Meet the Team
Erika Lee - Head Trainer
Erika Lee has been training horses and riders of all ages and experience since 2005. She is a Level III USEA certified instructor (ECP) coach, and achieved her A-rating in both eventing and dressage through the United States Pony Club (USPC) organization when she was just 18 years old. In 2010 Erika decided to take her passion and make it her full time career. Erika is passionate about growing the equestrian community, and dedicates much of her time supporting local Pony Clubs with their education programs as she is a firm believer in Pony Club being an excellent foundation for kids and adults alike in solid and correct horsemanship.
When instructing, Erika strives for improving the confidence of both horse and rider by teaching fundamentals that create better communication, partnership and harmony. She focuses on creating well-rounded riders by teaching horsemanship, leadership, and respect for both animals and riders. Erika is an active competitor in both eventing and dressage, and is a USDF bronze medalist, and has developed several horses and students through the preliminary level. She is a skilled horsewoman and her experience in many disciplines helps her with young and/or difficult horses that may need someone who can think outside the box and problem solve.
In her teachings, Erika places a strong emphasis on the basics in order to help riders develop lasting partnerships with their horses. To Erika, creating happy horses that love their work is done by teaching patience and empathy in training, and by creating healthy environments with excellent care and management where horses can learn and thrive. Erika is known for her positive attitude, love of the sport, and for always challenging riders to take opportunities to learn.
When instructing, Erika strives for improving the confidence of both horse and rider by teaching fundamentals that create better communication, partnership and harmony. She focuses on creating well-rounded riders by teaching horsemanship, leadership, and respect for both animals and riders. Erika is an active competitor in both eventing and dressage, and is a USDF bronze medalist, and has developed several horses and students through the preliminary level. She is a skilled horsewoman and her experience in many disciplines helps her with young and/or difficult horses that may need someone who can think outside the box and problem solve.
In her teachings, Erika places a strong emphasis on the basics in order to help riders develop lasting partnerships with their horses. To Erika, creating happy horses that love their work is done by teaching patience and empathy in training, and by creating healthy environments with excellent care and management where horses can learn and thrive. Erika is known for her positive attitude, love of the sport, and for always challenging riders to take opportunities to learn.
Kiola Krienke - Head Groom and Assistant
In her role as head groom and assistant, Kiola brings over 20 years of experience as a horsewoman and rider to ensure top quality care for all her equine partners. An invaluable asset to Erika Lee Equestrian, Kiola has been part of the program as head groom for 2 years, where she fulfills a variety of essential activities, including grooming, overseeing all horse care, program management, and teaching riding lessons for beginners.
With a kind and thoughtful approach to horsemanship, Kiola works tirelessly behind the scenes and is a constant cheerleader for all those around her. A mother of five and grandmother of many - Kiola first began to pursue her passion when she and her daughter began to learn to ride through the local Pony Club. Since then, she has built an equestrian program, Young Heart Riding School, at her own farm in Washington to help youth experience the sport and develop a lifelong love and passion for horsemanship.
With a kind and thoughtful approach to horsemanship, Kiola works tirelessly behind the scenes and is a constant cheerleader for all those around her. A mother of five and grandmother of many - Kiola first began to pursue her passion when she and her daughter began to learn to ride through the local Pony Club. Since then, she has built an equestrian program, Young Heart Riding School, at her own farm in Washington to help youth experience the sport and develop a lifelong love and passion for horsemanship.
Elaine Ackerly - Groundwork Specialist and Trainer
Erika Lee Equestrian collaborates regularly with local groundwork trainer and specialist, Elaine Ackerly, to support clients - both horse and person - in building trust and confidence. Elaine is an experienced horsewoman and highly regarded for her skills in starting horses correctly, addressing behavioral issues, and helping owners build confidence with their horses. Elaine's self-owned business, Hear the Herd, is local in Monroe and can travel to the barn, as well as other nearby areas.
Elaine has proven experience helping horses overcome a variety of obstacles including fear, reactivity, shying, pushiness, impatience when being mounted or groomed, difficulty trailer loading, shoeing issues, and a host of other common issues. She also gentles Mustangs and other unhandled horses - and can help with restarting horses off the track or that have been sitting idle for a long time.
Elaine has proven experience helping horses overcome a variety of obstacles including fear, reactivity, shying, pushiness, impatience when being mounted or groomed, difficulty trailer loading, shoeing issues, and a host of other common issues. She also gentles Mustangs and other unhandled horses - and can help with restarting horses off the track or that have been sitting idle for a long time.