Lucia and Benita are fortunate to be supported by many wonderful people, each of whom is integral to their continued success. Their amazing parents have supported them every step of the way, neither have often competed without one, or both, of them ringside. It is because of their continued support that Lucia and Benita have been able to focus their efforts on eventing and the pursuit of one day representing their country internationally. In addition to

their parents, the support of everyone at Plain Dealing Farm, their grooms, farriers, vets, and friends have been an indispensable part of the success of Plain Dealing Farm Eventing.

Linda Wachtmeister

Though she grew up in horse-filled Warrenton, VA, Linda got her first taste of eventing while visiting a friend in Montana. That quick glimpse stayed with her and you can learn much more about the amazing memories it led to on the Farm History page. Linda is really the heart of the farm and the reason it exists. When Kim moved on and Lucia and Benita decided they wanted to take over the reins she was nothing but supportive and encouraged her daughters every step of the way. The horses of Plain Dealing Farm are really part of the family and the competitions are often, if not always, a family affair with Linda in attendance.

Bob Strini

Bob didn’t grow up in a horsey family at all, instead he hails from the surf and car world of California. He’s gotten behind the ventures of his daughter fully and has taken to the world of eventing since day one. Bob is a professional sculptor who spends most days in his studio which is also located at Plain Dealing Farm. Lucia and Benita could not be more thankful for their supportive Dad.

 

Laura Gillikin- Head Groom

Laura joined Plain Dealing Farm in the spring of 2014 and stepped up to the role of Head Groom in 2015. Laura grew up riding and was active member of USPC gaining her C3 rating and competing at Nationals multiple times for eventing. She graduated from the University of Florida in 2009 (go gators!) with a degree in Animal Science. While in Gainesville, Laura took advantage of being in horse country and exercised green broke Thoroughbreds in Ocala. After college, she gained invaluable experiences with young horses while working in Australia where she prepared Thoroughbreds for and presented them at the Ingles Melbourne Premier yearling sale. When she returned to the states, she worked for Courtney Cooper at her busy sales and competition barn. We rely on Laura to keep the whole operation running smoothly and really couldn’t operate the way we do without her!

Sarah Choate- Groom

Sarah joined the PDF team at the beginning of the 2016 season and never looked back!  She grew up riding in Pony Club and worked her way through the ratings, achieving her HA with hopes of getting her A. She decided to continue pursuing her love of horses by attending Otterbein University where she double majored in Equine Business and Equine Veterinary Technology.  Sarah also rode on the Dressage, Hunt Seat, and Eventing teams while at school.  Sarah brought her own OTTB Appalachian Trail (Appy) with her to PDF and they are currently competing at Training level and eyeing a move up to Preliminary in the near future. Sarah has truly become an indispensable part of the team!

Dr. Keith Brady- Vet

 

Elliott Jennings- Farrier

 

Butch Sclater – Farrier

 

Molly Bull- Bookkeeper

 

The Farm Crew:

Lucia and Benita are extremely grateful to have an amazing group of people who work at Plain Dealing and keep the farm running. The competition horse program is an important part of the farm, but the upkeep of a farm as large as Plain Dealing takes a lot of work and without these individuals the Event Team wouldn’t be able to focus on the horses.

Bill Dickie, Tyler Spencer, Virginia Hunt and Tad Smith