Staff Page

Executive Director – Jo Anne Miller

            Eighteen years ago we bought a farm in Bedford County, and over dinner my wonderful Vet and I were talking.  “What, take in lame horses, are you crazy?”  These were my exact words, and 2 years later Brook Hill Retirement Center for Horses was created.  He, and eventually I, saw the need of the thousands of lame horses needing a place to recover.  With my background in corporate management, dealing with lameness issues, and with a BA in education, we founded the programs leading to our success.  During our early years we were amazed at how these horses healed with the help of our volunteers and youth.  The horses were able to go on and lead productive lives, and the children involved grew into strong, confident, caring adults.  To date, we have placed over 321 horses into loving homes! 

Tracy Russler - Assistant Executive Director

            Growing up on a farm, Tracy is a natural fit for our program.   A horse enthusiast with a BA in business administration, Tracy is a founding member.  She is in charge of the day to day operation of the facility, by managing the office and maintaining our website.  She also runs the Brook Hill Farm 4-H Horse and Pony Club.

Penny Hawes – Trainer/Riding Instructor

Penny has a special place in her heart for rehabilitated horses, as she has done most of her competing on her own rescue projects.  She is a graduate of the Talland School of Equitation in England where she received her  BHSAI. The BHSAI certificate is awarded to candidates who have successfully achieved the BHS Horse Knowledge, Care and Riding Stage 3, hold a Preliminary Teacher’s Certificate and have submitted a fully completed Coaching Portfolio or have logged 500 hours teaching.   She herself competed in eventing, dressage, show jumping and side saddle, and is presently pursuing her USDF “'L" judges license.

 
Jay Miller – Field Control

With his wife in charge of the program, it naturally has become his job to look after the property and fields.  He also assists in the general care of the horses.

Tomi Kaiser - Natural Horsemanship

Tomi came to us in 2009 with a passion for working with rescue horses and a desire to learn more about rehabilitation. Using natural horsemanship training techniques, she helps us with initial temperament evaluations and begins ground training accordingly to the evaluation on each new arrival, and with some of our older equine residents that simply need a refresher course.

Betty Zaring

Betty , a founding member of Brook Hill Farm,  re- joins the staff  to help with special projects, individual and team development.  A graduate of Lynchburg College where she was on their first equestrian team in association with  RMWC , Betty received a Masters degree in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University and is a licensed clinical social worker and certified case manager.   After several years away due to a back injury.  she has returned very impressed with the growth of the programs and the numerous opportunities offered to youth and adults. “Brook Hill  is a living demonstration of how a dream can become a reality”.

 

Steve Glover  - Farm Manager

            Steve volunteers his time doing whatever is needed, from fence repair to feeding and caring for our rescues. He is a valuable member of our team.