Cantera staff members all share a passion for horses, the equine industry, leadership for children and adults, and a desire to have solid riding instruction taught. They all recognize the difference horses make in people's lives. They have enjoyed developing a place that has a community atmosphere, teaches solid horsemanship skills, develops good riders, and through the vehicle of horses develops good people. Both young and old benefit from the lessons learned at the barn. The idea of Cantera was born, and the program has thrived since its inception in 2013 in developing riders with a solid riding foundation, good horsemanship, and overall good human beings.
Julie Kennedy: Owner
Summer Camp Coordinator/Clinics/Billing/equine bodywork
Julie's love of horses began at the early age of 4 when she rode a pony named Jack. Finally able to convince her parents of the need for riding lessons Julie really began riding in the 3rd grade. She spent her youth growing as a rider and competing in horse shows. She was also a proud 9 year 4-H member. Julie has shared her love of horses with her 2 sons and daughter. Julie's business background prior to Cantera includes managing customer care and billing teams in corporate America. She is a licensed Large Animal Masage Therapist specializing in structural integration. Julie keeps our horses feeling in top shape. In addition to her duties at Cantera, Julie has a busy equine bodywork business and is involved in Pony Club, and volunteers for the CCEHC Adopt A Horse Program as she is able. Julie has a heart for youth leadership and helping horses in need.
Annemarie Taylor
Owner/Trainer/IEA Head Coach
Annemarie Taylor grew up and learned to ride on the East Coast. She started riding at 6 years old and has never stopped. Her 30+ years of horse experience has taken her to many places and introduced her to many disciplines including hunt seat equitation, fox hunting, eventing, flat and timber racing. She showed on the local and rated circuit as a child in Maryland and the surrounding states. Her love of horses did not stop in college where she earned a BS in Animal Science and rode on the University of Delaware Equestrian team. After college she ran her own boarding and lesson facility teaching young riders and training horses. Ten years ago she and her husband moved to Vancouver, WA to follow a job. They decided to start a family and Annemarie went back to school to pursue a Master's degree in education. In addition to teaching horseback riding lessons Annemarie is also a high school teacher at Mt. View High School where she teaches Animal Science, Veterinary Science and is the FFA Advisor.