Hayley Barnhill and Chris Surbey have joined Canadian Olympic show jumping champion Eric Lamaze’s Torrey Pines Stable. Barnhill and Surbey are both full-time riders and trainers for the large international show jumping operation with bases in Wellington, Florida, and Brussels, Belgium.
Barnhill of Collierville, TN, began working for Torrey Pines Stable in October. The 26-year-old enjoyed a successful junior career, winning both the USEF/Pessoa Hunter Seat Medal and the ASPCA Maclay National Championships in 2010. She also represented Zone 4 at the 2010 and 2011 North American Youth Championships, helping Zone 4 to claim its first team gold medal in her second appearance.
“Working with Eric is a dream come true, it’s basically what every kid in our sport grows up dreaming of being able to do,” said Barnhill, who was recommended for the job by her former coach and employer, Tom Wright. “I’m lucky to be a part of it and able to learn from him. I have a lot of nice horses to show, and I’m very excited!”
Surbey is a more recent addition, having joined the team in January after Torrey Pines Stable made its annual migration to Wellington, FL, for the winter competition season.
“I wanted to hire a Canadian because I like to support them and bring them along and produce more riders for the Canadian team,” explained Lamaze of his decision. “Chris is an excellent rider. I came to know him from riding the Spruce Meadows horses which he did a fantastic job with. I’ve watched him in the ring and he’s a real competitor.
“I was really impressed with his riding and so when the job came up, I gave him a call and he was available,” continued Lamaze. “Chris will be riding himself, helping other people on the ground, and he’ll also be a good asset when we’re in Europe looking at horses.”
Press Release / Ph. Starting Gate Communications