Staff


Riding school instructors are chosen for their equestrian training, their ability to impart knowledge and level of professionalism. The instructors will work with students to achieve their individual goals as riders and determine the best course of lessons for student progress.
Image
Leslie Kramer - Owner 

Leslie Kramer, one of the owners and the manager of Equest Farm, began her commitment to this sport and the special relationship between people and horses over 50 years ago. She began riding with her father Ben Brupbacher and sister Mary once a week as a Sunday outing. Those once a week rides turned into a life passion for the horse and this special place once known as City Park Stables, now Equest Farm. Now, Leslie is fortunate enough to interact with riders and horse lovers on a daily basis. Managing the facility is a full time job, not only maintaining the property but monitoring the care, custody and control of Equest Farm.

Through a long and illustrious history, the stables have survived in this urban setting when so many equestrian centers located in an urban setting have failed to thrive. Through her commitment, Leslie has brought the citizens of New Orleans a place to enjoy the serenity of the land while enjoying the horses.


Image
Jeremy Sims - Head Trainer 

Jeremy Sims is the new Head Trainer for Equest Farm. He has worked at top Hunter/Jumper barns in New Jersey, California, Texas, Belgium and Ohio. He started his career working for Andrew Philbrick in New Jersey at Hunter Farms where he ran the lesson program, rode and prepared sale horses and worked as their show manager. Jeremy worked for  International  Grand Prix rider & USEF team member Lisa Quintero and later had his own business for 15 years. He built Highland Farm from a public lesson program to one of California’s top boutique show barns and was then hired away by Peter Pletcher at PJP Farm. At PJP Farm, he worked with and prepared horses (with exceptional records) for some of the most prominent horse shows in the United States, including Harrisburg, Devon, Washington and New York.

Jeremy, having worked with well-respected professional equestrians, brings to Equest a depth of
knowledge and an impressive resume. He is not only an accomplished rider and trainer but has
experience building public riding schools. We welcome him to the Equest Team.


Image
Quin Plischke - Instructor / Rider

Quin was born and raised in California, but moved to New Orleans to attend Tulane University in 2017. Since then, she has participated on the Tulane Equestrian Team. Quin was Vice President of the Tulane Equestrian Team and then served as the President. She is now a pivotal part of helping coach Tulane Equestrian and instructing lessons in the riding academy here at Equest Farm.


Image
Vicki Chappetta - Office Manager

Vicki comes to Equest Farm with 22 years of extensive office management experience which has proven to be an outstanding addition to the team. Vicki brings her vast knowledge and skills in the areas of scheduling, organization, process management and relationship-building as well as her impeccable attention to detail which has transformed the overall communication and functionality of the office. Fondly known as the “barn mom”, she is a valiant problem solver who does not hesitate to roll up her sleeves and offer a helping hand.