Seattle Area Horseback Riding Program - Meet Your Instructors
Deerfield Farm is a simple family owned farm built by the owners over the past 35 years.
However, don't let the simplicity of the facility fool you. Deerfield Farm is a private, full service facility nestled in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, just outside of Issaquah.
- Sue Cumming-Schultz
- Jessica-Head Trainer
- Katie-Assistant Trainer
Sue Cumming-Schultz
Owner of Deerfield Farm, Sue is a graduate of the University of Washington and Burnley School. She has also studied with many accomplished masters of horsemanship, aikido, yoga and meditation. Through her personal study and experience, she has created a program founded in the awareness that through committed, consistent practice (of any worthy endeavor), joy and self-esteem is created in the individual.
The Deerfield Farm Riding Program, designed by owner Sue Cumming-Schultz, has been recognized as one of the premier horse programs in the country and its students have won literally hundreds of national and world title over the past 35 years. The majority of our clients have been from the greater Seattle area though many have been from other areas of the United States, as well as England and South America.
"The purpose of the Deerfield program is to teach compassion, commitment and focus through skillfully coached instruction with horses but ultimately, the real lesson of Deerfield Farm is the awareness that the only thing that stops us from achieving our greatness is our inability to believe in ourselves."
- Sue
Jessica - Head Trainer
Jessica has always had a passion for horses for as long as she can remember. Having started riding at age 4, she progressed to riding hunter/jumpers at age 14 and quickly expanded to Dressage at age 18. She has studied with many classical masters, such as Conrad Schumacher, Debbie McDonald and Jeremy Stienberg. She became the protégé' of Sue Cumming-Schultz in 2005, when she became head trainer at Deerfield.
On the World/National coaching team with Sue since 2005, they have won over 30 national/world titles over the past 6 years. Jessica has a high interest in yoga and expanding her education.
"Next to horses, my passion lies in mentoring my students and having them be a part of my life allows me to fulfill my commitment of making a difference in the world. I seek to play a much bigger game then just showing horses. My stand is to create not only extraordinary equestrian but extraordinary human beings. Looking forward to expanding on what's already been created here by Sue Cumming-Schultz."
- Jessica
Katie - Assistant trainer and Head YRA riding instructor
Katie started riding at age 8 in eastern New York and by the age of 12, had expanded riding styles to included western. She worked in barns and summer camps to pay for riding clinics and extra riding lessons. At 12 years old, she started teaching riding lessons and by 16, she was running summer camps.
Having always been interested in art and science, after high school she attended Suny Oswego and graduated in 2010 with a degree in Biology. Even while in college, she continued teaching lessons on weekends and after graduation, she was hired at Deerfield Farm as an Intern and quickly moved into the position of assistant trainer and head YRA riding instructor.
"I have the honor of allowing people to create peace in their lives through working with horses. I am so blessed to have such an incredible group of students, and genuinely inspired by their courage and desire to work hard! They don't know it, but they teach me far more than I could ever teach them!"
- Katie
Deerfield Farm, sounds like an ordinary farm but no. I have been attending Deerfield Farm for as long as I can remember and "wow" this place is amazing, this barn shows you the true meaning of self awareness and teaches you the true meaning of leadership, and empowerment.
Through this barn I have become a strong, powerful, and truthful person. Before Deerfield I was shy,scared, and even at times a true brat. I am currently on the Jr. team I have made may new and amazing friends who share with me their feelings and dreams, Deerfied is my extended family and Deerfield my extended home.
I am aiming to become a national champion and with Deerfield as my training barn , and home I believe that dream will come true. Thank you Jessica and thank you Sue. Thank you Deerfield Farm you will always be in my heart.
- Julia
Deerfield is the true joy in life! It’s the best thing I could ever have going through middle school. Deerfield has been a place of learning and a place of discovery for me. Deerfield has been in my heart for many years and over time it has become a part of me. The horses show you so much about yourself and the self confidence you get from riding and caring for a horse is inspiring.
I can’t even try to imagine what I would be doing if I didn’t have the program, the horses, or the teammates I have at Deerfield. Gratitude and love surrounds me when I take just one step through the green gate and into the barn. Deerfield has taught me that I can be a leader and everyone, including me, is perfect just the way they are.
The program has also taught me how to be committed and how to focus and be present. If it is sitting at your desk in class and trying to get an A or trying to win a world title. When I am riding I feel a connection that brings me to my center and nothing can beat the compassion I feel.
At Deerfield, I feel safe and most of all, loved. Deerfield is an extraordinary experience and I am so glad that I am a part of the family behind the big red barn doors.
- Sophia