Tucked away in Upstate South Carolina...
Hemlock Hollow Farm sits in the curve of Clement Loop road. Horses graze contentedly as cars pass by, enjoying the beauty of the scenery. Once a cattle farm, Hemlock Hollow now hosts a bustling and inviting equine facility, owned and managed by Jen and John Hartzell.
Jen and John bought the farm with the plan of fulfilling Jen's dream to combine their love of horses and her passion for teaching. A renovated and expanded barn, new riding arena and covered round pen, and a few lesson ponies started what is now the Hemlock Hollow lesson program. Young riders of all levels and backgrounds are welcome to come develop their horsemanship. The farm hosts year-round English equitation lessons, teaches general unmounted horsemanship classes, and travels to local shows with students.
At Hemlock Hollow, lessons are based on the Certified Horsemanship Association principles of promoting excellence in safety and education. Our teaching system is a combination of the American system of Huntseat Equitation, Centered Riding and Dressage, and our goal is to produce riders who have a solid foundation and a clear understanding of how to ride with balance and rhythm while enjoying a meaningful partnership with the horse in a safe and fun environment.
Our Program
Meet Our Team
Jen and John Hartzell
Hemlock Hollow Farm is owned and managed by Jen and John Hartzell. After a career as a public school educator along with one in sales, Jen is thrilled to be able to share her lifelong fascination for and interest in horses with others at the farm. Being able to combine these two endeavors (the field of education and horses) has been, and still is a "pinch me" kind of moment! Jen was previously on the board for Helping Equines Regain Dignity, (HERD) a non-profit organization devoted to the rescue, rehab, and rehoming of horses, mules, and donkeys from kill pens. Several of Hemlock Hollow's first horses were rescued through HERD and Jen is so extremely grateful and proud to continue to care for these miraculous creatures.
Instructors
Megan James
Megan is a 2016 graduate from Midway University with degrees in Equine Health and Rehabilitation, Equine Management, and Business. She has over 20 years of experience in the horse industry, including managing, training, teaching, showing, and even equine rehabilitation and therapy.
Before coming to Hemlock Hollow, Megan spent 7 years as Barn Manager and Instructor at Camp Green Cove, where she successfully maintained a herd of 40+ school horses and taught 200 campers during the summer! In the last year, Megan’s drive for teaching was rekindled. She enjoys helping riders reach their full potential with their horses. Megan blends multiple disciplines while riding her horse Doc, and her methods follow over into her teaching and training style to create well-rounded and connected riders. Outside of the barn, Megan enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters!
Lizzie Lengling
Lizzie is a 2019 graduate from The University of Findlay with degrees in both Equestrian Studies and Business Management. She has over 20 years of experience working with horses, including showing on UF’s IHSA team, but her true passion lies in training and teaching. Lizzie spent her summers in and after college teaching lessons and leading equine wilderness expeditions at Camp Green Cove.
She now works full-time at Tryon International Equestrian Center, as the Horse Show Promotions Manager, and loves teaching at Hemlock Hollow in her spare time! She strives to foster quiet and effective riders with an emphasis on horsemanship, confidence, and fun. In her free time, you’ll find Lizzie out on the trails with her horse Mira, or curled up with her cat Zara and a good book!
Gallery
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