Equestrian Services, LLC Appoints Michele Schwartz As Architect and Equine Planner

Firm Expands Staff To Address Growing Interest in Equestrian Amenities for Residential Developments

(Charlottesville, Virginia - April 12, 2007) Equestrian Services, LLC, the provider of turn-key equestrian amenities for communities and resorts throughout the United States, announces that Michele Schwartz has joined the company as Architect and Equine Planner, where she will design equestrian facility site layouts and provide architectural consultation for the associated buildings.

Schwartz is a Registered Architect in Virginia and Indiana with more than 10 years of experience in the field including projects in the education, civic, health care, residential and commercial markets.

“It’s an exciting time to be part of equestrian development,” says Schwartz. “As an avid rider, I am delighted to help Equestrian Services conceive and build top-notch horse amenities. This company has such a commitment to ensuring both horse and rider have access to the highest quality facilities.”

“I have always been interested in horses and design, so you could say this opportunity had my name written on it,” she adds.

Schwartz comes to Equestrian with impressive credentials, including a degree in architecture from Kent State University. While at Kent, Schwartz participated in the study-abroad program in Florence, Italy. She has also attended various continuing education seminars and conferences on Land Planning, Urban Planning, Sustainable Design, and Solar Energy.

From a young age, Schwartz has ridden horses, including stints as a riding instructor and horse camp instructor. Additionally, Schwartz and her horse, Jet Set, competed at the very first American Eventing Championships. Michele is also Assistant Editor for Optimum Times, the USEA Area II quarterly newsletter, and she is an active Area II Adult Rider member.

“I empathize with other equestrians who experience decreased opportunities to ride either due to time constraints, increased family commitments or even just lack of land to ride on,” notes Schwartz. “Horse communities, with planned and managed facilities, including trails throughout the community, are increasingly popular among today’s horse lovers. These equestrian communities help make enjoying horses easier.”

Nearly two million people own the 9.2 million horses in the United States, with another two million people involved as equestrian volunteers or engaged in the equestrian lifestyle through family affiliation, according to the American Horse Council Foundation (AHCF). Horseback riding is among the five fastest-growing sports in the U.S.

Equestrian Services’ partners, John Lyons (“America’s Most Trusted Horseman™”) and Olympians Karen and David O’Connor, exclusively offer the world’s first branded equestrian facilities and amenities to builders and developers seeking to tap into the growing equestrian market. Modeled on successful golf-industry branding and management concepts, such as Arnold Palmer's or Jack Nicklaus' golf-course communities, Equestrian Services offers developers the opportunity to create a community under a Signature Equestrian Facility brand that is associated with world-renowned equestrian experts.

Equestrian Services’ Lyons and O’Connor Signature Equestrian Facilities are currently being considered in Virginia, California and Florida. The first O’Connor Signature Brand will be featured at The Oaks, a 1,220-acre site in Lake City, FL, and it will showcase a cross-country course designed by David O'Connor. This facility will open in the summer of 2007.