tough fences!

With deep respect and grateful hearts,
Gregg & Lindy - Parents of student Mackenzie

PS. And let's not forget, we also share custody of our big son Paparazzi! Thanks for taking such great care of him as well.

A former student says hi…

"... [Stella] you gave me lessons about six years ago ...Sara [current instructor in GA] asked me where I used to ride and I told her Star Ridge and she couldn't believe it. She told me you had been her trainer and asked if I had been in a summer camp. ...I remember alot from that summer camp and I remember you let me ride Dutch and we went in the pond with the horses and I came in first in that course that we did. I still have the pictures that you took when we went over the jumps. ...You were a main focus in my life because I loved to ride so much! ...I have so many memories at the barn just like it was not long ago. If it wasn't for you I don't think I would love riding so much."
Kayla Booth - former student

Letter of Recommendation for Stella Prescott of Star Ridge Stables

Stella was my very first riding instructor, and I rode with her for nearly seven years while she was in North Georgia.  I will always treasure those years spent under her careful instruction.  When I first started, I knew next to nothing about horses except that I adored them. Stella had me posting like a pro, cantering around confidently, and jumping cross-rail courses in under a year.  During my first horse show season, I brought home several champion and reserve trophies.  Looking back, I am truly amazed at how much she taught me in such a short period of time.  After about a year and a half, Stella introduced me to solid obstacles and oxers.  She had me packing around 2’ equitation courses on all the school ponies in the barn.

I have never had a horse of my own, but Stella always made sure that I had a wonderful mount to take to horse shows. I am so proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish because of Stella’s unwavering support and guidance.  In about my third year of riding, Stella introduced me to a fantastic little green pony, Salem.  Through Stella’s dedicated training, we brought Salem from an auction-sale pasture ornament to a brave pony jumper capable of clearing any obstacle he was faced with.  Not to mention that I too was fearless even over the most daunting of oxers because of Stella’s unwavering support.

When I moved up to horses, Stella once again found a great horse for me to ride, Dew.  Stella allowed me to ride Dew when he first came to the barn as a green 4 year old. After a year of working together, we took him to his first horse show where he won the 3’ open hunter.  I just remember being incredibly grateful that I had such a wonderful riding instructor who made this dream come true. I am still so amazed by how much I learned under Stella’s instruction.  Not only did I become a competitive rider, but a confident and competent horsewoman capable of riding a variety of horses.

In addition to making certain that I had a horse to consistently ride and show, Stella also had me riding a bunch of other horses.  This exposure to different horse personalities has been extremely beneficial over the years.  I am now in college and ride on the intercollegiate circuit.  In this type of competition, the riders draw horses out of a pool – so it’s really left to chance what horse you will get to show on.  Stella’s steady foundation prepared me well, because I always feel comfortable riding a new horse.  I watch all the other girls at the intercollegiate competitions get nervous about their mounts, and I think how unfortunate it was that they didn’t have a trainer that made them confident in their own abilities like I did.

Stella moved away several years before I started riding competitively at school.  After she left, I didn’t have any truly consistent riding instruction.  I kept busy by schooling horses at various barns.  Stella’s solid foundation allowed me to remain competitive without too much input from school coaches.  During my first season of interscholastic competition in high school, I qualified for IEA national competition in Connecticut.  Last year, I helped the University of Georgia’s IHSA team claim a regional title.

Stella is a wonderful teacher who really works to meet the goals of her students.  She helped me develop into an incredibly effective rider, and the skills and values she has instilled in me will continue to grow. - Elizabeth A. Hornbrook

Recommendation from Darragh McCollum

I began riding with Stella Prescott 13 years ago when I was 15 years old. At the time I was having trouble with my 9 year old Thoroughbred mare and could not seem to find a trainer that could help. After a few months, every trainer would suggest that I sell my mare – she was a problem, I was not suitable to her temperament, etc. Unfortunately, I was terribly devoted to this little mare and the last thing I wanted to do was part with her. Stella, fortunately, had just come back from Australia and was accepting students.

Stella took everything I did apart during my first lesson. I was leaning in through the corner, throwing my mare off balance; I was leaning forward to the fence, making it nearly impossible for her to get herself and myself over the fences; I was not “riding” my horse, I was sitting up there as a passenger hoping for the best. She had many, many suggestions and decided that we needed to start back at ground zero. I had been riding since I was six years old, so this was not something I was excited about, but I really did not have another choice at that point.

The first few months, I worked on bending, getting collected, strengthening my leg, finding and keeping balance, using poles to correct my eye for proper distances, feeling pace, and above all, doing it while appearing to do nothing. Everything was equitation. Everything was really riding while creating that classic equestrian picture of horse and rider in harmony. It hurt and I complained, but Stella continued to push and inspire.

After six months of rigorous training, Stella had me training three foot at home and showing successfully at 2’6”. I especially shined in equitation, typically winning the class. The change in the look and attitude of my mare was amazing – she turned into a work horse and enjoyed the tough schedule as much as I did. After a little over a year I was training at 3’0” to 3’6” at home and showing successfully at 3’0”-3’3”. I competed successfully in the Children’s Division and 3’0” Equitation.

While I was excited about competing at a challenging level, the lessons at home did not get any easier. Instead, Stella incorporated more Dressage into the lessons, always raising the bar. She set up nearly impossible courses, including back to back roll-backs and often set up a course that included trotting over fences, coming back to a trot and then engaging into an extended trot, and even asking me for lead changes on the straight-away! Each lesson pushed me further and each lesson I dug a little deeper. Stella always encouraged me, but always had a few pointers. What is the point of a trainer telling you that you always look good? I know I did not and having a goal each day, week, month, gave me something to shoot for and to achieve. I became a better rider – a real rider at that, not a passenger.

When I went away to college, I competed successfully at the Intercollegiate level, riding in the Invitational for my division. I also rode several horses for clients ranging from Hunters to 3-Day Eventers to Fox Hunters. After college, I lived in Europe for several years and rode for a small barn in Dublin, Ireland. Now, I ride when I can. I still have that little Thoroughbred mare and now have a baby out of her as well. Stella’s training helped me to become a versatile rider. This versatility came from a strong base rooted in discipline, balance, and respect. With Stella, you learn how to communicate with your horse and to be an effective rider.