Welcome Mill Creek's New Instructors: Ira Della Monica and Joe McKinley

IRA:

Ira Della Monica comes to Mill Creek with extensive riding, training and teaching experience in dressage, hunters, jumpers and equitation. She most recently worked for Show Jumping Olympian Mark Watring’s stables, as well as for Blakiston Ranch and Monte Nido Pony Club. She starting riding at a very young age and has competed in dressage shows, hunter/jumper shows and three-day events throughout her career.

Mill Creek is very lucky to have a rider/trainer with Ira’s in-depth and broad-based equestrian background joining our teaching staff. Ira is excited to be part of the Mill Creek family. Her talents and professionalism are a wonderful asset to our team.

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JOE:

Joe McKinley was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area and has been riding since the age of seven. He started working with Teresa Korol at the age of 10 and worked with her to compete through the Preliminary Level until leaving for college in 2001. He attended the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and graduated in 2005 with a B.S. degree. Upon returning from school, he began riding with Teresa again and working with her as an assistant. He has shown several horses for clients of Dayna Lynn Pugh and has schooled other clients’ horses up through intermediate level. Joe has a reputation for getting the job done with tact, finesse and a lovely quiet manner. Joe's riding technique encourages the horses to like and respect him.

Joe’s goal is to have another upper level horse and to help other riders reach their goals. Cory is very pleased to have a rider like Joe to school our jumping horses, and help train our event riders. Those of you who have the opportunity to work with Joe will benefit from his knowledge.