THE EXPERIENCE
IN THEIR WORDS
SUNNY STEVENS
INSTRUCTOR, STEVEHAVEN STABLES
I have attended horse shows at Wills Park Equestrian Center since it was created by Fulton County in the early 1970’s. It started out with one ring and a large rolling field used as an “outside course” where the covered arena now sits. Barns A, B, and C were eventually built. The facility was used by many local organizations to do a one-day horse show on the weekends. During the eighties, the addition of the middle rings and more stabling allowed for larger, nationally rated horse shows. I am excited to see that major improvements are now in the works to improve some of the aging parts of Wills Park, upgrades that will encourage us all to continue to support this facility.
TERRY BROWN
SHOWCASE
Wills Park Equestrian Center holds many cherished family moments, along with numerous personal riding milestones for countless accomplished riders across the Southeast. Since the early 70’s the facility has hosted several top shows boasting nationwide participation. So for many reasons, Wills Park Equestrian Center holds a special place in my heart.
PAT BORDERS
SCHS
The Southeastern Charity Horse Show was held at Wills Park Equestrian Center from 1983 to 1994. Numerous world champions would show there every year, and everyone enjoyed wonderful hospitality under the blue and white striped tent on the hill overlooking the covered arena. During several years the proceeds benefited the Shepherd Center of Atlanta. The large attendance (both locally and out of state) alerted local officials to the real possibility of rural Alpharetta and Wills Park becoming an equestrian destination!
NANCY BOGGIO
ARBOR HILL FARM
Wills Park has always been such a wonderful part of my children’s early riding life. My son Chase has done the lead line through Grand Prix there. They used to hold a few big Grand Prix throughout the year and drew a fantastic spectator crowd of horse people and non-horse people. It would be wonderful to bring that back again!
HEATHER STEINMAN
HMS STABLES
Wills Park is always a great experience. I remember when Wills Park brought in people from all around and large crowds to watch big Grand Prix classes – I would love to see that again. My customers and I feel so fortunate to have a wonderful facility so close to home. With great show management and a community that always backs the park, we look forward to showing at Wills Park for years and years to come.
LINDSAY HASELDEN
HASELDEN EQUESTRIAN
Wills Park Equestrian Center has been an important destination for our family for over 20 years. I started riding there at the age of 12, and now my daughter Ryan has joined the ranks of pony kids that show there. For the equestrian community, this is a monument to the sport that we all love and a place that families and children call home
KAREN BOYSEN
CENTURIAN FARM
Thirteen years ago, I moved from Ohio to Georgia; and Wills Park quickly became my home away from home. One year I actually spent 22 weekends showing at Wills Park! With my customers, we have made tremendous memories at these shows. This is a truly unique facility and something to be treasured for years to come.
JAMIE BICE
JAID STABLES
I personally have been showing at Wills Park since 1995. It has been a staple in my show experience and my love for the sport. We appreciate that the show is so accessible to our barn, and we enjoy the many restaurants in the area. We look forward to seeing all the improvements at Wills Park!
JULIE CURTIN
NEW VINTAGE FARM
Wills Park has always been a special place for me. It became our “home” when we needed a place for our horses to go after our barn fire. The facility and staff have always been so welcoming.
JANET SALEM & LAUREN KISSEL
PATCHWORK FARM
Our family has a long history with Wills Park. Janet grew up in the 70’s showing there and fondly remembers the “All Night” summer shows. At four years old, Lauren showed at the Rolling Hills series, followed by GHJA local shows. That tradition carries on today; Lauren’s 7-year-old daughter, Lila Kissel, has started her showing career in the beginner classes at Wills Park.
TAYLOR LAND
Wills Park was a cornerstone of my childhood equestrian experience and I cherish my memories of growing up there. The equestrian community in Georgia is vibrant and growing. Refurbishing this wonderful facility will enable the next generation of equestrians to flourish in our community for years to come!
ALISON COURTNEY
SEGARS STABLES
I began riding at Wills Park Equestrian Center in 1994. It was the ideal platform for my growth as a young equestrian. In many ways, this facility and the sport it celebrates saved my life. It gave me a sense of purpose and community at an age when so many need it. Now, I train and compete at the rated and local series hosted there. It’s so fulfilling to give my young students access to the same community and environment that molded me. That’s the best thing about Wills Park Equestrian Center: there is a place for everyone.
MEGAN O’DWYER THIEL
SHAMROCK MANOR EQUESTRIAN
Wills Park Equestrian Center is an asset to the City of Alpharetta in many ways. It is a hub for the local equestrian industry and draws horse show competitors from the entire Southeast. Improvements to the park will support higher quality horse shows, draw more revenue to the city and surrounding businesses and continue to support a thriving equestrian community.
