MEET THE STAFF

KATRINA RIFE – ASSISTANT BARN MANAGER

Katrina has been a staple at Blacklick Bend for over 19 years, and her knowledge and dedication to the BBF horses is unsurpassed. Prior to working at BBF, Katrina worked in the Central Ohio equine industry for many years, managing and working on farms throughout the area. Along with her current role at BBF, she also takes care of the wonderful senior horses at Longhill Farm in New Albany. When not working, Katrina enjoys spending time with her daughter, giving extra TLC to our many BBF barn cats, reading, drawing and painting. Pictured here with a BBF horse that is particularly close to Katrina’s heart, Caveat.

JEN JASIEWICZ – HEAD GROOM

Jen has worked at BBF for over 6 years, filling many shoes. As Head Groom, Jen works tirelessly to keep our Team BBF show horses in top shape physically and looking their best. Traveling to shows and managing the horse care, along with exercise rides, Jen plays an integral part in the success of the Blacklick Bend show team. As does her trusty sidekick, Dingo the Dog! Who keeps the BBF staff in line and always smiling. When not at BBF, Jen manages a cattle farm, which includes Texas Longhorns, ducks and many more 4-legged friends. Pictured with BBF resident Smarty, an OTTB who Jen has worked personally to assist in training and riding, and who loves her dearly!

CAITLIN SULLIVAN – ASSISTANT GROOM

Caitlin joined us in summer 2021, and couldn’t have been a better addition to the BBF family. She works diligently to keep the horses happy, healthy and looking their best. She’s always ready with a kind word or ringside pep talk. And no horse can resist her calm, gentle demeanor. Originally from Canada, Caitlin comes from a long line of 3-Day Eventers and horsewomen. From the beginning she jumped right in and found the BBF “groove,” and continues to impress us with her “get it” attitude every day. We’re so thrilled to call her ours!

SARAH FELTY – SOCIAL MEDIA AND SPONSORSHIP COORDINATOR

Sarah has been riding for over 15 years and currently competes in the Hunters, along with her OTTB Billy. When not managing the farm’s social media and sponsorship opportunities, she can be found working as a project manager at SmartPak! Sarah enjoys filling her Instagram feed with pictures of the farm, sushi nights with friends and spoiling Billy with Sour Patch Kids. Please contact Sarah for any partnership interests!

sarahannefelty@gmail.com

MARIO GARCIA – HORSE AND BARN CARE STAFF

Mario is the BBF secret weapon! After moving to the U.S. from Mexico, Mario came to work at BBF and has been a part of our team for over 12 years. Mario has worked every type of shift at the farm and during the week, also keeps our stalls looking fresh and clean! His attention to detail, tireless motivation and gentle care of the horses keeps our farm running smoothly and efficiently. Outside of his work, Mario enjoys cooking authentic Mexican food, working on home projects and traveling home to Mexico to visit his family.

LAUREN CLINE – HORSE AND BARN CARE STAFF

Lauren has worked at BBF for almost 5 years now, ensuring the many day to day tasks of caring for the horses and property are completed efficiently and to the highest degree of quality. She is our “Hustle!” Lauren’s favorite part of her job is not just the ability to work with the animals while enjoying the great outdoors, but also the hard work and various challenges she gets to tackle each day! When not focused on keeping the farm running, Lauren stays busying caring for her rats, fish, frog and rescue pup Cally, who is also a staple member of the “BBF Barn Dog Club.” Lauren enjoys exploring the country on exciting hiking trips with her family and Sunday Night Family Dinner.

JAMES HUDNALL – HORSE AND BARN CARE STAFF

James is an all around animal lover and handyman/mechanic. Having grown up around horses, he has always had a soft spot for them, but has truly found his calling working with the BBF crew. As a certified paramedic and firefighter, James is an asset to our team. He pitches in whenever he is needed, always has a smile on his face and can fix just about anything on the farm! Whether big or small, no challenge is too big. When not making the farm a better place, he spends his free time with his son, enjoying as much family time as he can. Or tinkering around in his garage, fixing cars or catching up on his love for aeronautical engineering and photography!

JAEK COOPER – HORSE AND BARN CARE STAFF

Jaek has always had a passion for horses, having spent time around his mom’s horses on her farm in Kentucky. He loves having the chance to get more horse experience and spend time working on the farm, as he pushes toward his ultimate goals of being a musician/artist. In his free time you can probably catch him on the trails or throwing a ball for Cally. Jaek also plays the guitar and writes his own music. We love how quickly Jaek has become a staple member of our team! Jaek’s favorite horses? Rohan and Cal. Because they are so playful and spirited!

ROB AND MORGAN ANDERSON – HORSE AND BARN CARE STAFF

We are blessed to have these amazing newlyweds on our team! Rob has worked at BBF for over 2 years now, both on the horse care team, and picking stalls on the weekends, when not at his landscaping job. His wife Morgan, joined us in 2021, and is an amazing addition to the team. She puts her heart and soul into everything she does and has the most magnetic personality. When not at the farm, Rob and Morgan love catching the most recent movies playing, getting to well over 100 each year! We appreciate both of their help tremendously. We can’t imagine the farm without them!

ANDREW BUECHEL – PROPERTY MANAGER

Andy has been managing the grounds and property at Blacklick Bend for over 20 years. His knowledge and expertise from running his New Albany based Landscaping Business, Planet Scapes, helps maintain the beautiful rolling pastures and stunning private property that BBF is famous for. When not working tirelessly to keep our farm in top shape, Andy enjoys spending time with his two kids, especially if a 4-wheeler is involved!

MARY KAY FANNIN – OFFICE STAFF

Mary Kay Fannin has been at BBF for 15 years and works hard to keep our books in tip top shape! Mary Kay worked in the oncology pharmaceutical industry planning corporate sales meetings, conventions and incentive trips for more than 30 years prior to coming to BBF. When not in the office, Mary Kay can be found spending time with her five-year-old cockapoo, Zippy, kayaking or hiking in the beautiful rivers and mountains of Tennessee!