Click here for Map and directions to Brook Hill Farm

Tucked away at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains in rural Forest, Virginia lies Brook Hill Farm, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization, located on a sixty acre property where neglected and injured horses are given the opportunity to rest, heal, and start new lives. Brook Hill's mission is to provide rehabilitation focused services and safe haven for these horses that are no longer wanted.

Meet our Staff

Executive Director - Jo Anne Miller

Eighteen years ago we bought a farm in Bedford County, and over dinner my wonderful Vet and I were talking.  “What, take in lame horses, are you crazy?”  These were my exact words, and 2 years later Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses was created.  He, and eventually I, saw the need of the thousands of lame horses needing a place to recover.  With my background in corporate management, dealing with lameness issues, and with a BA in education, we founded the rehabilitation and educational programs leading to our success.  During our early years we were amazed at how these horses healed with the help of our volunteers and youth.  The horses were able to go on and lead productive lives, and the children involved grew into strong, confident, caring adults.  In 2011 I joined with PATH International and became a registered riding instructor and an Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, allowing Brook Hill to grow its educational and therapeutic programs. A win-win situation, healing both horses and people! 

Tracy Russler - Assistant Executive Director

Growing up on a farm, Tracy is a natural fit for our program. A horse enthusiast with a BA in business administration, Tracy is a founding member.  She is in charge of the day to day operation of the facility, by managing the office and maintaining our website.  She also runs the Brook Hill Farm 4-H Horse and Pony Club and is a Center Administrator for the Brook Hill United States Pony Club Center.

 

Veterinarian - Dr. Ronald Fessler

Doctor Fessler is one of the main reasons for our success - a graduate from Iowa State he has been a part of Brook Hill Farm from the beginning.  He is a member of the American Association of Equine Practitioners, and the Virginia Association of Equine Practitioners.  Every horse that has come through our program owes his recovery to the brilliance of this man!

 

Veterinarian -Dr Martha Moses

Doctor Moses has been a valuable part of our team since our inception. A graduate of Virginia Tech, she brings her skill and expertise to help in healing our horses.  And of course a visit from Martha is not complete without Charlie!

 

Bud Caudy - Farrier

Bud Caudy has also been a part of Brook Hill Farm since its inception. Bud completed his training at the Oklahoma Farriers College and has been a farrier for over 35 years.  He is a member of the American Farriers Association and the Brotherhood of Farriers.  The old saying no-hoof no-horse rings true - but with Bud on staff,  even the worst case foot scenario's improve!  Our horses love him!

 

Shawn Thacker

Shawn joins our farm as our equine dentist. He completed his training at the American School of Equine Dentristry in Purcellville Virginia. He is both a dentist and a farrier, and has become a valuable part of our team.!

 

 

Penny Hawes – Trainer/Riding Instructor

Penny has a special place in her heart for rehabilitated horses, as she has done most of her competing on her own rescue projects.  She is a graduate of the Talland School of Equitation in England where she received her BHSAI. The BHSAI certificate is awarded to candidates who have successfully achieved the BHS Horse Knowledge, Care and Riding Stage 3, hold a Preliminary Teacher’s Certificate and have submitted a fully completed Coaching Portfolio orhave logged 500 hours teaching. She competed in eventing, dressage, show jumping and side saddle, and is presently pursuing her USDF “'L" judges license.

           

Betty Zaring

Betty , a founding member of Brook Hill Farm,  is serving as a consultant to help with special projects, individual, and team development.  A graduate of Lynchburg College where she was on their first equestrian team in association with  RMWC, Betty received a Masters degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a licensed clinical social worker and certified case manager.   After several years away due to a back injury.  she has returned very impressed with the growth of the programs and the numerous opportunities offered to youth and adults. “Brook Hill  is a living demonstration of how a dream can become a reality”.

 

Jay Miller – Field Control

With his wife in charge of the program, it naturally has become his job to look after the property and fields.  He also assists in the general care of the horses. We cannot thank him enough for helping with our endeavor.

 

 

Steve Glover  - Farm Manager

            Steve joins our staff doing whatever is needed, from fence repair to feeding and caring for our rescues. He is a valuable member of our team, providing natural horsemanship for our rescue horses.