Community Members
New Smyrna Beach, Florida, 32168
Karen Knies, creator of Canter Down Farms, is a long time horse junkie since the age of 4. Since her family wasn't the wealthiest on the WEF scene, Karen made her way as a working student at show barns and racing stables. This gave her a great appreciation, respect, and some fantastic knowledge for horses. But what she learned the most was the amount of dedication it takes to succeed at your passions in life. No matter what it may be.
Karen then knew what she wanted to do for a living. So she started working with the younger students in Pony Club, 4-H, and F.F.A.. Those experiences created her love for teaching and mentoring young minds who are just as horse crazy as she was at that age.
Shadowing vets and trainers of all kinds of disciplines from the western side of barrel racing, pleasure, reining, cutting and some good ole fashion trail riding.
On to the English side. Wow! Talk about almost relearning a little riding again. She fell in love with the discipline and started training OTTB's for her equestrian endeavors. This brought her closer to the JR Jumpers and Combined Training areas where she learned the connections you develop in dressage and the trust and bravery it took to gallop a horse around a prelim course or a 4'6'' liver pool.
When she decided to start a family, she ventured more into the Hunter rings. In 1995, at the age of 23, CDF was born while raising her 3 boys. A place where the sport of Hunter Equitation riding could be offered to all. That it didn't have to be a "rich man's" game and from hard work, dedication and some meaningful life lessons we discover along our paths, she wanted to show her children and others that every child with a goal and passion for something; if you never quit, it can be achieved. And if riding competitively for high school or college is one of those dreams. CDF wants to offer that opportunity to help in any way possible.
Get Directions View On Larger Map
Submitted by Deborah Burkhead on 09/06/2021
Canter Down Farms is great! I was in the area on vacation and was recommended this place and am so glad I checked it out. Karen and Lori are awesome and were very easy to communicate with. The facility is wonderful with a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere and all of the horses there are well cared for. I rode their school horse, Ella, and she was fantastic! Bottom line: I definitely recommend CDF and will definitely be back again next time I’m in town!!
we have used John several times he always does an excellent job an... Read More
About
Discover Volusia is all about promoting & supporting locally owned, independent businesses, local artists & non-profits. We believe in making your hard-earned money go further, fueling the local economy & helping to preserve the unique character of Volusia County. Every member business is locally owned & operated. By purchasing goods & services from these businesses, you are helping create a healthier, stronger & more engaged community.
Buying local is more than just a trend.
Live Local - Love Local
Discover
Join
Support