Jennifer Burk- Head Trainer and Owner
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Jennifer Burk began riding at Willow Bend Polo Club in Dallas as a preschooler. After moving to Fort Worth, she became active in the Fort Worth Pony Club (now Thundering Hooves), where she developed a strong foundation in horsemanship. Her passion for eventing grew under the guidance of Laura Miller through seventh grade and continued with Andie Witchen during high school.
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Science from Lake Erie College in 1995, competing in dressage up to the third level and eventing up to the preliminary level. Her expertise extends to training and showing in various equestrian disciplines, with a primary focus on eventing and dressage.
Post-graduation, Jennifer honed her skills as a trainer at prominent equestrian establishments in Ohio, Colorado, and the local area, culminating in the establishment of her own equestrian venture, Deer Creek Stables in 2004. Jennifer has competed successfully in eventing, including as a winner at the FEI 2* level and 4th level Dressage.
Clients in training with Jennifer always compliment about her unique teaching style. She's begins by building confidence and skills in her riders. Jennifer sticks to the Classic Dressage principles, of rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and finally collection. She's a certified instructor (ICP Level 1T) recognized by the United States Eventing Association (USEA)
Jennifer has trained with and learned from several respected equestrian professionals, including:
Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science in Equestrian Science from Lake Erie College in 1995, competing in dressage up to the third level and eventing up to the preliminary level. Her expertise extends to training and showing in various equestrian disciplines, with a primary focus on eventing and dressage.
Post-graduation, Jennifer honed her skills as a trainer at prominent equestrian establishments in Ohio, Colorado, and the local area, culminating in the establishment of her own equestrian venture, Deer Creek Stables in 2004. Jennifer has competed successfully in eventing, including as a winner at the FEI 2* level and 4th level Dressage.
Clients in training with Jennifer always compliment about her unique teaching style. She's begins by building confidence and skills in her riders. Jennifer sticks to the Classic Dressage principles, of rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion, straightness, and finally collection. She's a certified instructor (ICP Level 1T) recognized by the United States Eventing Association (USEA)
Jennifer has trained with and learned from several respected equestrian professionals, including:
- Elizabeth Madlener (USEF "S" judge, USDF "L" faculty)
- Captain Mark Phillips (former Chef d'Equipe of the U.S. Eventing Team)
- Don Sachey
- Jimmy Wofford
- Brad Cutshall
- Steffen Peters
- Hans Boone
Rachel Herod- Assistant Trainer
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Rachel began her equestrian journey at the age of eight, under Jennifer's guidance during the late 1990s. Jennifer played a pivotal role in nurturing Rachel's love for Eventing. Following a brief period under Steve McGreggor at Castle Rock in Ft. Worth, TX, Rachel made the decision to join Jennifer at Deer Creek, where she has been since its establishment in 2004.
Rachel's equestrian pursuits showcase her versatility and dedication, encompassing various disciplines, including dressage, jumpers, and eventing. She has enriched her skills through clinics led by esteemed figures such as USET member Don Sachey and Grand Prix level trainer, USEF "S" and USDF "L" judge, Elizabeth Madlener. Rachel is actively working towards certification through the Instructor Certification Program and has participated in enlightening clinics with Mary D'Arcy, a Level IV ICP Instructor. Alongside her role as a Senior Lecturer at UT Arlington, Rachel remains an integral part of the Deer Creek community, serving as an instructor, trainer, competitor, and meticulous bookkeeper for DCS, embodying a multifaceted commitment to equestrian excellence and community engagement. |
Harli Dollinger- Barn Manager and Owner
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Harli realized her childhood dream of taking riding lessons and eventually owning horses after relocating from the Northeast to Texas for a job in the pharmaceutical industry. After over a decade of riding in the hunter ring, she discovered the joy of Eventing and the family atmosphere of Deer Creek Stables, moving in 2006. Harli invested in and became an instrumental figure in the establishment of Deer Creek Stables, LLC stemming from her belief in Jennifer, the care of the horses and her love of the people there. Harli assumes a pivotal role in the barn's operation, overseeing employee management, feed and nutritional needs of the horses, scheduling for farrier and veterinary services, and a multitude of other essential tasks that ensure the seamless functioning of the facility. She treats each horse as if they were her own.
In addition to her administrative responsibilities, Harli has also had the privilege of training with Don Sachey, Elizabeth Madlener and Hans Boone and actively participates in the competitive arena of Eventing, where she forms a dynamic partnership with her horse, Marty. |
