Our Team

Our Philosophy

Our team of professionals works together in a cooperative environment to support our riders and horses. While each of our individual backgrounds is different, we agree on the core concepts that define our program. We bring a European, dressage-based background to traditional American forward seat riding, creating versatile riders with the ability to ride many types of horses in the hunter, jumper, or equitation rings. We educate horses and riders with an emphasis on flatwork, communication, and better basics, building a solid foundation for success over bigger jumps. Most importantly, no matter the level of horse or rider, we approach training with positivity and a growth mindset, creating an empowering environment for riders to learn. Each trainer incorporates their own unique experiences, language, and priorities to their training in a way that both complements and brings variety to our program as a whole.

Head Trainer

A third generation horseman, Linnea has been inspired and dedicated herself towards being an equine professional since she could walk. She competed throughout the country as a junior, and spent time training in Germany before returning to teach and train at the Four Winds in 2010. As she’s continued on her path as a professional, her focus has been drawn towards community building while also running a quality competition program. The family business has shown that these two things are crucial if we want the sport to last. She has p
roven good with off the track thoroughbreds and helped with rehoming them, as well as developed several young horses from being unsaddled through competing at the National Grand Prix level. She feels passionately about being a coach to her riders and encourages conversations through goal setting and horsemanship. Throughout her career, she served as a board member of the Colorado Hunter Jumper Association for over eight years, continuing to support the greater Colorado horse community. In maintaining the quality of the program, she regularly brings in clinicians from vast backgrounds to keep furthering education accessible.

Linnea Throckmorton

Teegan Chism

Riding Instructor, Excercise Rider

Teegan coaches our students within the school program. Originally hailing from California, Teegan joined us in 2020 when she went to CSU to pursue an undergrad in Equine Science. As the years passed, Teegan realized she wanted to pursue being a Vet Tech! Her horsemanship is unparalleled with that approach. Coming from California and a heavy equitation background, Teegan also brings understanding of good form.

Mackenzie Dowdy

Riding Instructor

Mackenzie coaches our students within the school program. She has ridden with Linnea since 2015 and brings a lot of our classical approach to her teaching. She is an incredibly personable individual, who is certain to make you feel welcome and confident in your rides.

Management

  • Jasmine Throckmorton

    Since childhood, Jasmine has been involved in the events and activity of the barn. As an adult, she’s found her stride in barn management. She enjoys focusing on the horse’s care, developing solid relationships with vendors, facilitating educational opportunities for herself and boarders, and organizing the many competitions hosted at the Four Winds. If you have a problem, she prides herself on finding the right solution!

  • Charles Throckmorton

    Charles was a successful Grand Prix and Derby rider from 1980 through the early 2000’s before he put up his riding hat and became a full time licensed USEF “R” Course designer and competition manager. When he is home, he continues to help with lessons and training and offers in house clinics. You can find him most readily being our resident handyman and on-the-ground horseman
    Charles is the man who started Four Winds in its entirety and we owe him our eternal gratitude for his wisdom, patience and love of horses.

Lesson and Lease Horses

Get to know the most important members of our team: the school horses! We maintain experienced horses appropriate for a wide range of riders. Whether you are new to the horse world or looking to expand your skill set, we have a horse for you!

  • Baron

    Baron is a 2017 thoroughbred gelding with tons of scope. He has started his jumping training with us at the Four Winds, and continues to develop with advanced riders in our program.

  • Lady

    Lady is a 2004 quarter pony. She is our tried and true, used in our Little’s Lessons and for kids showing through the 2fts. She begins all of our young riders from lead line to their first canters.

  • Marley

    Marley is a 15.2h, 2004 Quarter Horse used for lessons through 2’6”. This mare rises to the level of her rider and is generally just fun to work with. She is one of our barn favorites for the confidence she instills in riders.

  • Pippi

    Pippi is a 2002 Canadian Warmblood mare who competed through the 1.10m with her owner. She is great to teach riders the technical feel of a bigger jump in a safe and fun manner.