About WinterSpring Farm

In early 1998, Mike and Sue Thome purchased 55 acres of land in rural mid-Michigan. The original stall barn was built in May of that year, along with a 100 X 200 outdoor arena. In 2003, a veterinary building equipped for breeding and haul-in veterinary work was added to the farm. Around the same time an indoor arena, 66 X 144 complete with an entire mirrored wall, was constructed. The 2006 project, which is currently under construction, is an addition to the arena. It will include 10 stalls, an observation room, bathroom and heated aisles.

Currently about 25 of the 55 acres are fenced and maintained. Mowed riding paths surround the pastures and fields, excellent for quiet hacks or nature walks. Added to the beautiful scenery are over 100 trees that have been planted by the Thome family over the last several years.

Originally built as a private farm for Sue's own horses in 1998, Sue and Mike purchased two broodmares over the next couple of years and started a small breeding operation. A total of six foals were born at the farm before Sue realized that breeding and showing both take up similar time commitments. A decision to end the breeding operation and focus on training and showing started WinterSpring Farm in the direction is today.

What Makes WinterSpring Farm Special

WinterSpring Farm offers a unique opportunity for horses and riders of levels to benefit from professional expertise in dressage. Horses and riders of WinterSpring Farm have solid training in all areas of horsemanship. All riders are encouraged to take their horses out of the arena for hacks and even an occasional gallop around the fields. This provides a balance with the structure of lessons and daily training. Horses sent here for training enjoy a varied schedule with frequent changes of scenery to keep them fresh.

WinterSpring Farm has a full time barn manager who oversees the daily care of the horses. There are also working students throughout the year that aide Sue in daily operations as they train under a professional.

The farm also offers onsite care from Meadow View Veterinary Service, which is owned and operated by Sue's husband Mike. He specializes in equine and bovine care and is the farm's veterinarian.

About Sue Thome

Sue's dedication to horses began at an early age. Originally from England, Sue started riding at age five. As a young adult, Sue returned to England to Porlock Vale Equitation Centre in Porlock England to study for her British Horse Society Assistant Instructor certification. With her BHSAI completed in 1981, Sue began teaching in Pennsylvania at the Radnor Hunt Club and later spent time as a working student at a dressage stable in Michigan.

Sue's expertise with horsemanship goes beyond time spent in the saddle. She attended Michigan State University from 1984 to 1986 and received her Veterinary Technician degree. After meeting her husband Mike at MSU in 1985, they married and moved to central Pennsylvania in 1989 for Mike's first job as a veterinarian. Sue worked for several years as the executive director for the Antietam Humane Society in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania.

During college and the first few years in Pennsylvania, Sue's riding was limited to ownership of her own horses. She began teaching again at Bit O'Luck Farm in Gettysburg , Pennsylvania and was the resident dressage instructor there until the Thomes relocated back to Michigan in 1995.

Mike and Sue purchased a veterinary clinic and began building their business and raising their three children Elizabeth, Ted and Belinda. Sue continued to ride and teach part time until the purchase of the land for WinterSpring Farm in 1998. Sue has been actively showing in Michigan and surrounding states at recognized dressage shows for the past several years.

Sue has worked with many clinicians over the years, most recently Fred Weber of Frederick Maryland, Alex Gerding, Maryal Barnett and Marina Genn. She got her bronze medal on her partner Pink Phloyd a few years ago and is actively working toward her silver medal, with her fourth level scores already under her belt. Sue attended the USDF L program for judges in 2004 - 2005 and graduated 'with distinction' in August 2005. She has been judging at schooling shows, 4-H events and pony club camps and hopes to continue the climb toward her r judge certification.

Sue now works full time as head trainer at WinterSpring Farm. She has the assistance of a working student as well as a full time barn manager. The farm continues to grow with the new addition and plans to sponsor a number of clinics and other events hosted by the farm.