Mary Herbert - Founder & Director

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Mary Herbert founded Forrestel in 1980. She is a fifth generation member of the family which built Forrestel Farm into the magnificent working farm and summer camp that it is today.

An Experienced Horsewoman and Dedicated Camp Director

Mary Herbert is an accomplished rider with many successful years competing in shows and events. A graduate of Boston College, Mary oversees every facet of Forrestel, working year-round to assure campers have fun-filled programs with an outstanding staff.

My love affair with horses began at an early age! I received my first horse when I was fourteen. Competing in shows as a young adult gave me the experience to direct the riding lesson program for the nationally recognized Hurdle Hill Farm. At the 1978 opening of the Kentucky Horse Park, I was asked to be a score-board keeper for the World Event.

I started Forrestel in the summer of 1980. Since then, I’ve never looked back! I continued to pursue horsemanship with the masters, apprenticing with Olympian Edith Master and then Sydley Paine. Now, I spend more time teaching than riding, but I wouldn’t have it any other way! What’s better than sharing what you love with people that are dear to you?


Kathryn Ferry - Riding Director

I’m Kat, and I have been riding director at Forrestel since 2008.

I graduated from university in 2006 with a degree in Early Childhood and Curriculum Studies and also have a Diploma in Childcare and Education.
I started riding at age 7, and I love teaching children to ride. I have worked in various equine disciplines; racing, eventing, driving and teaching. I coach our own Forrestel IEA high and middle school team here at the farm, as well as regular lessons year round.
My goal is to create a fun, enjoyable, and safe place where your children can learn and progress in their own riding and overall camp experience. Looking forward to seeing everyone this summer!


Becky Whittaker

Becky Whittaker

Hi everyone! My name Becky I’m 22 and I am from England, I was a counsellor back in 2016 but I have had a few years out to complete my degree in Equine Therapy and Rehabilitation so some of you may already know me

Anika Koerfer

Anika Koerfer

Anika Koerfer

Hi! I’m Anika and I’m 20 years old! I’ve been coming to camp since I was about 10 years old. 
I just graduated with a masters in Education, and currently looking for a job, so i will try to be at Forrestel as often as i can this summer!
I love everything about camp- the counselors, the campers and all the animals (If you’re ever looking for Harvey- you can definitely find him by my side no matter where I am). I’ve been counting down the days until camp starts again this summer, so I hope you’re all just as excited! See you there!!

Katie Kovar

Katie Kovar

Hello! My name is Katie and I was a camper at Forrestel 8 years ago and I’m so excited to be returning for my first year as a counselor! I’m in graduate school and living in Baltimore, Maryland right now. I’m ready to create new memories and meet a lot of new people! I can’t wait!


Lauren Hull

Lauren Hull

Hi!
My name is Lauren, I am 19 years old and I am from LeRoy, New York. I’m a Fine Arts and Design major at Genesee Community College, and I am so excited to be part of the Arts and Crafts program at Forrestel this summer! I love to ride my horses

Keyla Toribio

Keyla Toribio

Hey there! My name is Keyla, I’m 22 years old, and this is my first year at Forrestel. I am originally from NYCand currently attend SUNYBrockport. I am on both the English and Western Equestrian Teams there, along with being the Vice President of the Club. I have been riding competitively for 2 years now and can’t imagine life without riding. I used to be on a crew team and have always tried to stay active, so I am happy to have the opportunity to be outdoors this summer and do a variety of activities. I can’t wait to start and I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!

Troy Callard

Troy Callard

Hi, my name is Troy and i will be back at camp this year as the waterfront director. My dog Biff and I are excited for another fun filled summer after we get back to New York from our annual road trip rodeo from Reno, Nevada. See you this summer!


Verity Moore

Verity Moore

Hi! My name is Verity I am 20 years old and From Medina, NY! I have a passion for horses and love anything that has to do with the outdoors! I also love traveling. I’ve had a chance to see quite a bit of this beautiful country as well as several others, including the island of Fiji. I am so excited about this opportunity to spend my summer at Forrestel! Absolutely cannot wait to meet everyone and have a blast with you all!

Melanie Klossner

Melanie Klossner

Hello , my name is Mel! This will be my first year as a riding camp counselor. I am from Brockport, NY. I am 19 years old. I have been riding my entire life. I have driven miniature horses competitively in the past few years, competed in IHSA for Brockport College’s Western Team, ride English, and have done some barrel racing. I am so excited to make memories with the campers, fellow counselors, and the horses!

Ellie Houghton

Ellie Houghton

Hi, I’m Ellie. I’m 22 years old and from England. This will be my first summer at Forrestel and I am super excited to get involved, meet you all, and be surrounded by horses!


Lauren Prescott

Lauren Prescott

Hi my name is Lauren. I love riding and spending my days at the yard; my main disciplines are dressage and show jumping. I’m so excited to meet everyone and spend my first summer at Forrestel!

Uno Valentine

Uno Valentine

Hi everyone, my name is Uno! Some of you might recognize me from my years at Forrestel as a JC/camper, but I’m so excited to be back as a counselor this year! I live in upstate NY but will be moving in the fall for college. I’ve been riding horses for about 12 years and I can’t wait to teach you more about my favorite sport this summer:) I’m going to give Mary a run for her money as Rolex’s biggest fan! Can’t wait to see you all soon!!

Aly Haessly

Aly Haessly

Hello! My name is Aly. I am from Marietta, Ohio and i’m a lifelong animal lover! This will be my first summer at camp and i’m very exited to meet everyone!


Seline Eikhoudt

Seline Eikhoudt

Hey there! My name is Seline Eikhoudt and I am so excited to be a part of the staff at Forrestel this summer! I am a NZ kiwi and this will be my first time visiting America. I can’t wait to explore and meet new people while I’m there. I love anything to do with the outdoors even if I haven’t tried it, I am always up for a challenge to experience new things! Although I am often keen to chill out with my guitar and making new art. As well as people, I value the company of any animal around.
See you guys soon!!

Poppy Sheffield

Poppy Sheffield

Hi Guys i’m Poppy , I am 21 years old and I come from England. This is my fourth year at Forrestel and this year I will be Kat’s sidekick, AKA the assistant Riding Director. I’m super excited to see everyone and have the best summer ever! Also can’t wait to see all my fav horses and ponies, especially Thunder!

Harvey Wilson

Harvey Wilson

Again?!? Who keeps inviting this guy?? Hey guys!! I’m Harvey Wilson and this will be my third year coming to Forrestel


Georgia Roud

Georgia Roud

Hi guys, I’m Georgia, I’m 22 years old, from New Zealand. This is my second year at Forrestel as a sports counselor. This year i will also be head counselor and campsite director, so you can guarantee every campfire will be lit :-) I can’t wait to see everyone again, especially my favourite Canoe, Sunshine, as well as meeting some new faces! See you all soon!

Jess Smith

Jess Smith

Hi! My name is Jess, I am 21 years old and from England. This is my first year at Forrestel, and I’ll be working in the riding programme. Can’t wait to meet you all!

Will Bellen

Will Bellen

Hello everyone! My name is Will Bellan. I’m 20yrs old and from Medina, NY. That being said I’m so, so thrilled to be apart of the wonderful staff here at Forrestel Riding and Sports camp, this Summer 2019!! I’m happy to announce that I will be one of the riding counselors. This will be my first summer here at Forrestel. I look forwards to a great, fun packed, memorable summer with you all! Can’t wait!! Well that’s it for now, see you all soon, bye bye:)

Rachael McIntyre

Rachael McIntyre

Hey guys im Rachael, 19 years old from New Zealand. I cant wait to come back for a second year at Forrestel and see everyone!! Hopefully verity brings back my favourite boy blue but if not ill settle for the rest of my 58 favourites

Beth Elms

Beth Elms

Hi everyone! I’m Beth! I’m 23 years old from Kent, England. This is going to be my second year at Forrestel, so those of you who came to camp last year will recognize me as a riding counselor! I’ve been working at a farm in England playing with foals and hanging out with my weenie dog, but I’m so excited to come back and be reunited with my favourite ponies! See you all soooon!!!!

Emma Hicklin

Emma Hicklin

Hi Everyone I am Emma, I am 23 and from Nottingham England. Last year I completed an Equine Science Degree and this will be my first summer at Forrestel. I love working with horses and I am excited to experience camp this summer. Can’t wait to meet you all!