Montanova Stables Foundation
Montanova Stables Foundation (MSF) enriches and empowers youth in the presence of horses. Our programs are scholarship-based and rooted in the belief that horses can play a valuable role in developing youth into confident leaders. Through partnerships with area schools and connections within the community, MSF identifies children who will benefit from our programs–after-school enrichment, mentor program, lessons and summer camps.
Every individual at MSF plays a crucial role in shaping our inclusive community which encompasses our students, lesson parents, boarders, volunteers, and staff. Our collective support fosters a sense of unity that distinguishes MSF from any other riding facility in the area. Foundation students often establish bonds with boarders’ horses through summer adoption. Parents of lesson students volunteer their time and help with planning events. Our experienced staff provide quality care for our equine friends, instruction, and patient support to our students. MSF’s mission is to cultivate an environment that promotes independent thinkers, continuous learning, and a sense of community.
We focus on providing a deeply meaningful experience, and feel privileged to share opportunities for education and connection with students who otherwise would not have the chance to interact with horses in this way.
Follow along!
Montanova Stables Foundation was established and is managed by Jennifer Jones and has welcomed area students since 2010. More than 300 students have gone through the afterschool and summer camp programs, with more than $75,000 scholarship dollars supporting their growth and development. Foundation students have had the opportunity to ride , show, and mentor - and so much more. For many, the Montanova experience is central to who they become; students have written college essays about Montanova and what it means to them. Some of our students go in to major in things like psychology, leadership, and equine studies.
Mission
MSF: where horses help youth grow.
We use equine-based activities to increase self-confidence, improve interpersonal relations, reduce anxiety, and foster leadership skills among children and adolescents - mitigating the damaging effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences.
Vision
With support from our community, we seek to make horse-centric growth, learning, and personal development more accessible to all.
Values
Care for animals and people
Be patient and compassionate
Live generously
Celebrate confidence
Encourage responsibility
Board of Directors
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Jennifer Jones
Executive Director
Jennifer has been teaching horseback riding since 1996. In 2000, Jennifer began allowing students to work around the barn to pay for their lesson costs and the idea for MSF was born. Prior to teaching, Jennifer competed in eventing, hunt seat, and dressage. Her two horses, Montana and Casanova, are the roots and soul of the name Montanova. Jennifer’s father taught and coached in a New England boarding school before serving as headmaster at a private school in Staunton. It was her father’s passion for teaching and his enthusiasm for the challenge of reaching those students who struggled in his classes that inspired Jennifer’s teaching style. It was also through the Staunton boarding school that Jennifer was first able to ride. A commitment to education inspires the holistic learning that MSF fosters to this day. -
Hillery Williams
President
Hillery started riding at Montanova in November of 2024 with the Drill Team, as well as assisting in Vet Club activities. Her lifelong love of horses and passion for riding brought her to Montanova through her work with Keswick Equine Clinic. After graduating from Blue Ridge Community College’s Veterinary Technology program in 2017, she spent 7 years working in a variety of small animal practices, including general, specialty, and emergency medicine, before joining Keswick Equine Clinic in 2024. A lifelong resident of Virginia, Hillery moved to Gordonsville in 2023. -
Rachel Miller
Vice President
Rachel grew up in central Virginia and started riding with Oakland Heights at a young age. There she learned how to fox hunt, trail ride, and show in the hunters, including riding side saddle. Horses have always been a large part of her life, and this led her to a career with Blue Ridge Farmer’s co-op beginning in 2006, where she is now the Equine Specialist. She has been credentialed with the American Registry of Professional Animal Scientists since the mid-2000’s. Rachel assists the local equine community by providing nutritional consultations and pasture management and renovation solutions.. She came to Montanova several years ago, looking for the familiarity of home that she had known as a child, and has since ridden at MSF and co-instructed the Drill team. -
Shelly McDaniel
Secretary
Shelly grew up riding with the Westernaires, a youth drill team organization, based in her hometown of Denver, CO. This fostered her love of horses and led her to a career as an equine veterinarian, graduating from Colorado State University in 2022. While interning with Keswick Equine Clinic in Gordonsville, Shelly fell in love with the Virginia horse community and beautiful countryside, choosing to start her veterinary career here as well. Upon moving to Virginia, Shelly became involved with Montanova and helped found the Drill Team and Vet Club programs. She has a strong passion for connecting youth from all walks of life with the opportunities that come from working with horses. Her own drill team horse, Ford, is currently part of the Montanova lesson program. -
Marilyn Riley
Treasurer
Marilyn volunteered to become the Treasurer and Bookkeeper for MSF because of her interest in helping the foundation meet its mission of enriching and empowering children and adults through work with horses. She brings over 20 years of experience in management and finance to the organization, having worked in both the airline industry and real estate sales. She also shares with MSF her passion for horses and riding. She feels honored to be a part of the MSF family and is thrilled to help us share our mission with the community. -
Dianne Manning
Dianne has been involved with horses for 30 years - trail riding, show jumping, fox hunting, and breeding race horses. She first met Jennifer about 20 years ago, when she was managing Glenmore Farm Equestrian Center. At the time, Jennifer had two horses named Montana and Cassanova, who later became the inspiration for the name “Montanova.” Dianne says, “she was very impressed with Jennifer’s abilities as a manager, trainer, instructor…and her very caring attitude.” She supports Montanova’s goals in providing horsemanship opportunities to local youth. -
Peter Taylor
Peter and Ann Taylor met at the University of Virginia, in Charlottesville, and moved to the Keswick area in 1988. Peter spent most of his career in equity capital markets before co-owning a manufacturing and real estate business. He is also Vice-Chair of the Albemarle Easement Authority and President of the Keswick Hunt Club. The Taylors raise cattle at Castle Hill, their farm in Keswick. -
Mike Scalise
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Sally McDowell
Sara (Sally) McDowell graduated from the University of Virginia as a Jefferson Scholar with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Later, she completed graduate work in clinical Mental Health Counseling. She has been involved with Montanova Stables for almost twenty years and worked with the Foundation beginning in its second year. She served as the mentor coordinator, Board Trustee, and Director of Operations (volunteer). Knowledge of the Foundation’s history allows her to bring a deep understanding of its mission and core values. Sally is dedicated to providing safe spaces for children to experience social and emotional growth and is passionate about developing programs to bridge the opportunity gap.
