Salty Dog Productions
Jordan Vincent LaPlaca
Head Trainer
USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist with Distinction
FEI International competitor
FEI* Combined Driver
A lifelong passion for animals in general and horses in particular has led Jordan to develop a high level of compassion and respect for horses as individuals. This is reflected in the care he takes training both horses and riders. No one horse or rider is the same as any other. Whether Jordan is training only a horse, or working with a rider to improve their skills, the individual needs of the horse or rider is his paramount concern.
As a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist with Distinction, Jordan competes and develops horses for both National as well as International competition. Jordan is also an FEI * stared combined driver, who has competed throughout the United States and Canada. He has many year-end awards as well as "Highpoint" and "Championship" placings for horses in both disciplines and shows all throughout the east coast. He has also helped many students achieve their Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals.
Jordan's lessons are focused on bridging the gap between the separation of the "training of the horse" and " training of the rider", so that the two can be combined to find a balance in communication, gymnastic development, as well as a sustainable partnership between horse and rider. This is through the use of both rider and horse biomechanics in an effort to help the rider feel the kinesthetics associated with intellectual understanding of dressage movements.
Jordan completed a year-long apprenticeship program at the Miracle Mountain Ranch in Spring Creek, PA. There he trained horses for stock seat, driving, dressage and hunt seat disciplines, both for the Ranch’s school use and for private clients. While at MMR he also became certified as an Instructor through CHA.
Continuing his own education is as important to Jordan as training others. He is currently working with Albrecht Heidemann. Jordan is very fortunate to have regular help from colleague and friend Kathleen Cronk. Kathleen has been his eyes, assistant and key to his continued sucess.
In the past few years he has attended clinics or taken lessons with Christine Traurig, Charlotte Bredahl, Debbie McDonald, Sharon McCusker, Beth Baumert, Bill Warren, Fredrick Wandres, Luis Denizard, Robin Groves, Miranda Cadwell, Denny Emerson and Robert Costello. Jordan also had the distinct pleasure of riding with world renowned dressage master Carl Hester as one of the demo riders for the NEDA fall symposium in 2022 on his developing horse Gold Play.
As a USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist with Distinction, Jordan competes and develops horses for both National as well as International competition. Jordan is also an FEI * stared combined driver, who has competed throughout the United States and Canada. He has many year-end awards as well as "Highpoint" and "Championship" placings for horses in both disciplines and shows all throughout the east coast. He has also helped many students achieve their Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals.
Jordan's lessons are focused on bridging the gap between the separation of the "training of the horse" and " training of the rider", so that the two can be combined to find a balance in communication, gymnastic development, as well as a sustainable partnership between horse and rider. This is through the use of both rider and horse biomechanics in an effort to help the rider feel the kinesthetics associated with intellectual understanding of dressage movements.
Jordan completed a year-long apprenticeship program at the Miracle Mountain Ranch in Spring Creek, PA. There he trained horses for stock seat, driving, dressage and hunt seat disciplines, both for the Ranch’s school use and for private clients. While at MMR he also became certified as an Instructor through CHA.
Continuing his own education is as important to Jordan as training others. He is currently working with Albrecht Heidemann. Jordan is very fortunate to have regular help from colleague and friend Kathleen Cronk. Kathleen has been his eyes, assistant and key to his continued sucess.
In the past few years he has attended clinics or taken lessons with Christine Traurig, Charlotte Bredahl, Debbie McDonald, Sharon McCusker, Beth Baumert, Bill Warren, Fredrick Wandres, Luis Denizard, Robin Groves, Miranda Cadwell, Denny Emerson and Robert Costello. Jordan also had the distinct pleasure of riding with world renowned dressage master Carl Hester as one of the demo riders for the NEDA fall symposium in 2022 on his developing horse Gold Play.
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Kathleen Cronk
Associate trainer
USDF Bronze, silver and Gold Medalist
Kathleen Cronk is a USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold Medalist, who is based out of Western New York. Having ridden other disciplines than dressage, she is able to apply the cross-discipline approach producing consistent results over 25 years.
Many of Kathleen’s students have received their USDF Bronze and Silver Medals, as well as wins at USDF Regional championships, Arabian Sport Horse Nationals Top Ten finishes, USDF Century Club, and NY State 4-H dressage wins.
Kathleen believes in taking dressage theory and breaking it down to tangible pieces. Theory needs to be relatable and not esoteric so it my be maintained by the student. Her lessons are evidence of her understanding and ability to teach, fostering a safe learning environment where riders feel at ease.
Kathleen makes regular trips to CT to give clinics as well as help Jordan through the USA at shows and other events. She spends the winter months helping Jordan train and maintain the horses for the winter CDI and national show season in Wellington, FL.
Kathleen credits her own mentors with her development of her style and system. She is grateful to have studied with: Wolfgang Scherzer, Jordan LaPlaca, USET short -listed riders Pam Goodrich and Ann Guptill, and Olympians Bent Jensen and Carol Lavell.
Caitlin LaPlaca
Assistant managing partner
Salty Dog Productions
Caitlin LaPlaca has been a part of Maverick Hill Dressage, since 2020. She has an Associate degree in Liberal Arts and Science. Caitlin was a graduate of the Agri Science program from Ledyard High school receiving her Vet Tech certification.
Caitlin started with horses since she was 5 and ended up with her first horse at the age of 11, a Morgan named Oakley. Her love of horses shines through every day. She is the glue that really keeps the farm together promoting a kind, fun and productive work environment. She holds many hats, from farm and chore work to grooming, riding and down right keeping Jordan's schedule organized and managed.
We would be lost without you!
Caitlin started with horses since she was 5 and ended up with her first horse at the age of 11, a Morgan named Oakley. Her love of horses shines through every day. She is the glue that really keeps the farm together promoting a kind, fun and productive work environment. She holds many hats, from farm and chore work to grooming, riding and down right keeping Jordan's schedule organized and managed.
We would be lost without you!
Daly Ravino:
Assistant trainer
USDF Bronze and Sliver medalist
Jane Whiltshire
Maverick Hill Dressage, is excited to announce the newest member to our training team. Daly Ravino, is a USDF Bronze and Sliver Medalist. She has a Bachelors in Healthcare Management and Gender & Sexuality Studies form Stonehill College, in Easton, Ma.
Daly was originally a working student of Jordan's during the pandemic, where her journey brought her to Florida for two seasons and eventually her now partnership with her current horse, Karesse.
We are excited to see Daly continue to grow and develop and she really posses a true talent a gift for not only riding, but breaking down training elements in ways that are helpful for others to understand.
Head Groom:
Nicole Haracz
Salty Dog Productions
Nicole Haracz, is a graduate of SUNY College of Agriculture & Technology At Morrisville, in Morrisville, NY with a Bachelor of Equine Science with specialization in Equine Rehabilitation and Conditioning. She Joined the Maverick Hill Dressage team in the fall of 2022 with her horse Stinky and her wonder dog Mako. She has been a wonderful addition the team and has been a quick study and advanced in skill set as an FEI groom. Not only has she brought exceptional grooming and show readiness to the table, her follow through with our Vet and Physio team is second to none. Thank you Nicole! MHD and our horses are so very grateful to have you as part of the herd.
Farm Hand:
Cassidy Payer
Salty Dog Productions
Cassidy is avid lover of horses. She has been riding since she was 6 and has never looked back. Her passion started with her first job working for a small back yard barn at the age of 16. It was there that she realized that she wanted to make horses her life long mission. She is a valuable asset to our team and brings a great attitude to the farm atmosphere. Our clients and horses alike love and adore having her around! Thank you Cassidy for all your hard work, it is greatly appreciated!
Farm Hand:
Amy Barnhill
Salty Dog Productions
Amy is a lifelong equestrian, and joined our team at Maverick Hill Dressage in 2023.
Amy has been riding intermittently throughout her life since the age of 12, and she has also spent time volunteering with equine rescues.
For Amy, horsemanship is an ongoing journey of learning. Her current focus is soaking up as much knowledge as possible to better care for and understand our equine partners, both from the ground and the saddle.
Beyond the barn, she enjoys staying active at the gym, exploring the hiking trails around Groton, and spending time with her husband and their two dogs. We are so grateful to have Amy as such an active member of our Maverick Hill Dressage, team!
Working Student:
Sydney Joelle
Salty Dog Productions
We are so excited to have Sydney as part of our working student program. Her wonderful energy and willingness to learn is outstanding. She works hard and is a joy to have in the barn. In addition to helping with chores, grooming and other farm activities, Sydney is absorbing as much from Daly Ravino and Jordan as possible with watching both training and lessons of our horses and clients.
She has the great privilege of riding one of our retired Grand Prix horses, Puck who made history with his owner Kelley Hendrick on becoming the 20th Morgan horse to ever make the Grand Prix level! Now Puck is giving back and we are so grateful to have him help Sydney on her journey! Welcome to the team Sydney!