Our Staff
Patti Wright-Shoemaker, owner and trainer of Winterview Farm, is a 1978 Church Music Graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi. She and her husband, Jimmy, live on the 30 acre facility providing 24-hour security and supervision of all activities. Having grown up riding in the hunt country surrounding Leesburg, Virginia, Patti was fortunate to have trained with leading professionals throughout the United States. Founder and 2011 President of the Mississippi Hunter Jumper Association, she is the first and only Mississippian to be licensed by the United States Equestrian Federation as an "R" judge in Hunter, Hunt Seat Equitation and Jumper Divisions. Over the years, Patti has trained both horse and rider to State, Regional and National level competition. Some of these horses include, Love That Doctor, Hammurabi’s Prince AKA Even Steven, Formal Attire, Black Tie Affair, Executives Sweet, City Lights, Boot Scoot n Boogie, Dressed In Black, Norman, The Governor, Ice, Phaedra, Flights of Fancy, Rebel Pride, Trade Market, Just Dessert, Key West, Graycious, Brown Eyed Joe, Panoramic, and Sovereign Saint. Currently, training numerous riders, she is an active participant in the Mississippi Hunter Jumper Association, Louisiana Hunter Jumper Association and United States Equestrian Federation competitions.
Susan K. Walt, assistant Trainter, is a 1982 Industrial Engineer Graduate of Mississippi State University. She began her equestrian training under the instruction of Fellers Drury of Gulfport, Mississippi before moving to Brandon, Mississippi where she has continued her riding, training and teaching career at Winterview Farm for the past twelve years. Susan teaches both the after-school riding lesson program for young children and Summer Horsemanship Camp. Currently, training numerous students, she is an active participant in the Mississippi Hunter Jumper Association, Louisiana Hunter Jumper Association and is an avid foxhunter with the Chula Homa Hunt Club.
Jimmy Shoemaker, manager of Winterview, is a native of Madison County. He is our "can do" kind of guy around the farm. Skilled in equine care, you can find him addressing the daily needs of the horses as well as making improvements and repairs to the facility. Each morning the ring is watered and dragged for the day's activities and each evening the horses are put to bed and the stables close by 9 p.m. You will find that if you need help with anything, ask "Mr. Jimmy." An avid hunter and fisherman, occasionally he has a substitute! A wonderful husband, father and grandfather, we are blessed to have such a person helping our children, families and horses.
Nancy Y. Welch, Veterinary Technician, is a 1991 Graduate of the One Plus One Program from Hinds Community College and Mississippi State University. Nancy and her family reside at Winterview and work closely with local veterinarians on scheduled horse care, emergency services and rehabilitation. She is a lifetime student of Winterview having competed as a Children’s, Junior and Amateur rider throughout the country.
Brittany Sommer Desalvo of Sommerview Farm, Baton Rouge, Louisiana, is one of our professional riders. Brittany started riding as a young child at the Baton Rouge Equestrian Center. She could be found at any show on a string of ponies many of whom qualified for Pony Finals. “Simply Irresistible” was a favorite of hers having won a class at Pony Finals and a catch ride on Rosemel’s Masquerade brought home a third place. As a Junior rider, she was tough competition on her mare “Sachet”. Ranked 4th nationally after a win at Madison Square Garden, she was also in the top 30 nationwide for 10 consecutive years. Brittany and her mom, Sharon, have been in business in the Baton Rouge area for 15 years. Brittany campaigns her students and client show horses at major shows throughout the Southeast and has ridden for Winterview Farm for over 5 years.
Ashley Maniscalco, head Pro at Becky Dalton's Hidden Acres in Stonewall, Louisiana, grew up on the back of a horse. Found to be an excellent rider to break and train young horses, Ashley worked for major trainers throughout the Shreveport area. Teaching riders of all ages, breaking, training and showing horses, Ashley can be found at major shows in the southeast with her students, all of whom make for tough competition. Two of our favorite horses, Sovreign Saint and Panoramic, were bought from Ashley and are consistent Champions at the shows. Ashley has ridden for Winterview Farm at numerous shows over the past two years.
Brittany and Ashley
