Ryan Sassmannshausen

Chief Operating Officer / Head Trainer

Ryan Sassmannshausen grew up in the equestrian world. He has been riding since the age of 5. During his early years, he dominated the pony divisions. In 2002 he won Team Gold in a Jr. Olympic event. Training with Maggie Jayne, Grand prix rider and member of the renowned Jayne Family, he won numerous best Child Rider on a pony awards and won Zone year-end awards. He also had a breakout year in 2007 winning High and Low Junior Jumper Classics, Junior Hunter Classes, and in the Equitation ring. In 2009, he was selected to train with and work along side Missy Clark and John Brennan of North Run. He spent 2 ½ years at North Run, winning classes at the Winter Equestrian Festival, Saratoga, Lake Placid, Manchester Summer Festival, and Saugerties. In 2010, Ryan placed 4th in the Zone 1 Regional Qualifier for the ASPCA Mclay Finals. Also, he placed inside the top 25 at the USEF Pessoa Medal Finals at Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. After ageing out of the Junior ranks, he took a job with North Run as a master of all trades (riding, grooming, and managing.) He also worked for Olympians, Chris Kappler and Mclain Ward. Since rejoining the family business in 2012, he has brought his entire collective knowledge to the riders and staff, which has resulted in many championships in his short time back.

Janet Sassmannshausen

Executive Vice President

Janet began riding at the age of 7. In 1977, she began teaching lessons in exchange for the opportunity to compete on sale horses in the barn. Among her first students were Nora Thomas and Chris Kappler (who later went on to win a Gold medal in the 2004 Olympics). She has always had a passion for horses and enjoys nothing more than sharing this passion with new students. During the early 80’s she would teach more then 200 lessons a week. In 1984, she started Kinvarra Farm so that she could give her clients more personalized attention. Since opening Kinvarra her students have consistently finished in the ribbons for Zone 5 year end awards. Her students have also won at National finals in Harrisburg, PA. Horses trained by Janet have gone on to win “Illinois Horse of the Year” titles in their appropriate divisions. Janet herself was awarded the title “Illinois Horse Person of the Year” in 2004.
“My goal is teach people to be excellent riders as well as well rounded horsemen. Nothing makes me happier than playing a part in the development of young equestrians. My record should speak for itself as I have played a role in the start of many professionals’ careers.”

Eric Sassmannshausen

Chief Financial Officer

From early in his riding career, Eric earned top year-end placings at the USEF Pony Finals. In 2001, Eric won the National finals Harrisburg aboard his mount TNT. As his junior riding career developed, Eric was selected to partake in internships with many of the industries top professionals including Olympic chef d’equipe George Morris, Olympic medalists Chris Kappler, Beezie Madden, and Norman Dello Joio. During this time Eric had great success in the show ring both nationally and internationally.

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After graduating from the University of Miami in 2012 with a BBA in Finance and Economics, Eric returned home to oversee the business aspects of the organization. He has worked to restructure and advance the business so that we can provide the best quality care and training possible.