ABOUT US
Melissa Hirt, Owner/Trainer: A native of suburban Chicago, Melissa moved to Leelanau County in 1995. After leasing a farm in nearby Empire and developing her clientele, the Melissa completed the construction of her equine dream in 2000: Northern Pines Farm.
As a young rider, Melissa quickly demonstrated her natural talent and won many Midwest championships in both the hunters and jumpers under the direction of Nancy Whitehead. As a professional, Melissa continues to compete as she travels with her students, showing her own horses in the Grand Prixs. Her busy schedule takes her to the top-rated shows throughout the Midwest and to the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Florida each winter.
Melissa's students have won numerous top honors at the zone, regional, and national levels through her precise training and remarkable skill of matching riders and horses to create impressive teams. She also enjoys raising and training young horses for the show ring.
Chelsea Tvardek: Chelsea joined Northern Pines in 2005 and through her tireless dedication, worked her way up to Barn Manager. A Level I Certified Stable Manager (American Riding Instructors Association), Chelsea's responsibilities range from the care and feeding of the farm's 50-60 horses to pasture management. In addition to overseeing the barn's daily chores, Chelsea oversees the farm's breeding program in cooperation with Shanti Bhuyan DVM. She is especially proud of her role in the foaling of six healthy fillies this year!
Leslie Miller : Working along side Chelsea is Leslie Miller. Leslie has two horses at home and enjoys riding with her daughter, who is active in 4H. Leslie is dedicated, responsible and detailed. She looks after all the horses at NPF as if they were her own, and her work is an incredible asset at the farm.
 Lauren Keck, Assistant Trainer: Lauren assists Melissa in teaching lessons and in training young horses. She's incredibly patient and thorough. Lauren previously worked as the assistant trainer at Jayne's Way Farm in Illinois, and she's owned horses for 10 years. She has a degree in biology from Albion College, and during school, she volunteered at Kendall Road Equine Hospital for two summers. Currently Lauren is applying to vet school at Michigan State University. Lauren is always up for a ride, and she's got her trusty horse Hobbes to take out on the lovely trails in Northern Michigan!
Suzanne Duperon : Suzanne does a great job assisting Chelsea and Leslie at NPF. She efficiently helps with daily duties and inventory on a part-time basis. Suzanne is a Northport native and former student of Melissa's, so she's able to get on a horse, too!
 Rachel Omerza, Show Groom: Rachel is a veteran of the "A" circuit, traveling to shows throughout the year to care for the horses and manage the smooth operation of the long and often hectic days on the road. A junior at Glen Lake High School, Rachel began working as a groom while she horse showed in 2007. She now juggles riding her horse "Zarah" and working whenever she can - and whenever she is needed! Rachel is easily recognized by her hard work and cheerful attitude!
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