Linda Santomenna, M.S., Owner and Head Trainer

A lifelong horse enthusiast, Linda competed in hunt seat equitation, then evented at the lower levels before transforming into a dressage devotee. Linda earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and a Master of Science in Animal Pathology, from the University of Delaware. She continued competing in hunt seat equitation during college through the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association. After graduate school, Linda went on to a scientific career studying human viruses and cardiovascular disease, during which she authored or co-authored 13 scientific publications.  She retired as a Senior Scientist from the DuPont Pharmaceutical Company in 2001. Since then she has focused all of her energy on breeding, training and teaching. Now in its 21st year, her breeding program has produced numerous breed ring and performance champions including the 2006 USEF/Markel Young Horse Dressage National Champion for 4-Year-Olds. Linda was blessed to have trained with Marija Treischman, Karen-Ramsing Bixler, Christopher Schrufer and Hilltop Farm.  Linda also serves extensively in Christian ministry.

Robert Alphin, M.S., Owner and Operations Manager

Bob has enjoyed a long and productive career as a faculty member at the University of Delaware. He is a highly sought after expert in biosecurity and avian influenza containment.  Bob has been traveling extensively throughout Europe and the Middle East to train veterinarians and governmental agencies.  Bob brings all of his operations experience to the management of our facilities. Bob is also passionate about creating landscaping that invites and supports wildlife using native plants. During less busy times, Bob enjoys riding across the Maryland countryside.

Martina Thiel-Poblotzki, Trainer and Owner of Martina’s Creations

Growing up in Hanover, Germany, Martina’s exposure to horses was inevitable. She spent her early years riding with her family at a local riding club. Her chemistry career and marriage brought her to the United States in 1996 where she advanced her riding with Dr. Seana Adamson and Emily Covington. Martina bred, raised and is training her beloved mare, Cordialle.  In 2011, Cordialle was approved into the Main Mare book of the ISR/Oldenburg registry with a score of 101.  Earlier in 2011, they captured Introductory Level Championships at Dressage at Blue Waters and Dressage at Blue Goose II.  Martina is currently training with Linda and has attended clinics with Silva Martin and Eliza Sydnor.  Martina is also a gifted seamstress.

Michelle Glaspey, Saturday Farm Manager

Michelle has been riding since 8 years of age.  She began her training with Barbara Berman and later trained with Jennifer Strine.  Michelle transferred to the University of Delaware in 2001 and rode on their Equestrian Team.  While in college, Michelle also worked for Dover Saddlery.  Michelle has been training with Linda Santomenna for the past 9 years.  Michelle works full-time as the stable manager at Hassler Dressage.

Taliah Kurylak, Senior Intern

A life long horse enthusiast, Taliah began riding at age 11. She loves getting to know the personalities of horses, communicating with them, and cultivating their trust. A highly gifted rider and cool competitor, Taliah has been training with Linda for the past six years.  2011 was a very successful year for Taliah and her Hanoverian gelding, Weltcom, who brought home high place ribbons at First Level from Dressage At Blue Goose I and II.  Taliah and Weltcom also garnered 2nd and 3rd place ribbons at Dressage At Blue Waters in May.  In 2010, Taliah was the recipient of the John Wriston Prize for her excellence in creative writing.  Taliah also serves in ministry and on her church’s youth worship team.  Currently, Taliah is working part-time at Middletown Veterinary Hospital.

Donna Kurylak, Equine Body Work Specialist

Donna has cultivated a serious interest in horses ever since being infected with this malady by her daughter Taliah. She finds the experience of caring for, connecting to, and learning from horses intensely fascinating and rewarding, and enjoys exploring deep and individual relationships with them. A retired but incurable teacher and a lifelong learner, Donna also loves to nurture human relationships, produce creative works of many kinds, and help others discover joy in the adventure of living. Nearing the end of her second career of homeschooling, she is currently investing with her husband PJ in the final stages of launching their two children into adulthood.

Julia Weyandt, Working Student

Julia has always had a deep love and connection with horses.  Prior to coming to Blue Waters Farm in 2009, Julia took lessons at Nickquenum Stables in Chesapeake City, Maryland.  Julia is making outstanding progress in her dressage lessons with Linda.  She is also a dedicated student at Bohemia Manor.

SPECIAL FRIENDS OF BLUE WATERS FARM

Kris Moyer, Trainer, Teacher, Competitor, Judge and Owner of Legacy Farm

A divine appointment no doubt, brought Linda and Kris together at the World Horse Expo in 2003.  We quickly learned we shared a common vision for horses and training that has grown over the past eight years.  Kris started several of our young horses, and helped others explore their abilities over fences.  Kris and Linda have had the pleasure of teaching each others students and exchanging many fruitful ideas and strategies across the disciplines of dressage and jumping.  We sponsored her with BW-Rising Star (Riverman-Another Gel) and watched them achieve great success together.  It has been an absolute pleasure watching Kris and Legacy Farm grow into a top tier jumper program!

Emily Covington, Trainer, Author, Photographer

Emily Covington has been a dear friend of Blue Waters Farm since 2007, serving as our Young Horse Training Director from 2008 through 2010.  Under her able tutelage, she started several Blue Waters offspring as well as client horses.  She also developed and competed five of her own horses.  She bred her beloved mare Revien, producing two lovely offspring.  Emily is also a gifted photographer and produced many of the beautiful images that have graced our web site.  Emily now contributes to Hassler Dressage on a freelance basis, working primarily in the area of media, co-authoring articles, and contributing to their website content.  She resides in Southern California and is an active rider and trainer, specializing in young dressage horses.