The Equestrian Reserve - Our Staff

Donna Romeu is the Founder/Director of The Equestrian Reserve. Because of her previous years as a teacher and elementary school principal in the school system, she has truly created a unique equestrian academy and horseback riding school that has sound educational practices with safety always at the forefront. Her career as an educator is extensive as well as her years of affiliation with 4-H, Pony Club of America, CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association), AQHA, CQHA, and GQHA. She has trained young horses from the ground up and has competed extensively with numerous Championship titles.  Her passion now is to see that each of her riding students succeed with their own individual goals with horses. Whether it is for pleasure, enjoyment or to be highly competitive, Donna takes a special interest in each individual student.  Parents can schedule conferences to set goals or meet at any time to address any concerns.  This is your school!  This is the place where we don’t just say we have a program to fit your goals and desires but where we make sure it does happen.  Read more about Donna’s philosophy by returning to the home page and clicking on About The Equestrian Reserve.

Cari is the Cari is the Manager of Riding School Lessons Program as well as teaching additional adult and show team lessons. She has been riding since she was 8 has competed in the Buckskin circuit, very similar to AQHA. She has competed in all events from showmanship, reining, trail, English, jumping, Western to speed events. She has won numerous awards in IBHA including Circuit Champion Barrels and Poles as well as holding the 2006 National Honor Roll for both Barrels and Poles on a horse she trained. In high school she was the president of her local 4-H Club. Her horse was her best friend growing up and the relationship with that horse has helped mold her into the Equestrian she is today. She continued her college studies majoring in Equine Science. Her passion is helping her riders grow and develop into accomplished equestrians.

Nicole (Niki) McDonnell comes to us from Boston, Massachusetts. She was ranked 5th in the Nation by the United States Eventing Association (USEA) in 2010 with her horse, Satchmo whom she raised and trained herself and is now in the lesson program here at The Equestrian Reserve. Niki has successfully competed nationally in Eventing, Dressage, and Hunter Jumpers. Champion several times in IEA at the collegiate level in Hunter Equitation and Hunter Over Fences. She has traveled all over the country competing and training with top riders in the world, several who have competed in the Olympics. She has also enjoyed long distance endurance trail riding and competing in Hunter Paces. Niki has a Bachelors Degree in Equine Facilitated Psychotherapy (EFP) and has combined her education in psychology, special education and equine studies with her lifetime of horse experience to effectively instruct her riding lesson students and help them reach their goals. She loves to help riders learn, grow and evolve into accomplished equestrians. Come see her do yoga with her horse too!

Hannah Houston

Hannah Houston has been riding at the Equestrian Reserve since she was 9 years old, more than twelve years ago where she competed on our show team for 4 years. In 2011, she and Sunny were Year-End Champion in the Western Riding Division and the Open Western Division. Hannah has been an Assistant Instructor since 2010. While in high school, Hannah worked 20+ hours a week while maintaining a 97% CNA (Cumulative Numeric Average) and has been an honors student for all 4 years of high school. Now as a senior in college Hannah continues to teach at The Equestrian Reserve one weekend a month and coaches our show team. Most summers she is a full time instructor always working to enhance her students' love of horses instilling the love of horses.