Equestrian Services, LLC Appoints Bridget Murphy As Operations Manager

Organization Continues to Expand Staff to Address Growing Interest in Equestrian Lifestyle

(Charlottesville, VA - May 9, 2007) Equestrian Services, LLC, the provider of turn-key equestrian amenities for communities and resorts throughout the United States, announces that Bridget Murphy has joined the organization as Operations Manager, overseeing the organization’s business management, including communicating with clients and accounts management.

Murphy, a life-long equestrian, comes to the company with impressive credentials, including a degree in equestrian science from Lake Erie College, near Cleveland, Ohio. While a college student, Murphy also had the opportunity to participate in an internship in Ireland riding cross-country. 

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to work with Equestrian Services, LLC.  It’s exciting to work with an organization that provides equestrians and equestrian-enthusiasts with what they love most – having their horses as a daily part of their life,” said Murphy. “Horses have always been an important part of my life. To have the opportunity to mix my love for horses with my career is quite exciting,” said Murphy. Her interest in riding as a young girl led to competition as a Hunter-Jumper and, later, Dressage.

Murphy’s equestrian career includes two years working for Richard Spooner, an internationally successful equestrian, who competes in the sport of show jumping on the West Coast and in Europe. Murphy oversaw the company’s business management, communicated with Spooner’s clients and managed several employees.

Murphy also added, “The equestrian lifestyle – expanded by being able to live so close to one’s horse – encourages stronger bonds with the horses.  And it’s wonderful seeing a business work with equestrians and horse lovers to make sure their horses get the best care and amenities.”  

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

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, Fla., and will showcase a cross-country course designed by David O'Connor. This facility will open in summer of 2007.