Great Griffin Farms - Elite Hunter/Jumper Training Facility

Great Griffin Farms is an elite hunter/jumper training facility, located on a beautifully landscaped 25-acre farm serving St. Louis, Missouri and the surrounding areas. We coach riders at all levels, from beginning riding lessons to national competitions. Great Griffin Farms develops riding programs in the hunter/jumper discipline to suit each individual’s needs.

Amanda and her father, Edwin (Ed) G. Hudspeth, purchased Great Griffin Farms in 2002. Since then, many additions and improvements have been made to fulfill their dreams of having a top-notch equestrian facility. Edwin passed away in May 2010, but his presence, and his vision, are still felt around the farm, as he was known for his love and dedication to animals and their care.

Amanda’s mother introduced her to riding as an infant by holding her in her arms as they rode through what is now Queenie Park. In other words, she grew up in the saddle. Today, as the owner of Great Griffin Farms, Amanda carries on the family horse tradition and is currently competing as an amateur in both the hunter and jumper rings.

Great Griffin Farms has assembled a team of professionals that coach riders at the young rider, amateur and Grand Prix levels. We develop programs in the hunter/jumper discipline to suit each individuals horse and riders needs.

Trainers & Staff

Shannon Hicks is well known as a successful rider, trainer and dedicated coach developing junior and adult riders in all aspects of the show ring. She and her students have won top ribbons at the Washington International Horse Show, Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Devon, and Young Riders, as well as Pony Finals. Shannon is one of the hardest working professionals in the business, and her success in the show ring is proof that she understands how to develop an outstanding riding program.

Mari Jebens began her show career at age 11 competing in dressage, jumpers and cross-country. Mari is a USDF Silver and Bronze medalist and has successfully competed in dressage and Training Level through Grand Prix. Mari’s focus on flatwork and its relation to fences sets up horse and rider for success in and out of the show ring. In addition to her years of riding and coaching, Mari also has a Bachelor of Science in Equine Science from Stephens College.

Nancy Hohmann, our office manager, is that friendly voice you hear when you call. She grew up on a horse farm in Nebraska and began her show career at age seven. Currently, Nancy handles the day-to-day necessities at GGF such as accounting, lesson scheduling, horse show entries and travel arrangements. Nancy also oversees all our gardens and plantings, ensuring that GGF has peaceful and beautiful surroundings.

Anna Schierholz comes to Griffin with 17 years of AA horse show experience and an extensive background in teaching and training horses. Anna began her riding career at age 5, taking her first lessons from Becky Mosley. As she progressed into the horse show arena, Griffin’s Shannon Hicks took the reins. Shannon guided Anna to top competitions nationwide. Throughout her junior career, Anna earned top ribbons at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show, Washington International Horse Show, Devon Horse Show and the FTI Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla., in the hunters, jumpers and equitation. Upon her graduation from MICDS in Ladue, Mo., Anna received a four-year scholarship to compete for Auburn University’s NCAA Equestrian Team, where she was a starter on the 2008 and 2011 National Championship teams. Anna graduated Cum Laude in May 2011 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism.