Staff

With 40 plus years of riding and competing under her belt, Suzanne has gained a broad range of experience.

Born into a Horse Racing family (Landy Stables of Chicago, Illinois), Suzanne’s first experience on a horse was at about 18 months of age when her father put her on a horse in the Winners’ Circle at Arlington Park Race Rack. That was it! All she could talk about was horses from that point on.

After years of pony rides, lessons began at Blue Ribbon Stables. Later, Suzanne became a member of the Wayne-DuPage Hunt Pony Club and the Wayne DuPage Hunt where she got her first taste of true horsemanship.

As a junior rider, Suzanne competed all over Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, and East Coast.

Over the years, Suzanne has had some amazing trainers who have influenced her education and have inspired her. Working with the likes of Tommy MacIntyre, Janet Christie, Charles McDaniel, Colonel John Russell and Richard Zimmerman on a regular basis have shaped her as a rider and competitor. Clinics have also been an important experience. Over the years, Suzanne has participated in Jumping and Equitation clinics with Conrad Homfeld, Michael Matz, Kip Rosenthal, and Jane Healey. Suzanne encourages her students to participate in clinics regularly. Plans are in the works for a Jumping Clinic with FEI level Show Jumper Ragan Roberts.

In 1975, Suzanne began studying Dressage at Lamplight Equestrian Center and competed in a few shows. Today, she continues to study Dressage and frequently brings FEI Level Clinicians to Bel Canto. Most recently, Bel Canto has hosted Ms. Andrea Curlook from Toronto Canada and Reinhard A. Dorsch from San Antonio. Suzanne believes that the best trainers continue to learn, study, and share their knowledge with their students.

Suzanne Has competed on the THJA “A” Circuit since about 1984. Since 2000, she has proudly served on the THJA Board of Directors.

Suzanne has been teaching since 1977. As an advanced Pony Clubber in Illinois,
Part of her learning experiences included working with handicapped and disabled riders in the area. Since then, she has volunteered with Special Olympics both in Illinois and in Texas.

In addition to riding, Suzanne has a career in Advertising and Marketing. She is also a Certified Personal Trainer, Marathon Coach, and musician. Suzanne can be heard playing Chamber Music with her quartet The Dripping Strings and with The Starlight Symphony Orchestra in Wimberley, Texas.

Allen Griffith began riding in the Houston area at the age of 12, and eight years later, transitioned from the Western to the English disciplines. He moved to Austin to attend The University of Texas in 1979, and has been active in hunter and jumper circles since that time. He brings a diverse horse industry resume with 40 years of experience that ranges from his early days as a working student, groom and braider, to amateur exhibitor and local horse show judge, and currently, to trainer and riding instructor. In addition to local and statewide participation in the sport, his responsibilities have taken him throughout the country as a participant at A-Rated shows from one coast to the other.

Allen has concentrated on riding instruction since 2002, specializing in hunters and equitation. His sense of humor and patience make him popular among his young charges, with many excelling under his guidance. It is to these students and their families, and the trainers that have shaped him, that he offers his deepest gratitude. Allen is currently serving a term as vice president for the Central Texas Hunter and Jumper Association. He is also a graphic designer and is assisted with riding lessons, and in life, by his joyful red heeler, Fern. We are so happy and fortunate to be able to have Allen step in as a guest instructor at Bel Canto Farms.

Elizabeth has grown up around horses her entire life. While her background is in Hunters, she is schooled in Dressage and has also tried her hand at Barrel Racing. Her well rounded background and enthusiasm for each of the Bel Canto horses make her the perfect is exemplified in the quality of her work. Elizabeth has been training with Suzanne since 2006.