Today we’d like to introduce you to Krisanna Onorato and Ron Zohar.
A dual citizen of both the US and Israel, Ron Zohar is both owner and trainer of Shining Valley Farm. After leaving the military in Israel in 1992, Ron served as the director of the National Federation of Sport Riding in Israel. He also spent time apprenticing under top European riders, including a 2-time Olympic Silver Medalist. In 1996, he came to the US as a representative for a German-based equine product and saw an opportunity to share his knowledge of riding and training. Starting as a trainer at a farm in Sherborn, Ron then rented his own space at what is now Shining Valley Farm. In 2000, he purchased the property and began renovations of the 22-acre, 37 stall horse boarding and training facility. Since then he has taught clinics across Israel and the US and also specializes in importing and selling athletic sport horses from Europe. These days Ron can be seen showing in the Grand Prix ring across Israel and the East Coast with his own horses and his clients.
Born and raised in Sherborn, MA, Krisanna Onorato began riding at the age of 3 on her family’s 25 acre farm. Advancing quickly, she began riding and training with top US trainers. A strong competitor, Krisanna completed showing in her young adult years with many successful rides under her belt. In 2003, she began her professional career as the trainer and barn manager at Shining Valley Farm and since then has instructed and coached many successful riders in both competition and at home. She now serves as Head Trainer at Shining Valley farm and you can catch her training a horse, teaching a lesson, or standing ring side at a horse show coaching her students. She also specializes in assisting riders find their perfect mount, whether finding a horse locally, or working with partners in Europe to find the right horse to import.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Horses themselves are very unpredictable animals and have different needs. Safety is a priority at Shining Valley Farm; we make sure our clients and their horses are healthy but that can often include emergency care and round-the-clock supervision. Many of our horses also require individualized diets and unique daily care. To manage that, we have 5 staff members who reside on the property, including the head trainer, which ensures that our horses receive the best care at all times of the day.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
Shining Valley Farm specializes in training top riders and their horses ranging from beginners up to Grand Prix. Many start learning the basics of horseback riding and transition to jumping a pattern of obstacles that can be measured at 18 inches all the way up to 5 feet. Many of our more experienced clients enjoy competing at rated shows during the summer in New England and traveling down to Florida in the winter to compete against some of the top riders in the US. That being said, other clients, many just as experienced, enjoy riding at home in our indoor or outdoor rings, or on the acres of trails we have access to. For those clients who stay here in the winter, we have a heated indoor that maintains a comfortable temperature for exercise. We pride ourselves on creating a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere for our clients that often creates a familial relationship between everyone.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are always working to keep the property in top form and make any updates that will improve the quality of our services. We are hoping to grow our import and sales program. We specialize in finding the right horse for each individual looking for a new partner and have many strong relationships with breeders in Europe.
Contact Info:
- Address: 82 Pine St.,
Medfield, MA 02052 - Website: www.shiningvalleyfarm.com
- Phone: 508 359 1185
- Email: koasvf@yahoo.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/shiningvalleyfarm
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ShiningValleyFarm/
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