Karen McKelvy Stone
TrainerKaren comes from the competitive background of the East Coast hunter and equitation ranks of the early eighties where coaching included militaristic style instruction. Determined to coach in a way Karen knows to work better, Karen’s skills include working with sensitive women and sensitive horses and building confidence through positive and self affirming coaching. Whether riders choose to travel to A rated shows, or just follow paths to individual goals, Karen supports both athletes of the horse rider team. She calls herself a marriage counselor constantly working on bettering the communication between the two.
Robert Hanelt
Ranch ManagerRobert has been with the ranch since its inception and is in charge of every aspect of what the ranch needs. From horse health to grounds maintenance, Robert is on top of it all. Born in Germany but growing up in Santa Fe, Robert brings many unique and unparalleled talents to the team. And he is absolutely the chosen favorite among the many creatures the ranch nurtures!
We are so lucky to have Duane as our farrier. “No foot, no horse” as the saying goes, and Duane takes impeccable care of our equine partners. With many years of experience shoeing high performance horses in the high altitude desert of Northern New Mexico, Duane works closely with our team to care for our equine athletes. Committed to curiosity and studying horses, Duane is a true horseman and our secret weapon to keeping our horses sound and happy.
FarrierDuane Flegel
It was Lisa’s dream to live on the Chama River. Lisa and her husband Eric are both from Massachusetts and travelled through Northern New Mexico on their honeymoon, falling in love with the spot on the map. Growing up with horses and competing on the East Coast as a junior, Lisa grew to have a love/hate relationship with the competition world and stepped away for many years. Coming back to the sport with an OTTB she named Chama, Lisa rekindled her passion for horses and her riding. And now has built her dream, a place where horses and humans can be happy and healthy and enjoy the landscape. And reach goals! Lisa and her mare Cortina ES were the 2024 National Champions in the 1.10/1.15 Amateur Jumpers in Las Vegas. And 2 years in a row Lisa was the New Mexico Hunter/Jumper Association year end champion in the 1.10 Jumpers with Cortina, and 1.20 Amateur Jumper champion with her other mare Midnight Hour. An artist when not in the saddle, Lisa has created a place of inspiration, truly a ranch where dreams come true.
Owner / RiderLisa Piasecki
Riverhorse Ranch is truly Eric’s passion project. When Eric and Lisa visited the area on their honeymoon, the dream to have a place of their own here was born. Horses are Lisa’s passion, and Eric has signed on 100%. The 124 acre piece of land was raw and unkept and little by little the ranch has evolved into a premier horse facility, with Eric at the helm. The New Mexico landscape is rugged. Eric is persistent in his commitment to keep the tumbleweeds at bay, and the natural habitat healthy. Eric is a hands-on owner.
Owner / PhotographerEric Piasecki
Berkley has been part of the ranch since its inception. Born and raised in Nebraska she attended Purdue for vet school then on to Hagyards Equine Medical Institute in Kentucky before her residence at Texas A&M. And Berkley has called New Mexico her home since 2009. An incredibly well-rounded veterinarian committed to continued education, Berkley not only brings her expertise, she brings her compassion. Berkley is a horse owner and competitor. What stands her apart is her ability to be on both sides of the vet call. When she’s not taking care of our herd and educating us on delicate horse care, she is at the shows with us. The 2025 National Champion in the 1.10/1.15 Amateur Jumpers in Las Vegas, Berkley knows what it takes to keep our equine athletes in top condition.
Veterinarian / Rider