Thea Chirikos

Thea began riding horses both Western Pleasure and Saddle Seat as a very young girl. Her barn show teams traveled the northern IL and WI areas showing for many years in a variety of circuits including APHA, AQHA, ABRA, Saddle Seat and Morgan shows.

Thea began instructing under her trainers at the age of 14. She enjoys studying the details of other disciplines such as Dressage, jumping and reining. After 20 years of developing her unique training style, she has established the confidence to teach both young children and adults to become safe, secure and knowledgeable in their own equitation and riding style.

Thea has been with Tower Hill Stables since the fall of 2001 and is pleased with all our barn has to offer.

Blythe Hunter

Blythe, being the daughter of two highly accomplished professional horse parents, was exposed to the horse industry all her life. Blythe started riding at a very early age and continues to this day. She has had numerous wins throughout Equitation, Hunters and Jumpers. She has ridden and attended clinics with top proffesionals. She has been traing horses and teaching for many years. She has been teaching beginner to advanced students at Tower Hill Stables since the fall of 2010.

Tara-Lynn Potempa

Tara-Lynn Potempa is a trainer and competitor in the equestrian field of show jumping.

Just after completing her college degree in Equine Management (1997), Tara ventured out to southern California, one of the toughest equestrian communities, to break into as a young professional. A mere six weeks later, she was training at the prestigious Los Angeles Equestrian Center with a reputation for her teaching skills for horses and riders alike, which continues to last long after she returned to her home in the Midwest.

While competing in California, Tara was consistently in the ribbons. She was well-matched with the schooled hunters and jumpers, as well as a great teacher introducing the green horses to the show ring with confidence. “Catch riding”, the art of showing a horse without a previous introduction, became second nature to Tara. Her ability to size up a horse and adapt her riding to each mount’s preference is a talent to envy.

Personal Quote: "Competing is the culmination of hard work, determination and the dedication of each party involved. Yet it is not the end-all, be-all... as someone else is right around the corner - ready to claim the next ribbon. It is a learning experience, a stepping stone, a thrill! It is yet another chance to unveil the "gold medal level" in each horse, each individual, on a daily basis."

Sirena Richter

Sirena is a lifetime member of the USEF and USHJA. She is a Certified Instructor with the American Riding Instructor Association.

Sirena's passion for horses began with her first pony at her family's boarding barn in Morton Grove, IL and continued with her work as a "trainer's assistant" at the age of 13. At 18 years of age Sirena began to train as a professional hunter/jumper trainer. In 2002 she became a Certified Instructor under the program at the American Riding Instructor Association.

Sirena has trained horses and riders to the highest levels. She is accredited with numerous championships while riding her own horses as well as those in training with her. Sirena shows extensively at "A" and "B" recognized hunter/jumper horseshows for those students that would like to compete. She provides training on show horses and has trained young horse prospects.

Sirena also holds a certification in equine sports massage therapy and is currentlty working towards her "r" judges card in hunt seat equitation, hunter and jumper disciplines. She has been with Tower Hill Stables since 2001.