Who We Are...

J. P. 'Buddy' Coffey, Owner/Instructor

A quick shine before Hannah enters the show ring	Buddy began his horsey career at the ripe old age of 5.  His love of horses and their individual personalities has been a guiding light through his experiences.  He bred, trained and campaigned Arabian horses. Buddy not only has history with horses.  He has experience dealing with dairy cattle, pigs, goats, chickens, sheep, peacocks, geese, rabbits, dogs, cats, llamas and alpaca.  Whew...  did we leave out anything with 4 legs? After 20 plus years of a successful business career, he chose to leave behind the hectic life of big business for the slower more relaxing pace of the farm. A father of 2 successfully raised, adopted sons, he earned his parenting skills.  And has always been "Papa 'B''' for the little ones at the farm. As the Owner of TLC Stables, Buddy has created a quiet haven for his boarders to come and enjoy thier horse friends - and a nurturing environment for the young and beginning rider.	Accolades Sacramento Horseman's Association - 10 year history as Barn Manager, Arena Manager, Vice President, Member of the Board of Directors, and 3 time SHA Man of the Year. Horse 4H Group - 4 year program with 23 members none of whom owned horses. Hobbies Horses of course. Keeping up with the Phillies and the Eagles, reading and dancing.

Amanda Fitzgerald, Instructor

Amanda and Angel

Amanda received her first riding lesson as a birthday present.  A year later she was winning in 3' hunter classes at shows.  And so it began, a life long professional career with horses.  Amanda has trained with former Olympian, Neal Shapiro.  She has riden and trained for America's #1 jumper rider, Margie Engle. Prior to joining her Fiance' here in California last November, she was a Professor of Intermediate and Advanced Horseback Riding classes for the College of Charleston in Charleston, South Carolina. She also owned her own riding school and trained both horses and riders for a successful show season in 2010 at HITS in Ocala, FL. Amanda specializes in Hunter, Jumper and Dressage disciplines. Amanda says, "Besides proper form, every rider needs a constant person to remind them of who they are out of the saddle, because that means EVERYTHING about who they can be in the saddle". Now you know why she is such an awesome fit here at TLC!

Laura Soutar, CFO

Laura on one of her horses - Copy Approved	18+ years experience as owner, operator and partner in 2 full service Thoroughbred race horse breeding farms gives Laura the knowledge & expertise to not only understand equine behavior, but to handle many horse health related issues. As an owner and business partner she has the background to create a fiscally responsible business plan.  Laura handles all TLC financial, legal and business affairs.  And from time to time, you will find Laura giving riding lessons.  With an English riding background and a Western riding love, her lessons are sound riding basics for any discipline. When we let Laura out of the office she makes a great 'Mare Mom'.  You will enjoy seeing the rapport she has created with many of the farm's 4-legged residents.	Affiliations CTBA - California Thoroughbred Breeders Assocition TOC - Thoroughbred Owners of California NMBA - New Mexico Breeders Association AQHA - American Quarter Horse Association Hobbies Horses of course, reading, studying, craft projects and dancing. Email lws@horse-smart.com