Crystal Bohnen

          Crystal Bohnen is the owner and manager of Emerald Leaf Stables, LLC.  She began riding at age 9, and had her first horse by age 12. She spent all of her teenage years completely dedicated to her horses. She was fortunate enough to have a small farm at home where she was the sole caretaker of her animals, as well as having her show horses kept at boarding and training facilities. Crystal competed at the local through “AA” rated circuits in the Midwest.

         Crystal went to Virginia Intermont College, Bristol, VA where in 2005 she received a Bachelors Degree in Equine Studies. During this time, she competed on their highly competitive IHSA (Intercollegiate Huntseat Association) and the IDA (Intercollegiate Dressage Association) teams. The Equine Studies major included such classes such as equine nutrition, farrier science, equine anatomy and physiology, and equine business management. This degree combined with her years of experience greatly prepared her for running her own business. During college, Crystal worked for various Hunter/Jumper trainers in the southeast; ranging from working student positions, to show groom on the “A” circuit, to barn manager of a first-class facility. 

         Following graduation, she accepted the position of barn manager and Head Trainer at Serenity Acres in Flowood, MS. She ran the 13 horse facility, as well as taught all lessons, kept numerous horses in training, bought and sold horses, and took students to shows local through “A” rated. During this time, many of her horses and students were ranked amongst the top on the MHJA (Mississippi Hunter/Jumper Association) circuit.

            Crystal moved to South Carolina in 2007.  She began a lesson program out of a large facility in Campobello, and began teaching, training and taking students to horse shows. She was then given the opportunity to manage the 30-horse facility, as well as become the assistant coach of the newly formed Converse College IHSA team alongside head coach Lincoln Russell. At this same time she also had the opportunity to be an assistant trainer at a farm in Landrum, also serving the assistant coach for the Clemson IHSA Team.

 In 2011, Crystal formed an IEA (Interscholastic Equestrian Association) Team, which was the first in the greater Greenville area. In its consecutive 6 years, it saw riders attend Regionals, Zones and Nationals every competition year.

In 2013, she opened Emerald Leaf Stables. In it’s consecutive years it has been one of the top Hunter/Jumper barns in the upstate SC area, offering high quality training, showing, boarding, sales, and lessons. Her riders and horses have received countless accolades. Our first location was in Easley, SC and now it is run out of Greenville. Crystal is highly passionate about what she does, and makes sure her barn, horses and students meet a high standard.

Tara Walker

Tara is originally from Virginia and began riding at age 9. She grew up showing on her local-rated circuit.

She attended Virginia Intermont College where she received her Bachelors Degree in Equine Studies. This program focuses on riding, teaching and barn management.  After graduation she began teaching at a competitive Hunter Barn in Williamsburg, VA where she focused on the Beginner and Intermediate Program.

 Her next farm was located in Gloucester, VA, where she taught lessons as well as did training rides on client horses. She was given the opportunity to work with young/unstarted, and green horses.

She then moved on to Wingmont Stables, where she worked with young Dressage prospects as well as client horse training rides.

After moving to South Carolina, she has had other various barn work jobs, which has given her an eye for detail as well as extensive work handing horses on the ground. She has been working for Emerald Leaf Stables for several years. She has three children of her own, so is wonderful with children and has a positive, nurturing teaching style that makes young children as well as nervous riders feel comfortable! We are fortunate to have Tara with all of her years of experience at Emerald Leaf!