Planning and Design

Equestrian Services, LLC provides turn-key equestrian amenities through our Signature Brands for communities and resorts nationwide. Our services are process oriented and include:feasibility studies, geo demographic analysis, proforma budgeting, capital expenditure projections, programming, planning, design, and marketing all the way through equestrian facility operations management. Our firm is vertically integrated dedicated to the long term success of our projects. Our integrated service model has been the key to growing successful partnerships with our clients and affiliates.

Equestrian Services, LLC delivers the creation of efficient, aesthetically pleasing, well planned equestrian facilities that allow participants to focus on enjoying their horses. Our philosophy dictates that we work as a collaborative partner with our clients, leveraging client knowledge and resources, as well as goals and interests, to collectively achieve outstanding results.

We offer a comprehensive set of equestrian services unmatched by any other firm and specialize only in equestrian projects. Our services and experience are unique in the design industry in that we work with our clients from project conception, through marketing strategies, construction phases and often through on-going facility management. Equestrian Services is committed to the success of your project and will demonstrate the value in developing a long term relationship.

Providing quality service to each of our clients is our priority. The owners and management staff are horse people who own, ride, and train horses. We have over 80 combined years experience with horses. All of our in-field staff are trained to work around horses, always keeping the safety of the riders and the horses their number one priority. At Equestrian Services we are committed to providing a high quality service and product.

Philosophy

There is something calming and peaceful about looking out one's window onto lush green pastures dotted with horses grazing. Many of us are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and find a little piece of heaven to call our own. Our philosophy embraces this idea by working collaboratively with our clients to bring form and function to their dreams. We embrace and revere the land and craft exquisite solutions that create a balance between conservation and development, the preservation of open space and the enjoyment of property.

In-depth understanding of each client's needs and iterative communication is the foundation of our design process. This understanding is overlaid on the potential of the property - both physical and regulatory – and the economic realities of the situation. Open communication with clients, regulators, and often the community at large, has lead to timely decision making and approvals for projects.

We appreciate the old adage, "The right tool for the right job," and build our teams of professionals for each project from an international group of firms. Specific expertise or capabilities, local presence and knowledge, and client relationship all play a role in selecting the best team for each project.

Our commitment to the equestrian sport and equestrian community is demonstrated through our own continued pursuit of our passion for horses. Through caring for our own horses, riding, and continued education, we stay involved on a daily basis. We are also deeply committed to serving the equestrian community by volunteering our time and expertise for worthy causes, sponsoring a new rider annually, and giving of our time and resources to the Equestrian Land Conservation Resource and the United States Equestrian Team Foundation.

Testimonials

"Our partnership with Equestrian Services, LLC allows Karen and me the opportunity to offer horse enthusiasts from all riding disciplines exceptional equestrian facilities in a community near their homes. While working closely with the Equestrian Management team, a division of Equestrian Services, we are providing a level of excellence and quality all horse owners and enthusiasts will appreciate. Karen and I are pleased to be involved in building and designing equestrian communities with Equestrian Services.

The O'Connor Signature, a brand we developed with Equestrian Services, sets equestrian communities apart from the rest by featuring exceptional design and premier programs for horse owners and enthusiasts. We showcase the highest standards for customer service, safety, quality and are welcome to all riding disciplines. In addition to these amenities, which are staffed and managed by Equestrian Management, the O'Connor Signature facilities also feature exquisite beauty and topography, prime location and excellent community development plans."

>>>> David O'Connor, Olympian, O'Connor Signature Facilities

“Dicks Realty is pleased to be the developer of the world’s first exclusively-branded residential equestrian community, The Oaks of Lake City. We have been able to develop this successful, exceptional community thanks to our partnership with Equestrian Services, LLC. They are clearly setting standards for equestrian amenities, along with their Signature brand partners, legendary equestrian Olympians Karen and David O’Connor. Our goal was to develop an equestrian community that fulfills a lifelong dream for equestrians to be able to live near their horses, have land where they may ride them, take walks and enjoy nature. Equestrian Services has been at the cornerstone of The Oaks’ success. We are experiencing robust lot sales even in today’s challenging real estate market.”

>>>> Brad Dicks, Dicks Realty, The Oaks of Lake City

"I'm thrilled to collaborate with Equestrian Services and offer guidance to riders on how to become partners with their horses. Our facilities will follow the highest standards and will bring a level of excellence and quality to horse owners and enthusiasts. My wife, Jody and I are pleased to collaborate with an organization that focuses on several key equestrian initiatives that include the safety and efficiency of equestrian care while creating a horse profession for all disciplines, customer service, and quality management, training and instruction."

>>>> John Lyons ("America's Most Trusted Horseman™"), John Lyons Signature Facilities

“Working with Jennifer Donnovan is a delight. She is forward thinking, knowledgeable, detail-oriented, honest and caring. She leads through encouragement. Jennifer is one of those rare people who bring out the best in other people."

>>>> Caroline Lamb, V.P. Creative Services, Creativeworks, Div. of Photoworks Creative Group
(was a consultant or contractor to Jennifer at Equestrian Services, LLC)

“Jennifer Donovan and her company, Equestrian Services is a unique, detailed, professional and respected company which provides management and consulting services for equestrian-related projects. We welcome any opportunity to work with Jennifer and Equestrian Services in the future.”

>>>> Eric D. Stephenson, Vice President, Three Oaks Hospitality, Inc.
(was with another company when working with Jennifer at Equestrian Services, LLC)

“I found every aspect of doing business with Jennifer Donovan exemplary of professionalism, from the initial phone conversations, to the materials support, the proposal and presentation -- a class act! Her company's unique vision is supported by a philosophy based on exemplary service, tools representative of thorough and comprehensive thinking and the actual execution of those tools and plans previously unseen in their specific market -- and seldom seen in others. I wholeheartedly recommend Jennifer and Equestrian Services to the serious real estate developer, resort designer/operator, manager of municipal facilities, consultant or owner of existing equestrian facilities.”

>>>> Carol Ackerman, Sr. VP Marketing & Communications, Rockingham Asset Management

“I have been impressed with Jennifer and Equestrian Services' work to help developers and owners introduce equestrian amenities into their offerings. Her process and methodologies are not only creative, but also ensure the highest quality outcome. Jennifer is also a delight to work with -- innovative and smart!”

>>>> Suzanne E. Henry, CEO/President, Four Leaf Public Relations LLC

“Jennifer and her team are the true experts in the industry, breaking ground and leading the way in innovation and commitment. I recommend Jennifer any opportunity I get with confidence."

>>>> David Light, Publisher, Regency Publishing LLC

“Jennifer is without a doubt the most knowledgeable person we have met when it comes to anything equestrian. She has always responded to all questions immediately and with a very high level of professionalism. She is polite, courteous, and she checks in regularly to make sure everything is OK. We highly recommend working with Jennifer and Equestrian Services."

Top qualities: Personable, Expert, High Integrity

>>>> Kevin Montero, hired EQSV as a Consulting Service in 2007

"In preparation for taking over the interim management of its public stable Westwind Barn from a non-profit group, the Town of Los Altos Hills contracted with Equestrian Management, LLC to inspect the facility, evaluate the staff and prepare a Summary of Initial Findings. The Summary was very thorough and exceeded my expectations. Special attention was given to identifying specific existing safety hazards to workers, boarders and the general public. This information was of great value to us and was subsequently integrated into the Town’s comprehensive risk-management plan. The staff evaluation conducted by Equestrian Management’s Director Ms. Alejandra Abella was also valuable because it gave us a way to evaluate the incumbent Barn Manager’s technical skills. As a result, we had much greater confidence in our decision to retain the incumbent as Barn Manager for the Town."

>>>> Carl Cahill, City Manager, Town of Los Altos Hills, CA (650-947-2514)

"Our family is moving to The Oaks from upstate New York. Our goal was to move south – to a warmer climate – and with four dogs we needed to find a community with plenty of space. We learned about The Oaks while researching "dog park" communities online. Our home site has two acres with plenty of trees. We had lived in Florida near Ocala and loved being surrounded by horses. The Oaks is elegant and breathtaking! The land is beautiful, and we are looking forward to being permanent residents. Our homework in searching for a dog-friendly and warmer climate community for our family concluded when we discovered and visited The Oaks."

>>>> Myrna Silva and family (including four dogs), The Oaks, Lot 7

"My husband and I are excited about building our new home on Lot 40 in The Oaks. When we first visited The Oaks at the ground-breaking ceremony in Lake City [where we currently live], we knew it was the place for us. I grew up riding in England and had horses while living in the States. But I gave up riding seven years ago due to family priorities. My youngest child is graduating from high school in May. I now will have the time to enjoy and take up riding again. I have been talking with Shelley [Van den Neste, the new general manager and riding director] on how to proceed. My husband and I plan to buy horses in the near future; in fact, our lot has the land for us to build our own barn. But after seeing The Oaks Equestrian Center, we knew this would be the best place to keep my horses. It's incredible, A+ in my book. With the O'Connor's involvement in the design of the equestrian amenities, we knew the facility would provide the best for riders and horses. First-class, well-done to everyone involved. Thank you to the O'Connors for bringing their first Signature Community to Lake City, Florida."

>>>> Anne and Tim Hurst, The Oaks, Lot 40

"The Equestrian Center, 15 miles of looped trails and the surrounding areas are key reasons my husband and I purchased a home site at The Oaks. We have three horses and plan to live in New Hampshire and The Oaks at Lake City for six months a year. I'm looking forward to having the opportunity to ride daily and have the weekends to pleasure ride on the Oaks' trails with the ease of convenience of walking from my home pasture and over to the barn to pick up my horse. The Equestrian Center's concierge service is impressive and is something we've always wanted for our horses. The knowledge that there will always be conveniences including ample hay, on-site blanket cleaning services and a farrier on staff is quite pleasing. And the O'Connor's participation in the development of the equestrian amenities guarantees the credibility of property. We are particularly pleased with the spirit of the Oaks, a community that will offer a unique equestrian lifestyle to retirees and families."

>>>> Catherine Dowd, home site purchaser, The Oaks, Lot 52

“The entire Equestrian Services team has something to be proud of with the opening of The Oaks at Lake City. I am privileged to be able to witness the changes that you are bringing about in the industry.”

>>>> Quentin Wiest, Bergen Equestrian Center, Bergen County Improvement Authority, NJ

"Papillon Real Estate, LLC specializes in equestrian properties in the state of Florida. In order to best advise our clients, we have performed an analysis of the equestrian communities throughout the state. We rated the developments from a one to five, depending on how well-designed - with both horse and owner in mind - the communities were (five being highest). We were quite surprised and disappointed at the number of developments that called themselves 'equestrian communities', yet offered little more than a logo with a horse, lots large enough to accommodate horses and a path running alongside the road which the developer boasted to be 'miles of bridle trails'. Such communities earned a one, or at best, a two in our system. Most communities rated a three and only one earned a Five Star rating, The Oaks in Lake City, FL.' Designed by Equestrian Services, LLC, this development "got it right" from the combination of lot sizes, shaded quiet bridle trails, a first-rate equestrian community center and a cross-country course designed by Olympian David O'Connor. Other spot-on equestrian amenities include a covered arena, concierge horse care, pre-designed farm layouts and competition dressage and hunter/jumper arenas. Add these gold-standard amenities to rolling hills and magnificent oak trees and you have a truly winning community designed with the equestrian at heart."

>>>> Janie Coffey, Owner/Designated Broker, Papillion Real Estate

"Like many young girls, our daughter Sarah's dream is to own a horse. For the past few years she has taken weekly riding lessons while we considered changing to a housing situation that would permit her to have a horse of her own nearby. When we first heard of Toll Brothers' plan for an equestrian community (Marlboro Ridge), we felt that our daughter's dream of horse ownership could finally come true. Their innovative concept of a neighborhood that incorporates equestrian facilities and miles of riding trails is the perfect choice for a family unable to afford the large areas of land required by horses.

We knew that Toll Brothers would build us a quality home, but more importantly, we trusted them to select a highly qualified and professional company to manage the equestrian facilities.

During a recent open house event, we had the opportunity to meet Alex Abella, Equestrian Services, LLC Project Director for the Marlboro Ridge community. After talking with Alex, we knew we had made the absolute best decision for our family. Alex's professionalism and true passion for horses provided us with reassurance that our new community would indeed be a state-of-the-art equestrian community -- not just a neighborhood that allows residents to stable a horse on their property."

>>>> Rick, Karen and Sarah Gibson

"The masterpiece is finished.  I couldn't be more pleased, both with the end result and with the process of arena building itself. At our very first meeting I appreciated your candor and frank concern about my choice of location. And ultimately I really appreciate your making my location happen. If I were asked to sum up my overall impression of Equestrian Services in one word, the word would be 'professional'. Building the arena was a huge interuption in our daily life and having such a great group of people here every day made that interuption down right entertaining. The entire crew starting with you as general contractor, to Mike as excavator, to the soil engineer, to Jose, the 'guy with the rake' was friendly and helpful. That meant a lot to me as I rode my horses every day while the work was going on. More than once an equipment operator backed off and waited for me to get on and out of his way. Many, many thanks for the beautiful arena."

>>>> B . Krieder, Sykesville, MD

"We have found that the stall mat system installed in our barn (by Equestrian Services) has significantly improved footing in the stalls while making routine cleaning easier. The pasture work rehabilitated a number of badly damaged areas and eliminated some severe erosion problems, and your advice on dividing our two pastures into three for more effective rotation was very helpful. You worked with us to develop a cost-effective way to improve our riding ring ( while we wait until we can afford to rebuild it!) and also provided invaluable assistance in implementing our landscape plan. We have been very satisfied with your responsiveness, the quality of your work, and most of all your willingness to work with us to develop effective solutions to our barn, pasture and landscape problems."

>>>> Robert N. Kelly, Brookeville, MD

"I am writing this letter to wholeheartedly recommend Equestrian Services, LLC for any project related to your horse farm. I first contacted Equestrian Services several years ago while looking for someone to repair my dressage ring. The original ring was undersized and had significant drainage problems (the footing was regularly washing out into the surrounding pasture). Equestrian Services rebuilt the ring and also worked with me to ensure the new footing was just how I wanted it. As a result, I have the ideal riding surface that doesn't washout and I can ride in my ring right after it rains. Currently, I am in the process of building a new facility consisting of a 14-stall wood frame barn (containing an attached apartment) connected to a steel clear span indoor riding arena.......As facility construction continues this spring, Equestrian Services is an essential member of the team. In addition to general project management of the barn and arena construction, they are assuming a central role in the completion of the remaining site work. They have demonstrated their ability to be a team player and manage large-scale projects and to be responsive and attend to the details of small farm needs. Again, I would highly recommend their services to all."

>>>> J. Richardson-Pearson, Annapolis, MD

"We are pleased to have found a professional equine company that is qualified to participate in the multimillion dollar renovation plan at Meadowbrook Stables. My staff and I have already had an opportunity to work with Equestrian Services on an emergency basis concerning our rings and footings, and were extremely pleased with the swiftness and quality of the work performed by Equestrian Services. We look forward to our renovations in the near future and working with Equestrian Services."

>>>> H. D. Hastings, Meadowbrook Stables

"Thank you very much, I learned a lot on Monday, and I really appreciate both of you being so patient and going through everything in such great detail with us. I was also impressed with Equestrian Services, LLC being able to work with our goals and budget."

>>>> H. Laura Murphy, Lovettsville, VA