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!!

Excerpt from June 2001 NYSHC Newsletter of Cherryl Mitchell’s amazing abilities, graciousness, and dedication to the horse industry in New York State.

This month was very exciting, as I was privileged to represent the NYSHC at the first American Quarter Horse Association Trail Ride in Central Park. The ride was a benefit for the Central Park Mounted Rangers and they received $25,000 in new equipment from AQHA. After a quick trip to International Helmets, on Staten Island for a new hunter green ASTM helmet, with my hostess Cherryl Mitchell, owner of Richer Stables in Staten Island and NYSHC Director. We enjoyed meeting and riding with David O’ Connor, our US Olympic Gold Medalist and Cathy Morelli. In 1990 Cathy was the USET Gold Medalist and has consistently been a Grand Prix winner on numerous horses. AQHA Director, Linda Connors presented Cherryl Mitchell with a special recognition from AQHA for her outstanding support organizing this ride. As they stated, without Cherryl this ride would not have been possible. We think she should run for Mayor.

While in New York City, Cherryl my wonderful hostess, took me on a whirlwind tour of the areas stables which included Tony Danza’s Jamaica Bay Stables in Brooklyn, George Burke’s Sequine Equestrian Stables on Staten Island and Paul Novagrad’s Claremont Riding Academy in Manhattan. I now have a greater appreciation of how stables and horses deal with the ‘cement wilderness/pastures’. I rode a quarter horse from Claremont Academy and wondered how it got to The Tavern on the Green in Central Park. Not to worry, as Cherryl drove down West 89th Street, after the ride, there was a group of horses with the Central Park Rangers moving in the bumper-to-bumper traffic back to the stable. All in all the horses seemed well adjusted to their unique environment and I was a happy camper to be part of this major event.

Thank you Cherryl, you are amazing. Diane K. Jones, President-Emeritus

**Staten Island**
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Liat's Sugar

First Jumper Class Level 1

Dana's first jumper class Level O with Tiki.
So proud of Dana & Tiki.  They actually enjoyed it! Can you imagine when they have more time together?  Whoo Hoo!
Yes Tiki and Dana jumped bigger, but lets start easy. See Picture Below Movie.

This mini and another was adopted by Richer Farm Inc.
Will soon be putting up a page about some of the animals the Mitchell's have given new careers through the help of Dawn Animal Agency, The Sanctary for Animals, Colleen Segarra of Equine Rescue Resource Inc. & Dr. Linda Kutrubes.
Read story below.

  Several weeks ago, Colleen received a call regarding two miniature stallions from one of our directors, Dr. Linda Kutrubes.  The owners were at their wits end and they were unable to catch or handle these horses. (note: These mini's where left by the last property owner) A team of volunteers from Equine Rescue Resource Inc. arrived at the property and carefully caught the two little hooligans, named Soldier Boy and Illusion.  They were then loaded on to a trailer and shipped to Pine Bush Equine clinic, where they were castrated, vaccinated, had their hooves trimmed and their teeth floated.  We then transferred our two miniatures to Richer Equine Sanctuary, based in Staten Island NY.