Instructors at Shallowbrook
Stephanie Vita
Stephanie Vita began her career with horses at a very young age. She has shown competitively since the age of four, trained numerous ponies & horses, played polo and even fox hunted. Prior to going to college, Stephanie taught at Shallowbrook. In 2006, Stephanie resumed teaching at Shallowbrook on a part-time basis. Stephanie's many years of experience as a junior rider allows her to understand the needs and concerns of students of all ages. Always positive and outgoing, she brings her years of knowledge and first-hand experience directly to her students every time she steps into the ring to teach. When Stephanie is not teaching at Shallowbrook, she can usually be found training horses alongside her father, Hal Vita, Jr. at Country Road Stables or wrangling her two-year old daughter, Kaylyn.
Elyse Dunbar
Elyse Dunbar became an instructor at Shallowbrook in 2005. After having worked for a couple of years in marketing and advertising, Elyse decided to continue to pursue her equestrian career. Elyse's passion for horses began when she was ten years old in New Cannan, CT and continued through college at Fairfield University. Just a few of Elyse's equestrian accomplishments include: Fairfield University Female Athlete of the Year, IHSA Nationals 1997 and Regional Champion 1998. Elyse exudes her positive attitude, high energy and equestrian knowledge each day in the ring while teaching students of all ages. Elyse lives in Wilbraham, MA with her husband Jamie, daughter Callie, and their dog Bailey.
Lucy Manos
Lucy Manos became an instructor at Shallowbrook in June 2007. Lucy has been riding since the age of 5, and started showing at age 10. In addition to her own training, for six years, Lucy volunteered heavily at Pegasus, a therapeutic riding program. While there, she learned to teach disabled children to ride, fueling her love to teach. Lucy recently graduated from Newtown High School, and is attending Western New England College, majoring in Business.
Kristen Wenning
Kristen Wenning became an instructor at Shallowbrook in July 2007. Kristen has been riding for approximately 10 years. She has participated in the Show Team, as well as playing polo on the Interscholatic Polo Team. In addition to working with new potential polo players, Kristen currently works primarily with Preschoolers or Beginner riders. She has also been helping out during the Summer Camp sessions. Kristen is 16 years old, and will be a Junior at Longmeadow High in the Fall of 2007.