Instructors

Annie Vibbert

Welcome Annie Vibbert.  Ridgefield is excited to introduce her to the St. louis area.  She brings an abundance of knowledge and a great attitude to the Ridgefield Riding Academy as a trainer and a manager to Ridgefield Arena.  

Annie Vibbert has over 20 years of riding experience and an extensive background in dressage, equitation, and show jumping. After having ridden at Hunterdon, Inc. with George Morris, Chris Kappler, and Jeff Cook for many years she was asked to join them as an assistant barn manager. This opportunity allowed her to travel to "A" rated shows all across the east coast and learn from many of the top trainers on the circuit. After leaving Hunterdon she decided to broaden her knowledge by working as a groom at a private show barn, an instructor and later an assistant trainer .

Tracey Gentry Ryan

Tracey Gentry Ryan, established the riding academy in 1988. Tracey has successfully been showing horses in the United States Equestrian Federation, United States Hunter Jumper Association, American Paint Horse Association, American Pinto Horse Association, and National Reining Horse Association for many years. She started showing when she was four, earning such awards as #1 youth in the nation in the APHA,  High point amateur of the APHA world Show, over 30 world championship titles, many Hunter Jumper A show championships,  numerous year end Championships in the MOHJO and MHSA associations for hunters and jumpers, Champion and Res Champion of the International Hunter Futurity . From reining to jumping, having a broad understanding of multiple disciplines has been a great advantage.  Continually building on her abilities by riding with top trainers allows her to always add to her knowledge. Tracey sits on the boards of the Missouri Hunter Jumper Organization and Animal Health Foundation as well as hosts Charity Shows since 2005 that have given $10,000 to area charities.  Such a background and interest in all aspects of the horse industry allows her to provide a Riding Academy that teaches multi disciplines and produces successful students.

Stephanie Petersen

Stephanie began her riding career at the age of 11 and has subsequently competed and trained successfully at the national level.  As a top ranking junior rider she qualified and competed at the ASPCA Maclay Regionals and Finals, the AHSA Medal Finals and was in the top of the standings for the Washington International Equitation Championship. Since then she has proven herself as an accomplished equestrian with champions in hunters and jumpers at “A” rated horse shows across the country. She has trained students to wins and qualified riders for hunter and equitation finals. She was head trainer and barn manager for an “A” circuit show stable on the East Coast for several years before returning to the Midwest.

Jessica Maher

Jessica, a graduate of William Woods University has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Equestrian Science.  Some of her course studies included Equine Anatomy and Farrier sciences, Stable Management, Veterinary Medicine, Horse Show Management, Advanced Hunt Seat and Advanced Jumping along with four years of Teaching Techniques. While attending William Woods she obtained experience in all seats of riding. Jessica’s work history is extensive, having worked as a carriage driver, stable manager, assistant trainer and riding director. In addition to these skills she has consistently competed and placed at A-rated hunter/jumper shows.