Our Team
Cortland (Brooks) Hendrick - Owner & Instructor/Trainer, Hunters/Jumpers/EventingARIA Certified Level III Hunt Seat & Show Jumping Instructor (Beginner thru Advanced - 4'6) Active USEF/USHJA Professional
Cortland grew up in Hunt Country Virginia. Her mother, an accomplished equestrian herself, had Cortland showing in walk-trot classes on her Anglo Arab Jumper at the age of four and she spent the rest of her childhood on the East Coast H/J circuits, did Vaulting on the national level, and later moved on to Eventing. Her vision to create a team ethos within the context of an "individual" sport has been realized here at Cornerstone. While she has turned out champion horses standing above 17 hands, at 5'1 she specializes in training award-winning pony hunters and her riders are recognized everywhere for outstanding equitation.
David Hendrick - Owner and Director
David has a full time job in collegiate ministry but offices from the Farm, where he can be found managing the books, taking care of horses and mucking stalls. As a bonafide "horse husband and show dad" he has long supported his wife (and now his kiddos) in their love of equestrian sports. David is also the director of Bridge the Divide, and our other charitable works. It is his desire to help make Cornerstone Farms a place for people to gather together and experience community. David has a Masters degree in Theology and infuses practical spirituality into the everyday work of the farm.
Debi Musel - Up & Down Instructor, Assistant to Everything
Debi grew up showing Hunter/Jumpers in Colorado, moved into Dressage as an adult and went on to running her own barn in Tampa, FL before joining us here at Cornerstone. Debi is responsible for the most important part of every student's education - the foundation - and is entrusted with teaching our Cornerstone riders everything they need to know "from the ground up" to grow into champions later on. The proud owner of Paige, she also helps to run Bridge the Divide each semester, heads up our 3-tier barn management team with David and Cortland and assists our show team at away shows when her daughter Morgan is competing.
Julie Simmons - Substitute Instructor, Hunters/Jumpers
Julie Simmons, a native Virginian herself, has been riding Hunters/Jumpers and participating in horse shows since 1988. She is a seasoned competitor and year end champion in both Jumpers and Adult Equitation. She serves as a substitute teacher when the show team is away and runs the gate at our shows! Julie enjoys foxhunting and taking care of her horses at home: Cinco and Rain.
