Krissy and Kim met and became friends (about fourteen years ago) at a local boarding facility. They shared similar interests in competing in Hunter/Jumper shows in Georgia and in Florida. They rode under the wonderful instruction of Sharon Enteen of Falcon Ridge Stables in Woodstock GA and with Ken Edwards of Eagle Oaks Farm in Ocala FL.
Krissy and Kim trained and competed on horses that might of been considered by others as "unconventional". For example Krissy's horse, Cass, when purchased was a skin and bones saddlebred that was half starved to death. Cass was nursed back to health and had the trust, belief, and most of all love from Krissy that he would be a jumper one day. Many people laughed, at shows comments "what breed is he?!", and some trainers who turned their noses up at him had their opinions changed once Cass could show what he could do in and out of the ring. Krissy and Kim really believe that any horse, no matter what breed, color, past, or price tag...as long as they have a good mind, willingness, talent, along with the love and patience of their owners and/or riders...they can accomplish great things! We love underdogs!!!
After Krissy and Kim moved to another boarding facility (M&A Acres) and had taken over the management of the facility now referred to as UCF Stables, they experienced jumping cross country elements, experiencing the feel of trotting and galloping on different terrains. They were invited by Tawn Edwards to try schooling cross country at Pine Top during Labor Day weekend in 2005. From that moment on, Krissy and Kim as well as their horses were hooked!! To add confirmation to their decision, they met wonderfully laid back, genuine, encouraging and experienced eventers (such as Carol Ogden) at their first horse trial, Krissy and Kim were smitten with the sport. They found themselves spreading the word to many of their friends and acquaintances that were still in the hunter/jumper world.
Krissy Hicks is the wife of Brennen Hicks and mom to Mason and Pyper Hicks. She also is employed as a pediatric oncology nurse on a part-time basis. She is the Manager at UCF and strives to treat both owner and horse with kindness and respect. Krissy handles the business aspects of UCF. Krissy has been around horses since a small child, riding and competing successfully in GA and in Florida in the jumper ring. Upon retiring her Hurricane Celebrity from competition in 2009, Krissy has been focusing on bringing up her new eventing horse, Liam. Liam, a.k.a. The Gray Goose, is a very promising up and comer. He has already been to Pine Top and Poplar Place with Mary Bess Sigman and placed in the ribbons both times in Open Novice. Krissy and Liam will be working HARD to form their partnership and aim at competing towards the end of 2011.
Kimberly Lennon-Freire is a proud single mom of Kelley and Meaghan. She is the Assistant Barn Manager and Director of Marketing, Website Development and Maintenance, and Special Events for UCF. She starting riding with Tom Struzzerri at Rose View Farms riding hunters in Poughkeepsie, NY at the age of 6. Kim retired Captain Ahab from eventing in 2009. She will continue to ride and compete on greenies at GDCTA schooling venues and hopefully at USEA recognized events if her daughters will share their horses (Patrick O'Keaghey or Maggie Magee)! Kim is passing the baton over to her daughters, Kelley and Meaghan and looks forward to seeing them become accomplished eventers!! Kim is fully insured and offers riding instruction and training for a limited amount of clients. She recently graduated with her Certification in Paralegal Studies in 2011 from Kennesaw State after 20 plus years as an Executive Assistant/Project Coordinator. She also loves to focus on equine photography!
Both Krissy and Kim are Christians and would love to share with anyone about their relationship with Jesus Christ when asked. We give Him all the praise, honor, and glory for filling UCF with such a wonderful group of boarders and horses. We know we are blessed and with God, and that all things are possible with Him.
