The View 38002 May 2014 | Page 8

38002.com theview theview Page 8 May 2014 business Not Just “Horsin’ Around” in Lakeland Trinity Farm Offers Lessons, Therapy, Corporate Team Building RIBBON CUTTING Story and Photo by Terry Louderback When Poppy Doyle received horseback riding lessons for her ninth birthday, she never dreamed that she would one day own her own stable. “I didn’t always think I would work with horses fulltime,” Doyle explained, “but I always rode.” Doyle grew up riding at Cedar Lake and Forest Hill Farms in Germantown and competed in local and regional shows. After a stint as a groom on the highly competitive “A” circuit, Doyle trained young riders at Aintree Farms and Spring Hill Farms while working full-time managing therapy services at Independent Therapy Network. A Lakeland resident since 2004, Doyle started teaching lessons in Lakeland in 2006 with five students and, she jokes, “one load of sand” for the arena. In 2009, Doyle and her husband, Jason, built an 18stall barn on their 10-acre property. The facility currently offers Hunter/ Jumper lessons for students with or without their own horses, boarding, and leases, plus summer and holiday camps. Doyle identified Trinity Farm’s location in Lakeland as a factor in t he bar n’s success. Being just a few minutes f r o m Wolfchase, m e a n s parents can run errands while their children are at lessons. With a “family-friendly” atmosphere, Trinity Farm has grown every year, and currently averages between 81-95 lessons per week. Trinity Farm also offers both therapeutic horseback riding lessons and equine facilitated learning sessions with a PATH International Certified trainer, Jenna McNair. While working with Independent Therapy Network, Doyle had been involved with Ryan’s Hope, which provided therapeutic riding opportunities to individuals with disabilities. Doyle was determined to provide the same opportunities in Lakeland. “I wanted an inclusive program,” Doyle said. “I wanted someone, no matter their age or ability, to be able to come out and be around horses.” In 2012, Doyle added corporate team building sessions at Trinity Farms and has hosted groups from FedEx and Memphis-area private schools. Participants wo r k o n t e a m wo r k , communication, and leadership through activities ranging from catching a horse in a field to riding through an obstacle course. That same year, Trinity Farm became the home of the Rhodes College Equestrian Club and hosts monthly meetings for the members. Trinity Farm is located at 10365 Monroe Road in Lakeland, 901-867-8682 Christine A. Matzura – Nationwide Insurance The Arlington Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a ribbon-cutting for member, Christine A. Matzura – Nationwide Insurance, at her new office at 11870, Cranston Road, Suite 101, in Arlington (901-737-6357). Cutting the ribbon with owner, Christine Matzura, were , Arlington Mayor, Mike Wissman; Arlington Chamber Board members; Chamber Ambassadors; other Chamber members; and numerous vendors. For more information, see www.nationwide.com/ cmatzura. A Taste of Arlington Jack Oliver, right, dips into the chocolate fountain at The Grapevine’s booth. Below, Shelby Co. Mayor Mark Luttrell and wife Pat. BUSINESS CALENDAR Arlington Chamber of Commerce Membership Luncheon on Wednesday, May 14, 11:30 am at Game Time Sports Grill & Wings, 11695 Hwy. 70, Suite 110 (this is a LOCATION CHANGE). Presentation by University of Memphis Men’s Basketball Coach John Pastner. The May luncheon is sponsored by Game Time The cost is $10.00 person/ members, $15.00 person/ non-members. RSVP by Mo nday , May 12 , to r s v p @ a r l i n g t o n tnchamber.com. Second Annual Lakeland Area Chamber Golf Classic, Friday, May 30 at Stonebridge Golf Club, presented by Fireworks City. Registration forms are available at www.mylakeland chamber.org.