It all started with a pony named Sox…

Elke Bargas, Owner.

In 1991 the Bargas family built a 3-stall barn to retire our show horse Reggae and large pony hunter Silver Sox.  For 15 years our barn stayed just that, a quiet turnout for old competitors. Today, we are a full service stable with 19 horses in residence. We have rescues, school horses, show ponies and show horses! 

We named the farm after our late Jack Russell Terrier "Chester". The property sits on a hill from which you can see Long Island Sound; hence the name Chester Hill Farm.

We are family owned and operated by the Bargas family and are committed to the compassionate treatment of animals while providing a haven for riders.  We have a supportive learning environment for all where self-confidence is found and practiced. At Chester Hill Farm, everyone learns at their own pace and all abilities are applauded. 

Our mission is to provide our customers with the best personalized horse care and training in a cheerful environment that horses and people can enjoy for years and years to come. We believe that you need to treat horses with respect and they can help nurture our soul. Our riders have the ability to grow, overcome obstacles and acquire great horsemanship. 

Elke Has been riding since the age of 7. She rode at Fairfield County Hunt Club under the tutelage of Emerson Burr. An Emerson Burr “pony kid” she showed extensively in pony hunters, equitation and jr. jumpers. Her trainers included, Sue Conley, Vincent Jones, Bruce Burr, Leslie Howard and Jenny Martin-Rudaz. CHF was an idea in 2008 after years of not riding. Here we are today!

 
 

SYD HAGERMANN- Head Trainer

Instructor Sydney Has been riding most of her life. She has worked with young horses as well as old and she really knows how they all think! She is just wonderful for the kids and is excited to bring them all in the show ring. She has had an amazing show career in the hunter and jumper ring. We can’t be more impressed with her knowledge and compassion for all the animals.

LESLIE MILLER - Trainer

Leslie has been in the horse business in NY and Ct for 35 Years. Her knowledge of the sport, horse and rider and bar none. Starting in NY trained by Kip Rosenthal, she taught and rode for her for 15 years at Fox Hill Farm. Then moved to Coker Farm with Kim Jones and Jaime Schaefer, managed Acadia Farm, got her certificate in Equine Studies. Leslie then leased a barn of her own bringing students on the show circuit from short stirrup to the Medal and Maclay Finals. She then worked with Abbi Ferrigno and some of the top ponies in the country bringing many to pony finals. Leslie came to CHF 6 years ago bringing along her extensive knowledge she has been a wonderful asset to CHF. She really enjoys taking riders from the ground up and can make all horse show dreams come true.