Meet Our Trainer

At Southern Star Ranch & Riding Academy our trainer, Hillary Pigford-Rizzi, teaches Hunter/Jumpers. She has grown up around horses as her mother showed and bred American Saddlebreds until Hillary was six. Being from Memphis, TN, the Hunter/Jumper industry was growing and she began taking lessons at age seven. Hillary went on to show on the “A” circuit at local West Tennessee Hunter Jumper Association shows for many years. When Hillary attended the University of Mississippi her summer vacations were spent at Wynnewood Stables sometimes teaching beginner students. While in Oxford, MS, she trained and exercised young horses at the Sartouth’s farm. After graduation Hillary continued to ride and train young horses, while working in corporate America as a graphic designer for ten years.

Today, Hillary has owned her thoroughbred large pony Sketch for over 21 years. She has completely left the corporate world to follow her love for teaching both people and animals. Her instruction is not limited to just beginners, but also intermediate to advanced students ranging from ages seven to adults. In Hillary's own words, “I challenge both students and horses so they can build confidence not only in a show ring, but throughout their lives.”

For more information about Southern Star Ranch & Riding Academy's lesson program, please call or Hillary at 904-386-0878, or email Southern Star Ranch.

Please see the price list for additional services.