Instructors

Potomac Horse Center employs many instructors in all disciplines and levels. From mini-mites to seniors, we have an instructor for you!

John de Montfort -  John brings 30+ years of experience in all facets of the horse industry to the horse center. He began riding in hunter and equitation classes at age 7 and won numerous championships and year end awards at local and "A" shows.  He graduated from the instructor/trainer program at Westmoreland Davis Equestrian Institute at Morven Park.  In addition, he has trained with many international trainers including Belinda Nairn, Major General Johnathon Burton, Jenni Lorinston-Clarke and Tad Coffin to name a few.  John was a trainer at Iron Spring farm where he brought along young horses and stallion prospects and has spent years as a freelance instructor and trainer.  During this time, he taught students of all ages and in each of the disciplines, and helped them reach their goals.  John wants his students to be confident, knowledgeable and to enjoy every moment they spend on their equestrian journey.

Shannon Thomas - Formerly an avid foxhunter and varsity equestrian team member during her time at Mary Washington College, She grew up riding and showing at Commonwealth Park in Culpeper, VA.  & now enjoy training in and teaching a variety of disciplines with a focus on effective communication and teamwork between rider and horse. 

Nancy Heller - A retired special educator, Nancy is Director of PHC's Therapeutic Riding Program.  She's a Certified Therapeutic Instructor as well as a beginning flat teacher (walk, trot, canter). Prior to instructing children she taught Balance Seat at a large lesson barn in New York, was an exercise rider on the Bedford Bridle Path, a trail guide for a dude ranch and a western pleasure riding instructor!

 Shailla Cardon - In addition to managing the PHC office, Shailla occasionally fills in a substitute instructor teaching all Flat levels. She has been riding at PHC since she moved to the North Potomac area, and enjoys the opportunity to get out of the office and into the ring.

Caitlin Michinski - A recent graduate of the University of Findlay where she earned a B.A. in Equestrian Studies & another in Equine Business Management.  She’s also achieved Level 1 Hunt Seat and Level 1 Stable Management from the American Riding Instructors Association.  Her hometown is Port Tobacco, MD – in nearby southern Maryland’s Charles County.

Lauren Hodges - A graduate of St. Andrews Presbyterian College with a B.A. in Equine Business Management, she grew up in South Carolina training under Katerina Hutto and showing throughout the Southeast hunter circuits.  She competed on her college's riding team and now teaches all riding levels at PHC, and now occasionally substitute teaches at PHC.