Born in Wiesbaden, Germany in March of 1982, Verena started riding at the age of 15. She studied horses for three years and became an Approved FN Horse Trainer - a designation that all horse trainers must have in Europe. She then rode for Lars Nieberg, preparing the young horses and training his international show horses when he was away.

In 2004, Verena came the United States to spend a year in Florida, where she trained with Canadian Hugh Graham. For two years she prepared the three and four year old horses for show rider Roberto Terran. Then she returned to Germany to work for the largest sale barn in Europe, owned by Paul Schockemöhle. She was responsible for training 12 horses and preparing them for the national auctions in Ankum.

Some of Verena's proudest accomplishments include earning Hessen County Champion twice: once in 2000 when she was 1.35m champion and again in 2006 when she was the Dressage Champion.

In March of 2006, she moved back to the United States, this time to the coast of California. Verena attended HITS Indio where she met Joie Gatlin and Morley Abey. They offered her a job that she quickly accepted.

While working with Joie and Morley Verena helps to keep the horses in shape, with particular focus on their flatwork, an essential element for all top show jumpers. She has been with them for over a year and has never looked back.



Chris joined the Joie Gatlin Morley Abey team after spending five years training and riding for European star, Ludo Philippaerts.  During his European tenure, Chris developed the skills to work effectively with horses of differing temperaments.  He brings valuable insight into European training and coaching techniques to our clients.  

Earlier in his career, Chris worked with Aaron Vale, Larry Glefke, rode bulls and trained Quarter Horses.



Tara is the newest addition to the Joie Gatlin Morley Abey team. As a professional, Tara has extensive experience riding, training and coaching for the “A” level show circuit. In fact, she worked with a number of the best known professionals in North America... Richard Spooner, DiAnn Langer, Cyndi Merrit, to name a few.

As a rider, Tara is equally comfortable on hunters and jumpers. As a coach, her students won two USEF Adult Medal Finals, two PCHA Adult Medal Finals, the WCE Medal Finals and the PHA Medal Finals among many other championships.

Tara turned professional after a junior career that culminated by winning the Canadian Equestrian Team Medal Finals.