Amy Hanssen Training Center, Middleport, NY - English~Western~Training~Lessons~Boarding~ Quality Horses Bought, Sold, Traded, Summer Horse Camp

HISTORY OF OUR FARM

Amy Hanssen’s Training Center was established in 1986, although the history of this family owned farm goes back much farther. The farm was originally established in 1832 by Amy’s great-great grandfather, John Bowerman, who worked draft horses and cattle.

In the early 1950’s the farm was sold to Les Bowerman, Amy's grandfather. He established Colonial Ridge Stables and had one of the largest tack shops and riding stables in the state. In addition, he bought and sold horses on a daily basis, never having less than 150 head.

photo of Amy Hanssen and family Amy’s parents, Bob and Bonnie Hanssen continued the horse business by buying the farm in the late 1960’s. The tack shop and riding stable blossomed throughout the years. In the late 1970’s they built a boarding barn and an indoor arena, one of the first in WNY.

Amy knew, after watching her parents run the farm and with her involvement with horses, that she wanted to be the next generation to continue the family business. In the late 1980’s Amy and her brother decided to split the farm, with her taking on the horses. Even though she was young, she had the knowledge, experience and family training and support to successfully continue the business.

AMY HANSSEN TRAINING CENTER TODAY

Amy Hanssen, Owner/Trainer and Virginia Beaton, Assistant Trainer

Amy Hanssen Training Center, Inc. is run by
Amy Hanssen-Keyes, Owner/Trainer (left) and
Virginia Beaton, Assistant Trainer (right).

Amy Hanssen, Owner/Trainer
Amy has over 35 years of riding experience and has owned and operated the family farm for the last 21. Amy is an AQHA Professional Horseman and competitor. She has served as a Director on the board for the Western New York Quarter Horse Association for over 10 years. Other club memberships include Empire State Quarter Horse Association (ESQHA) and the National Snaffle Bit Association (NSBA).

Virginia Beaton, Assistant Trainer
Virginia has been involved with Amy and the horses for 20 years now making these two a fantastic duo! She helps with the training of the horses and also the riding lessons, both beginner and advanced. She competes at the AQHA shows in the professional classes, earning many awards and accomplishments. Virginia has been a director for the WNYQHCI for the past several years. She too is a member of ESQHA and NSBA.

Both Amy and Virginia take pride in the training center, their training program for both horse and rider and the atmosphere that has been created at the farm. They are extremely proud of their accomplishments as well as the accomplishments of their customers and students. They work extra hard, pay attention to detail and are exceptionally professional and honest. Most important, each and every student and client are equally important to them.

From Amy: “One of my main goals in this business is to continue the family’s legacy with the same dignity, perfection and pride as my parents and grandfather. The training center has grown throughout the years. My husband’s love, support and hard work has helped the farm to grow. Also, Virginia’s dedication and patience to my business and family is greatly appreciated. I’m hoping when my children are grown, my husband and I will have the same wonderful stories and memories to tell them, as I have had told to me."