Gisele O’Grady
Gisele O’Grady is an experienced international rider and competitor. Originally from Cork, Ireland Gisele started riding at the age of 13 under the guidance of one of Ireland’s greats, Robert Splaine, Ireland’s Show Jumping Team’s Chef d’equipe. Her first job as a professional rider was schooling green horses for Allan and Aoife Mc Sweeney, who specialize in developing young horses for International Eventing Competitions. To broaden her experience she moved to New Zealand where she rode for Claire and Simon Wilson, who are FEI Jumper Competitors. Gisele has extensive experience ranging from developing babies to finishing horses for the show ring as well as being an active rider competing in the Hunter and Jumper rings at horse shows on the Local level through the A Circuit. Today, in addition to her riding duties, she also shares her experience working as a ground person and trainer helping other riders improve their skill sets. Clear View Farm is proud to have Ms. O’Grady as a member of our professional staff.
Leigh Rice
Leigh has been riding since 1984, showing since 1991. As a Junior, Leigh showed Ponies and Junior Hunters with Katie Huber and Stoneridge Farm. As an Amateur she showed with Frank and Vivian Willard in the Adults and A/O’s. Leigh began teaching and riding professionally in Virginia in 2008. She has earned multiple High Point Trainer awards at several local horse show series and her students have won top ribbons at shows from Upperville Colt & Horse Show to the prestigious Washington International Horse Show. Leigh moved to the Carolinas in 2017 and joined our team in 2018. Leigh has BA and MA degrees.
Jeanne Smith – Retired
Jeanne Smith founded Clear View Farm in 1980, establishing a standard of excellence in training and horsemanship before handing the reins over in 2021. An inductee into the Carolinas Show Hunter Hall of Fame and big “R” card holder, Jeanne will continue to serve the equestrian community as a clinician and judge.