KEY STAFF
SHELBY HODOSH
Manager, Lessons & Training
An avid and enthusiastic rider since the age of five, Shelby has dedicated her life to her passion of riding and training both horses and riders alike. Shelby has worked as an instructor for several years, teaching both English and Western disciplines, as well as competing in the jumper ring. While she has a wide range of experience and expertise, she mainly enjoys focusing on the connection between horse and rider, and troubleshooting any problems and/or behavioral issues that may ensue. Shelby teaches ages five and up, and excels at working with each individual student to help them reach their personal goals. Shelby is a registered professional with both the USEF & USHJA and is SafeSport- and AHA First Aid/CPR/AED -certified.
DAN BLAIR
Facilities Manager
Thanks to Dan’s full-time (and then some!) efforts, FRC’s facilities are continually maintained in tiptop shape. That includes buildings, fencing, stalls, footing, farm equipment, site maintenance and more. He’s also quick to jump in and lend a hand as needed with animal care. Dan brings with him thirteen years of experience as a manager and mechanic for North Jersey Trailer & Truck, a varied skill set, an enthusiasm for the outdoors and a life-long love of animals.
Dan is holding Lou, FRC's unofficial emotional support animal for new riders.
LIZZY KNIGHT
Dressage Instructor and Trainer
Hailing from Vancouver, Lizzy is an Equine Canada Level 8 Certified Instructor with nine years of professional experience. She’s an experienced competitive rider and international Three-Day Eventer who also competes in Dressage, Hunter/Jumper and Mounted Games. She’s certified in SafeSport, CPR/AED/first aid and MagnaWave PEMF therapy. Lizzy heads up our Dressage program.
JESS GORDON
Hunter/Jumper and Dressage Instructor and Trainer
An avid rider from the age of six, Jess spent her formative years working in exchange for lessons and learning all she could. She and her first horse, Daisy, were NJPHA Pony Equitation Champions and the first junior winners of DVHA's Super Horse-Super Rider award. Jess has competed extensively in dressage, western equitation, gymkhanas, show jumping, hunter, and trail classes. Working with a variety of professionals exposed her to different philosophies and methods, as well as show jumping at the Grand Prix level. Jess has taught beginner through intermediate hunter/jumper since 2012. She believes that everyone should be encouraged to love horses in their own way, whether it's on the ground or in the saddle, and that your horse will always perform for you if you treat them with respect and patience. Jess is a registered USEF professional and is SafeSport--certified.
She's shown here posing with her current heart horse, Roulette.
ERIN PINELLI
Child Care Supervisor
Erin is an NJDOE-certified elementary school teacher with thirteen years’ experience in the Trenton public school system. She holds multiple degrees, including master’s degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership. She’s also a local resident and mom to one equestrian and one non-equestrian daughter.
THE GREAT CATSBY
Manager, Rodent Control
An apex predator with eleven years experience, and a legend in his own mind, Catsby heads up our three-member Rodent Control Team, charged with maintaining our stables and feed barn in a rodent-free state.
JONATHAN & BARBARA HODOSH
Owners
Having followed their daughters into the world of horses, Jonathan and Barbara established and maintained a small hobby farm in New York for seventeen years. In 2022, they decided it was time to more fully realize their dream of one day owning and working a real family farm. Thus, Frenchtown Riding Club was born. Recent transplants to Hunterdon County, they've since fallen completely in love with the area and the people, further adding to their joy as they pursue this new adventure.