Meet Lindsey Canesi of Sunflower Meadows Equestrian in Berkley

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lindsey Canesi.

Lindsey, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I began riding at the age of 11, knowing right away that horses were my passion and my future. My family was so supportive, helping me get my first horse at 14. I worked so hard growing up to help my parents afford my horse hobby. Doing barn chores, whenever I could for my trainer, in exchange for lessons and training. Soaking up every bit of knowledge I could from anyone who would let me. Later, attending Mount Ida College as an Equine Business Management major.

I was so fortunate to have parents that wanted to see me follow my dreams and still to this day show up at my horse shows and all my events to support my clients and I. It has not been an easy road. They say, if you want to make a million dollars in the horse business, you need to start with a billion! My team and I work endless hours in all weather, but at the end of every day it is so worth it.

I have a great group of clients who are so supportive and really more of a family than anything else. It has taken me ten years to fill my barn and program with such a wonderful group of horses and people and I truly cherish them.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The horse business can be extremely challenging. It is a small world, with lots of competition. It requires non stop hard work, determination, reliability, etc.

Financially, there is not a ton of money to be made. Being that, I grew up without the finances to ride with the top trainers and show the circuit, I like to share what I can. Now that I am in a position where I have horses, I can share with young riders who are growing up like I did, I try to whenever I can! However, I’ve had to learn how to balance helping others with keeping the business up and running successfully. You go through unexpected loss, losing horses that mean a lot to you at times. There are rough winters when riding and training becomes difficult and business slows. All the struggles are just life lessons, you learn how to overcome things and appreciate all the positives.

Please tell us about Sunflower Meadows Equestrian.
I teach and trainer hunter/jumper and equitation riders and horses. We travel the circuit showing and competing. My students range from toddlers just starting out to adults showing over larger fences. We are best known for our high school program, I believe. I have a large group of teens who take advantage of our internship program, learning how to bring along young horses.

One of my favorite parts of my business is working with young thoroughbred horses after their race horse career has ended. I take a horse or two off the track every year and re-train them to jump and get them started horse showing and then find them a great match to take them on. It is very rewarding to match horses with new people and see them bond and succeed.

I think what really sets us apart is that we are truly passionate about what we do here, it is not just a business for me. It is really a way of life. I take so much pride in seeing my students and horse succeed.

Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory is a family trip to Block Island, RI. I was maybe 10 years old. My mother’s entire family came on this trip (that’s easily 25 people, we are a big group). I remember finding a place that did trail rides and of course, begging to go on one. I got a horse named, Coco. A beautiful chestnut gelding. I spent the whole ride trying to pass my Dad and go faster. It is such a great memory, not only because it was my first time on a horse, but I got to enjoy it with my family who means the world to me.

Pricing:

• Private lessons starting at $50

Contact Info:

• Address: 32 Paddleford Street
  Berkley, MA
• Website: Www.sunflowermeadowsequestrian.weebly.com
• Phone: 774-510-9284
• Instagram: Principessa_italiana85
• Facebook: Sunflower Meadows Equestrian
• Yelp: Sunflower Meadows Equestrian https://www.yelp.com/biz/sunflower-meadows-equestrian-berkley?uid=fGNbW8p-orKiqf1JS6-WlQ&utm_source=ashare&ref=yelp-android

Image Credit:
Amy Avitabile

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