Vanessa Conner – USEA Certified Trainer and Riding Instructor
Vanessa is a United States Eventing Association (USEA)-certified riding instructor who has enjoyed the friendship of horses since 1970 and has been a professional trainer and riding coach in the Austin area since 1989. Her positive, supportive, and enthusiastic teaching style helps build confidence while learning important skills enabling riders to progress in mastering proper balance, communication, and position while on a horse. FFEC’s family atmosphere is based on Vanessa’s philosophy that riding should be fun and help build a positive self-image. Her riding program emphasizes a team atmosphere in which older riders mentor younger ones, and everyone works together to help and support one another. In all we do, FFEC’s family of riders is a cooperative learning community. Over the years, Vanessa has produced many local and regional champions, as well as international (FEI 2-🌟) level riders, but her lesson program is really about having fun while spending time outdoors with horses. She specializes in teaching children and young adult (teen) riders, in the disciplines of dressage, eventing, and jumping, but adult riders are always welcome! Vanessa is available for riding lessons, off-site cross-country, and dressage clinics, horse show coaching, and horse training. As a Texas Certified Educator, Vanessa offers middle and high school physical education credit for school-aged riders in the Austin, and Leander school districts.
Kelly Cacic – Intermediate Coach
Kelly began riding lessons at the age of 7 and has owned 3 horses. Over the years, she has ridden in various disciplines on a range of breeds, from green horses to schoolmasters. She has trained with locally, nationally, and internationally recognized trainers, including an Olympic Eventing coach.
As a child, she competed in Showmanship, Western Pleasure & Equitation, Trail, Barrel Racing, Poles, English Pleasure & Equitation, Hunt Seat, and Hunter’s Over Fences before being introduced to Dressage and Eventing. As a teenager, she competed in 2nd Level Dressage, up to 4 ft Show Jumping, and Beginner Novice Eventing. As a young adult, she worked at multiple barns, schooling horses on the flat and over fences for professional trainers. She currently rides 4th Level Dressage.
After moving to Texas, Kelly found Conner Combined Training in 2018 and signed up to take riding lessons with Vanessa Conner. Shortly after meeting Vanessa, she began helping to school horses at CCT on the flat. In addition to riding at CCT, she has assisted with barn chores, equine medical care, and has taught Dressage and beginner Jumping lessons to both children and adults when Vanessa or Gretchen needed a substitute.
Away from the Dressage ring and CCT, she has volunteered and instructed in therapy riding programs for riders with a variety of skills and special abilities. Her personal training philosophy focuses on communication, intuition, mutual respect, and the mechanics of riding, specifically in the discipline of Dressage.
Gretchen Fuchs – Pre-eventing Coach
Gretchen brings an incredible enthusiasm and zest to all of her lessons, and she is extremely beloved by her students. With more than 30 years of teaching experience, Gretchen brings a wealth of knowledge to our Pre-Eventer Program. (PEP for short.) Gretchen specializes in teaching inexperienced riders the skills they need to continue on into our eventing competition program. She has more than sixty years of riding under her belt in the disciplines of dressage, western horsemanship, western trail, and 4-H riding. Gretchen’s early years were spent working with her family’s Quarter Horses, and later in life, she became interested in dressage and jumping. An avid horsewoman, Gretchen is an all-around riding expert who prepares riders for any discipline. She not only educates riders in the arena, she also hauls them out to trail rides in local parks. All inexperienced riders who come to Fantasia Fields start their riding journey with Gretchen. Her positive attitude is an inspiration to all who know her.
Robin Donahe – Barn Owner & Beginner Coach
Robin has over 35 years of experience with horses, growing up immersed in both English and Western riding disciplines. Robin showcased her talent by competing in national-level shows with horses she trained herself, and throughout college, participated in the Intercollegiate Horse Shows Association, further honing her skills.
While Robin’s primary focus has been on training and competition, she has also worked with riders of all ages and skill levels, helping them develop confidence and a deeper connection with horses.
In 2010, Robin furthered her equestrian knowledge by learning to drive horses, and by 2013, she channeled her love for horses and driving into a successful wedding horse business, Fantasia Carriage, offering couples a unique and memorable equine experience on their special day. With her wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience, Robin is dedicated to passing on her expertise to both parents and children, ensuring the next generation of equestrians is well-equipped for success.
With a deep and vast knowledge of horse care, Robin has proven expertise in maintaining the health and well-being of horses, ensuring they receive the highest standard of care. This expertise extends to her ability to successfully manage and operate a horse boarding facility, where she oversees every aspect of horse care, from feeding to medical needs.