Cherryl Mitchell , a born and raised Brooklyn girl, was first introduced to horses as a five year old.  A neighbor, Mr. Mickey Hart invited her to see a real horse at a stable where his horse was boarded.  Little did Mr. Hart know that this visit was to be instrumental in launching the career of one of Staten Island’s most renowned horsewoman.  Young Cherryl shadowed Mickey at the barn where she developed various stable & riding skills.  She was grasping every bit of knowledge regarding horses that was available to her eyes and ears.

 

In 1967, she moved to Staten Island, planted her feet firmly and has remained a strong force in the horse community.  In 1972, she helped institute Saddle Brook Stables and managed them for seven years. At the same time worked for Pat Faitz of JPV Equestrian Center, Mount Pocono’s, Pa. Mrs. Mitchell’s position consisting of starting two year olds, conditioning, breeding, foaling & showing World Class winners of American Quarter Horses. Also teaching horse management & riding.  She then worked at Darling Farms, assisting in the breeding of horses.   At the end of breeding season in 1979, together with her husband, Richard Mitchell, Cherryl Arkin Mitchell opened her own barn on Staten Island.  Richer Farm is currently the home for 40 horses.  She has owned and operated this farm for over 30 years now and has become a top professional in the horse industry.  Daily, she teaches equestrian skills to her students in hopes of creating better harmony with the animal.  She teaches horse and rider to allow the horse to move using its natural talent and beauty with little interference from the rider.                                                                                                                            

Mrs. Mitchell also trouble shoots for Dawn Animal Agency New York City. Some of the credits are The Best Horse in all of Europe Commerical, Meto Commercial, Sex in the City, Sammy the Bull Story and many more.

 

Cherryl , affectionately nick named, “The Horse Lady of Staten Island”  by community members,  has always been an advocate for the horse.  She believes that for each rider who is willing to learn proper riding and handling, another horse will be guaranteed a secured, safe home in the future.   She is also a strong advocate for rider safety which includes everything from wearing safety equipment to fighting for streetlights, signs & bridle paths that provide safe passage to both rider and horse in our neighborhood.  

 

Horses have been around for a long time and Cherryl intends to stay on her property and do everything in her power to keep horses on Staten Island.  She has worked for many years on issues that involve the horse and the community.  Her voice was heard  when she protested the licensing of privately owned horses being licensed by the department of health in the early 1980’s.  Cherryl was an advocate in creating horse friendly department of health  codes.  Recently, along with the New York State Horse Council, she was a strong force on passing the helmet law for horseback riding for 14 years and under.

Mrs. Mitchell's riders have accomplished awards at Local, Regional, State, National, AQHA Congress also Intercollegiate Championships plus many more merits. 

 

She could opt to sell out, as so many have, and run for greener pastures, but she is not willing to give up on Staten Island or the horses.  So, she continues her membership in many associations with the hope of making a difference!!  Below is a list of some associations the horse lady of Staten Island is affiliated with:

  

·         Cherryl RA Mitchell

·         LIFE Member of the following Associations

Empire State Quarter Horse Association
American Quarter Horse Association
Professional AQHA Member
American Horse Shows Association
United States Dressage Federation
Eastern States Dressage & Combined Training Assoc.
National Snaffle Bit Association
The American Riding Instructors Association
American Paint Horse Association
Pinto Horse Association of America
Welsh Pony & Cob Society of America
New Jersey Professional Horseman's Association
New Jersey Bred Hunter, Inc.
New Jersey Quarter Horse Association
New York State Horse Council, Inc.
Southeast Vice President of NYSHC
American Border Collie Association
SIHA II "Have the Card Famed"
·         Also member of
·         North America Riding for the Handicapped Association