Always Faithful Equestrian Club “AFEC” partners with top-tier professionals to provide integrated training for the rider and the highest quality equine care and management for their equestrian partners. We uphold the highest level of respect for the horse, rider, staff, and the sport; at all times. Our equine management and training program “EMTP” incorporates best-in-class practices, builds training foundations required for safe riding, continued learning, and sustainable growth. The rider and trainer collaborate directly to determine objectives, identify strengths, and determine areas of opportunity. Each rider’s inherent learning style (visual, auditory, tactile) is incorporated into their customized training program, specifically tailored to include show schedules that match the rider’s ability, and alignment with achievable goals.
Our show jumping equestrians compete in a variety of hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions at A/AA shows regionally, nationally, and across North America and Canada. Each year, several AFEC riders qualify and compete at select shows including Devon, Kentucky Pony Finals, FEI/North American Youth Championships (Young Riders), Harrisburg, Washington, and the National Horse Show.
Pursuing Passion and Realizing Results
Securing the right equine partner is a critical aspect for equestrian athletes to achieve their goals. Serving as trusted advisors, Always Faithful professionals are committed to achieving consistent success in sourcing properly matched equine partners. Our team is exceptionally knowledgeable, vigilant, and devoted to maintaining soundness, wellness, and specialized training of these elite equine athletes, ensuring their health, well-being, and readiness to successfully train and compete.
Train With The Best
Charlise Casas
Charlise Casas is a dedicated and accomplished young professional and a trainer at Always Faithful. Under the mentorship of Kent Farrington, Charlise has spent the past 13 years working alongside him and the KPF team, gaining invaluable experience in the development of top sport horses and riders.
After graduating from Northwestern University and turning professional, Charlise has built a successful career focused on developing young horses, competing at FEI events across the country, and coaching riders of all levels. She is passionate about helping each horse-and-rider partnership reach its fullest potential through individualized training programs that emphasize confidence, correct fundamentals, and a strong connection between horse and rider.
As a junior and young rider, Charlise earned two Team Gold Medals representing Zone 5 at the North American Youth Championships and proudly represented the United States at the FEI Youth Nations Cup Final. She also finished Reserve Champion at the prestigious ASPCA Maclay Finals under the guidance of Andre Dignelli.
As a professional, Charlise has continued to achieve success at the highest levels of the sport. Career highlights include winning the $75,000 FEI 2* Grand Prix at Spruce Meadows, capturing the $117,000 FEI 3* Grand Prix in Traverse City, and earning numerous National Grand Prix victories at premier venues across North America. Known for her thoughtful horsemanship, competitive drive, and commitment to excellence, Charlise brings a wealth of experience to Always Faithful and is dedicated to helping both horses and riders achieve their goals at every stage of development.
Kent Farrington
AFEC is proud of its integrated training program with Kent Farrington. A Chicago native, Kent is an Olympic silver medalist in show jumping who earned the elite status as the number one ranked show jumper in the world, for eleven consecutive months. He is also the winner of the 2019 Rolex Grand Prix at CHIO Aachen, revered by many to be the most prestigious win in the sport of show jumping.
Kent and his team are passionate about helping dedicated riders grasp their potential while creating an environment for horses to thrive as top athletes. As Kent explained at the 2012 George Morris Horsemanship Training Session, “I keep it pretty simple. Training horses is like anything—it’s all about being consistent. You do the same thing training the same way every single day—it becomes a habit. Horses understand that.”
To learn more about Kent’s style of teaching at the 2012 and 2018 George Morris Horsemanship Training Sessions, read Building Blocks of Success by the Chronicle of the Horse and Train What’s Difficult by Practical Horseman or visit his website at www.kentfarrington.com.
To learn more about AFEC Equine Management and Training Program (EMTP), please contact us.
Riding Academy
Always Faithful Riding Academy (“AFRA”) was established to provide an opportunity for young riders to develop the knowledge, training, and sportsmanship required to safely pursue the joy of riding. Our students experience the wonder, trust, and gratification of embracing these magnificent animals as partners and friends. The Academy provides a fun, engaging, personalized, and progressive program for emerging equestrians.
Students advance at their own pace, with peers who share a passion for horses, and each learn how to:
- Care for a horse: basic anatomy, grooming, nutrition, daily care needs, and tack used for safe riding
- Develop horsemanship: delicate balance between power and grace to effectively work together
- Expand sportsmanship: humble confidence earned through commitment, accountability, discipline, kindness, contribution, and teamwork
Our riders compete in a variety of hunter, jumper, and equitation divisions at A/AA shows regionally, nationally, and across North America and Canada. Many riders qualify and compete at shows such as Devon, Kentucky Pony Finals, FEI/North American Youth Championships (Young Riders), Harrisburg, Washington, and the National Horse Show.
Professional training, dedicated horse care, and personalized equine management programs incorporate best-in-class practices, continuous improvement, consistently striving to be better, and mutual trust. Training principles focus on understanding each rider’s learning style while upholding the highest level of respect for the horse, riders, and the sport. A critical aspect of attaining elevated performance and achieving goals for an equestrian competitor is securing the right equine partners. Serving as trusted advisors, Always Faithful professionals are committed to achieving consistent success in sourcing properly matched equine partners. Our team is devoted to the vigilant maintenance of soundness, wellness, and specialized training of these elite equine athletes, ensuring their health and readiness to successfully compete.
Contact Us for additional information or to apply to Always Faithful Riding Academy.
