Menu
Laura Hightower’s fascination with horses began at 3yrs of age on her families’ farm where her father purchased and retrained “rogue” horses. Laura would watch for hours as her father would calm and ride the anxious horses. Laura’s father simply called his methods “Horsemanship”.
When she was 8, Laura began formal jumping lessons. Laura’s amateur career included Eventing and showing in the Hunter/Jumper rings. She really enjoyed working with green horses and re-schooling horses that had behavioral problems. During this time, Laura bought, trained and sold un-broke horses. She became primarily interested in furthering her equine education with a strong emphasis in Dressage and started training with Kalman de Jurenak, Robert Chissus and Victoria Maeckle.
While living in England, Laura rode for Grand Prix rider and businesswoman Penny Cornish. While riding at Penny’s, Laura was privileged to ride some fantastic show jumpers belonging to Harvey Smith, David Broome and Robert Smith.
In 1993, Laura relinquished her amateur status to begin teaching and riding professionally at the Las Colinas Equestrian Center in Irving, Texas. In 1996, Laura opened Summer Hill Farms, primarily breaking and training young horses, re-schooling problem horses and teaching a few beginning riders. Her business has evolved into a successful show barn, with her horses and riders competing in all levels of showing from Short Stirrup to Grand Prix. Clients have won many yearend State, Zone, and National Awards in the Hunter and Jumper rings. Summer Hill Farms has also become a successful sale barn with Laura’s knack for matching horse and rider. Laura’s determination to adhere to the fundamentals of classical horsemanship and attention to detail have ensured her clients’ success.
Laura Hightower’s fascination with horses began at 3yrs of age on her families’ farm where her father purchased and retrained “rogue” horses.
Laura would watch for hours as her father would calm and ride the anxious horses. Laura’s father simply called his methods “Horsemanship”.
When she was 8, Laura began formal jumping lessons. Laura’s amateur career included Eventing and showing in the Hunter/Jumper rings. She really enjoyed working with green horses and re-schooling horses that had behavioral problems. During this time, Laura bought, trained and sold un-broke horses. She became primarily interested in furthering her equine education with a strong emphasis in Dressage and started training with Kalman de Jurenak, Robert Chissus and Victoria Maeckle.
While living in England, Laura rode for Grand Prix rider and businesswoman Penny Cornish. While riding at Penny’s, Laura was privileged to ride some fantastic show jumpers belonging to Harvey Smith, David Broome and Robert Smith.
In 1993, Laura relinquished her amateur status to begin teaching and riding professionally at the Las Colinas Equestrian Center in Irving, Texas. In 1996, Laura opened Summer Hill Farms, primarily breaking and training young horses, re-schooling problem horses and teaching a few beginning riders. Her business has evolved into a successful show barn, with her horses and riders competing in all levels of showing from Short Stirrup to Grand Prix. Clients have won many yearend State, Zone, and National Awards in the Hunter and Jumper rings. Summer Hill Farms has also become a successful sale barn with Laura’s knack for matching horse and rider. Laura’s determination to adhere to the fundamentals of classical horsemanship and attention to detail have ensured her clients’ success.
Jordan Gilchrist is a top level competitor in the Grand Prix arena as well as the High Performance Hunter ring. As a rider and trainer, Jordan has focused her career on maximizing horse and rider potential. Jordan believes that by truly understanding how horses develop and behave, a program can be tailored to the individual to magnify abilities. Born into the family business, Jordan began riding and training with Laura Hightower. She graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and competed on their equestrian team. While training at SCAD with Andrew Lusting, Jordan became the most decorated rider of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, a title she still holds, and competed in World University Cup competitions around the world. To honor her contribution to the sport, SCAD named a scholarship for Jordan. After college, Jordan returned to Summer Hill Farms to resume training with Laura and become a partner in the business. Jordan has over a decade of experience competing and coaching at the highest level. Jordan is grateful to continue the family tradition and have her passion be her profession.
Jordan Gilchrist is a top level competitor in the Grand Prix arena as well as the High Performance Hunter ring.
As a rider and trainer, Jordan has focused her career on maximizing horse and rider potential. Jordan believes that by truly understanding how horses develop and behave, a program can be tailored to the individual to magnify abilities. Born into the family business, Jordan began riding and training with Laura Hightower. She graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and competed on their equestrian team. While training at SCAD with Andrew Lusting, Jordan became the most decorated rider of the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association, a title she still holds, and competed in World University Cup competitions around the world. To honor her contribution to the sport, SCAD named a scholarship for Jordan. After college, Jordan returned to Summer Hill Farms to resume training with Laura and become a partner in the business. Jordan has over a decade of experience competing and coaching at the highest level. Jordan is grateful to continue the family tradition and have her passion be her profession.
1757 Bridle Bit Road, Flower Mound, TX 75022
Lessons: 945-300-7455
Sales and Training: 214-498-0102 or 817-875-9082
Client Relations: Christine at 945-300-7455