Head Trainers:
John
Strassburger began riding at the age of 5, and
equestrian activities soon became a family affair.
John’s mother was an avid foxhunter, and his sister
rode and competed also. John is a graduate “A” Pony
Clubber, currently competing at the Intermediate level
in eventing. In addition to eventing, he is an avid
foxhunter, an endurance competitor, and was an amateur
steeplechase jockey. For 24 years John was the Editor
of the Chronicle of the Horse magazine, and has
attended every Olympics since 1984. John has trained
with Torrance Watkins, Denny Emerson, Marilyn Payne,
and Sharon White.
Heather
Bailey began riding at the age of 3, starting first in
the Western world, eventually riding reining and
cutting horses. At the age of 10 she started lessons
with Yves and Christine Sauvignon and learned about
the sports of eventing and dressage. Over the years
she evolved from student to employee, and in 1995 she
moved back east. In addition to working with the
Sauvignons, she has trained with Jimmy Wofford, Denny
Emerson, Paul Ebersole, and most recently Sharon
White. Heather managed Sharon’s Last Frontier Farm for
2 years. She has nearly 20 years of teaching and
training experience in eventing and dressage.
Heather & Precision at Wild Horse Valley Ranch, In
Napa, Calif. in 1988
Associate
Trainer: John Michael Durr
John
Michael Durr joined the PF team in the spring of 2007.
Heather was JM's first riding instructor when he was a
child, and they have continued to share their passion for
horses. JM brings a broad resume to Phoenix Farm, including
riding on the 2005 Area V North American Young RIders
Championships team, and working for and with top trainers
in a variety of disciplines such as Yves Sauvignon, Dayna
Lynd-Pugh, Lilo Fore, and Susie Hutchison. JM brings an
excellent foundation in many discilpines, as well as a
confident ride in and out of the show ring that complements
PF's classical training style. Look for JM and PF's
homebred Phoenix Secret in the OI division this year.
Barn
Manager: Alandra Halem
Alandra
started riding at the age of nine, and has followed her
passion for horses in to the sport of eventing. She has an
exceptional touch with even the most nervous or
temperamental equines, and they all flock to her quiet
confidence. Alandra is a fantastic addition to the PF team,
and we look forward to a long and fruitful relationship
with her. She and her Connemara cross gelding Breakfast of
Champions placed 5th in their first event together in the
fall of 2007 under Heather and John's watchful eye.
Special Thanks to our resident photographer, Holly Bailey,
who shot most of the beautiful pictures of our farm on this
website. Holly is available for photo sessions at your
farm, call or email us for more
information.