About Devon Glen
At Devon Glen Farm we put the horses first. We strive to make incredible partnerships between horse and rider whether it be eventing, hunting or just trail riding. The horse must love the sport as much as the rider does, we believe this is essential no matter what direction is chosen. There must be a deep level of trust and partnership between horse and rider, we help our clients develop this bond.
We are a kid friendly facility. Younger students are encouraged to also join Pony Club and then also join our online Pony Club meetings which cover an array of horse management topics.
Mary Lester - Manager, Trainer
Devon Glen Farm is managed by Mary Lester. Originally from the Pacific Northwest, Mary began her eventing career with the incredible support of her parents, Bill and Kathy. She grew up on a working horse and cattle farm since the age of 8. It was then she realized her love for eventing.
As she moved up the levels, she had great opportunities through Young Riders to work regularly with 1992 Olympian Todd Trewin, 1992 Olympian Jill Walton, FEI 5* Judge Axel Steiner, and Olympic coach Jack Le Goff. After Young Riders, she regularly worked with the infamous Andrew Popiel and Frederic Bouland. After being selected for the US Developing Rider program, Mary moved to the East Coast to train with Jim Stamets and later with Peter Atkins.
Mary was very involved in Pony Club as a youngster and is still actively involved in the program, teaching, giving clinics at the pony club summer programs. Mary has competed successfully at the Prix St. Georges level in Dressage and through the Advanced level of Three-Day Eventing and was long-listed for the Olympics. She is an active event instructor and has brought countless horses up through the levels with tremendous success.
In addition to her success in Upper-Level Eventing, Mary has also been successful in bringing event and hunt-horse youngsters up the ranks. With many Championships to her credit, Mary can help your young event horse compete at it’s best and help you find your hunt match. Her methodical and thorough teaching style gives both students and green horses the confidence required to achieve their goals at any level.
Helen O’Reilly - Trainer
Helen grew up in the North East of England and began riding in 1976. Involved in many equestrian activities, including UK Pony Club, she later studied Horse Management and completed her British Horse Society Intermediate Instructor and UK Coaching Certificate. Helen then traded her original career in the insurance industry for the equestrian world.
Helen’s pursuits led her to Management and Coaching positions in England and Ireland, where she developed many educational programs for young riders and led young rider teams to victory. Further, in Arabia, Helen had the privilege of working for the Qatari Royal family, training A-rated Arabians, and coaching international students. While there a consultant position with the Asian Games Organizing Committee, Equestrian Department followed.
During her career, she has worked extensively with stallions and previously unridden horses planning their training course for disciplines including Eventing, Dressage, and Foxhunting. Helen has trained with numerous internationally renowned riders. She continues to do so, gaining a deeper understanding of the physical & mental welfare of the horse and how we (horse & rider) interact as working partners.
Most recently and now settled in New England, Helen focuses on training young horses and riders, offering advice & support to the next generation of horse lovers!
