Merry Harding began riding at an early age—by the time she was two, she had her first pony, Surprise, fondly remembered as the best babysitter her mother ever had. Growing up in Upper Brookville, she spent every spare moment at a neighboring farm, riding from morning to dusk. She quickly became the go-to test rider for off-track Thoroughbreds, helping assess their potential and temperament.

From early on, Merry understood that true horsemanship lies in making even the most challenging horses look effortless. At just 11 years old, she became a working student under renowned trainer Eddie Horowitz. This experience gave her the chance to work with top-level horses and show on the A-rated circuit through catch rides.

After high school and two years of college, she returned to the show ring, working for Pine Hollow Stables alongside Eddie and his clients. After several years on the show circuit, Merry settled into a more grounded lifestyle, taking on a role at Brookville Animal Hospital as a veterinary technician and office manager—while always staying connected to the equestrian world.

Eventually, she accepted a position as Assistant Manager and Trainer at Bright Side Farm, where her natural ability to connect with both young riders and green horses flourished. In time, she fulfilled a lifelong dream by opening Northern Ridge Stables in Watermill, NY.

At Northern Ridge, visitors are greeted with a warm smile and a strong sense of purpose. Merry believes in the power of hard work, consistency, and compassion—and she instills these values in every student, staff member, and horse she works with.

 

Samantha Ramsay joins the NRS team with over two decades of experience riding, competing, and training at the highest levels of show jumping. She began her riding career at age 7 and grew up in the heart of the sport in Wellington, Florida. As a junior, she spent her final two years riding with Beacon Hill Show Stables as a working student, earning top results including 5th at USET Finals (2009), 6th in the George Morris Equitation Championship (2009), 8th in the Gladstone Cup (2010), and placing in the top 25 at the Medal Finals.

After aging out, Samantha went on to ride professionally for Olympic gold medalist Chris Kappler from 2011–2013. During that time, she developed young horses (5-, 6-, and 7-year-olds) for the Kamines—owners of Royal Kaliber—and competed at the Young Horse Finals at the Hampton Classic. Under Chris’s guidance, she also jumped her first Grand Prix.

In 2013, Samantha joined Cara Raether’s program in Bedford, NY and began training with John and Beezie Madden. Over the next three years, she gained international mileage, traveling across Europe and to Spruce Meadows, where she earned a win in the 1.30m. One of her standout results came in 2015, finishing 2nd in the 7-Year-Old Young Jumper Final at the Hampton Classic aboard Dartagnan.

From 2017 to 2021, Samantha worked with Stonehenge Stables, where she transitioned into training riders while continuing to compete in national Grand Prix and FEI classes. In 2021, she relocated to Chicago and has since built a thriving training program focused on developing both horse and rider from the children’s jumpers to the 1.40m level. Her students have earned major placings at top shows and finals across the country, including:

  • 3rd & 4th at Maclay Regionals

  • 10th in the George Morris Equitation Championship

  • 2nd in the Sam Edelman Equitation Championship at Hampton Classic

  • Top 10 placings in the Gladstone Cup and Taylor Harris Finals

  • Numerous wins from WEF to Michigan

Samantha continues to compete in the young jumpers and hunters while maintaining a hands-on, personalized approach to training riders and horses for long-term success in the sport.