Our Staff

 

Meet the Owners

Lisa & Roger Passavant
Rivendell Farm is a lifelong dream for Lisa. Riding, working, and showing horses since she was nine years old, Lisa recognizes the bond that develops between children and horses. It is that, coupled with her desire to let the magic of horses reach into the hearts of all, challenged and able bodied alike which serves as the guiding hand for our mission.

An open heart and a willing spirit are all she asks of the riders. The rest will happen on its own.

Roger's commitment to Rivendell Farm is evident in everything he does. Responsible for the entire property as well as individualized horse care, his meticulous attention to every detail and knowledge of property maintenance create the magical beauty that is "Rivendell Farm".

Tending to the rolling lawns, grass pastures, and riding arena's are secondary only to the care he gives each horse and attention he gives to each person. Loved by the "kids" and respected for all who know him, whether he is working on the property, working with the horses, or coaching the local soccer teams, Roger gives 100% to everything he does. His favorite saying; "30 days at Rivendell fixes everything".

Meet the Staff

Jennifer Sisk - Barn Manager, Head Trainer and Instructor
Jennifer is a pivotal part of Rivendell Farm. She has been riding since she was three years old and won four national titles by age twelve. Jennifer is full of drive and passion for horses as well as the riders she teaches. She previously owned her own horse facility for ten years before coming to Rivendell Farm.

While she excels in many aspects of the horse business, her strong points are in training horses and training her students how to get the most out of their horse. She has the patience and knowledge to teach all ages and all abilities. Jennifer teaches, Hunter/Jumper, English Equitation and Western Pleasure. Jennifer is also a therapeutic riding instructor.

Under her expertise many of her riders have qualified, competed and won in CHSA and CHJA finals. Jennifer is also a current member of CHSA, CHJA and USEF.

Christina Amato - Instructor
Teaching lessons at Rivendell Farm allows Christina to incorporate her love of horses and her love for children all into one package. A graduate from the University of Bridgeport, Christina holds a Master of Science degree in Elementary Education and currently teaches second grade in New Haven, CT.

Throughout high school and college, Christina was a member of the USPC and attributes her knowledge and experience to the opportunities this organization provided her with. Christina has been teaching riding lessons for ten years and is happy to be a part of the Rivendell team. She teaches Hunter/Jumper, English Equitation and Dressage.

Heather Navaratte - Instructor
As a 3-day event rider, Heather has traveled to many shows throughout regions 1 and 2, often winning in the most competitive events. She is passionate about her horses and her students and is working to achieve her goal of riding in the Olympics.

Heather has worked with top trainers including Kerry Millikin (who won a bronze medal in Atlanta in 1996). In addition to that goal, Heather continues to work closely with students to help them achieve their own goals.

She has been training horses and teaching students for over 10 years; she offers several disciplines, including jumpers, eventers and first level dressage. We are pleased to have Heather at Rivendell farm.

Lisa Kelly - Instructor
A NARHA certified instructor, Lisa’s high energy is contagious and her enthusiasm reaches all the kids under her instruction.  She is patient and confidant teaching young riders the building blocks they need to be become an accomplished rider. She has been riding and working around horses since the age of 10, riding/showing both English and Western. 

Lisa teaches Therapeutic lessons and beginner Western and English, her impressive credentials include;:

• Southern Connecticut University with a BS degree in Human Service/Therapeutic Recreation. 
• She has worked in the human service field for over 18 years as a  Program Director, a Vocational Coordinator, and a Case Manager, working with both, adults and children with disabilities.
• A therapeutic instructor for approximately 13 years. 
• I am a NARHA certified instructor and first aide and CPR certified.