Helen Messenger, President, Founder, Manager Helen’s interest in horses started at the early age of 5. She graduated in 1972 from Wilkes-Barre General Hospital’s Nursing Program. Her nursing career ranged from General Surgery to Labor & Delivery to Infant Nursery. In 1977, she focused primarily on Pediatric care and that evolved into working with special needs children and adults in 1985.
Helen bought her first horse, Rum Rico Bars, in 1977 and started with trail riding. She began competing in shows with Sleepin Partner and breeding Quarter Horses in 1981. Mesa Vista Farm was established in January, 1995, offering breeding, boarding and lesson programs. Therapeutic riding was added in 1996. The farm evolved into Mesa Vista Therapeutics, Inc. (MVT) and became a 501(c)(3) organization in November, 2005, making its primary mission working with special needs individuals. Helen's passion for people and animals defines her goal of "bringing animals and individuals with special needs together."
Dr. Courtney Belden, Vice President, Dr. Belden graduated from St. George's School of Veterinary Medicine in January 2006. Afterwards, she went on to complete internships in both equine ambulatory medicine/general practice and large animal surgery. Dr. Belden then worked as an associate for 1 year in equine practice followed by 2 years in small animal practice. During her internships, Dr. Belden was exposed to acupuncture as a treatment modality and was immediately impressed and determined to become certified. She completed her certification in veterinary acupuncture through the Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians course in Ft Collins, CO in 2008. In 2011, Dr. Belden opened her own veterinary and acupuncture practice, Central Virginia Veterinary and Acupuncture (www.centralvavet.com). Dr. Belden is also on the medical advisory board for Fetch A Cure and enjoys spending time with her dog, supportive boyfriend, family and friends in her spare time.
Hayley Creasy, Co-Assistant Manager Hayley started riding at the young age of five on her grandmother's farm. She began trail riding and learning the basics of horses. At the age of twelve, she came to Mesa Vista, volunteering and learning how to ride at a competitive level. She began showing hunter/jumper, and teaching lessons at the farm. In 2013, she left to take on a new job of being a horse trainer at Hacienda Ella Rosa, a Paso Fino barn, in Hanover. After realizing how much she missed the hunter/jumper world, she came back to Mesa Vista as a manager.
Tony Knapke, Co-Assistant Manager Born and raised in Ohio, Tony's passion for horses started when he was a young teen. He started out riding and showing saddlebreds. Not only was Tony riding, but he was also the assistant riding instructor, and stable hand. After his junior year of high school, Tony moved to Powhatan. His love for horses didnt stay behind, but he decided to change diciplines, and took on western riding. With the purchase of his first horse, Niko, he is now focused on hunter/jumper.
Neil Kauder, Associate, Neil is President of Visual Research, Inc., a consulting firm located in Midlothian, VA. He was married to Andrea Kauder until her death in 2004. The classroom is named in her honor
Neil has 2 sons, Adam and Bryan. Adam is a graduate of James Madison University and Bryan is a student at Harvard.
He is a graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University and has been involved in equestrian activities off and on for 35 years. Neil also enjoys many outdoor activities, including fishing. He is now married to Jane Kauder, a graduate of the University of Virginia who is an avid golfer and excellent tennis player.
Louis Quarrles, Farrier and Trainer, Louis is our farrier and trainer bringing over 30 years experience in both categories.
Michele Schutt, Massage Therapist for Riders and Horses, Michele is well versed in both trigger point therapy and Basaltic stone therapy.
Yan Pan, Acupuncturist, Yan comes to us with 30+ years of acupuncture experience. In 2006, he received recognition from the World Heath Organization for his work. He is currently working on his Doctorate