Maria Kneipp – Owner & Head Trainer
After working with notable professionals such as Frank Conway, David Hopper and Wilhelm Genn, Maria opened her own Kneipp Farm in 1993, and became a USHJA Certified Trainer.
Maria’s teaching style is based on her sensible approach to the rider and horse partnership. She pays attention to every detail and has assisted many riders to lead successful careers in the hunter, jumper and equitation rings.
With this commitment, her students have won many accolades in the show ring, accumulating to state and national championships and collegiate scholarships.
Maria has the knowledge and experience of leading her riders to some of the top equation, hunter, and jumper competitions such as ASPCA Maclay finals, NHS finals, USHJA Jumper Championships, Junior Hunter finals, Pony finals, and more. Maria was also Chef d’Equipe for the Zone V champion Pony Jumper Team in 2006.
Maria currently serves as the Kentucky Hunter Jumper Association (KHJA) Out of State Director of the Board.
Living on the property allows Maria to care for each of her client’s horses as if they were her own. With extensive experience in horse care, feeding, nutrition and emergency management, you can rest assured that our team has your horse’s care first-of-mind.
In constant communication with the farrier and the vet, you can rest assured that your horse or pony is happy, fit, and healthy while living at or visiting the farm.
Maria is proudly sponsored by Voltaire Design.
Past Kneipp Farm students still in the Equestrian field— and whom we are so proud of!
Camille Maynard: Owner of M&M Sporthorses, LLC
Camille rode with Maria during her entire junior year. After college, Camille worked for Maria as assistant trainer. While working with Maria, she learned how to manage clients and run a business. After a few years, Camille moved to Ocala to work for Aaron Vale— the winningest Grand Prix rider in the USA. Now with her husband Tim Maddrix, she owns a Hunter/Jumper business in Birmingham, AL. Together, they are pursuing successful show and sales careers in the Hunters & Jumpers, and proudly have a string of very successful junior and amateur riders who have earned top prizes at Indoors.
Natalie Miller: Assistant Trainer at Sonny Brooke Stables
Natalie started riding with Maria around the age of 10. Throughout her junior career, she competed in local, A and AA rated shows, as well as USEF Pony Finals on various mounts. IN college, Natalie joined the University of Tennessee’s IHSA riding team as an open rider. Natalie also worked for GK Performance Horses, which gave her the opportunity to ride with Pros like Peter Leone and Christoph Schroeder. Natalie joined Sunny Brooke in December 2014 and teaches students from beginners to advanced.
Courtney Motz: Barn Manager at Treesdale Farm
Courtney attended Texas Christian University on an NCAA Equestrian scholarship where she lettered all four years. She was the Team Barn Manager her sophomore year and Team Captain both her junior and senior years, acting as the liaison between coaches, teammates and support staff. She now works under Abby Blankenship at Treesdale Farm, based out of Carmel, Indiana.
