Deb Sullivan/ Owner and Head Trainer (Left)

  Deb started her riding career at Shallowbrook Equestrian Center in Somers, CT and was invited to participate in their Instructor Training Program under Hal Vita Sr. and Hal Vita Jr., two of the Northeast’s most well respected Hunter/Jumper and Equitation trainers. Deb began by teaching young riders and developed as a trainer and rider and was ultimately given the position of training all Shallowbrook show teams. 

  Deb’s passion for horses and her strong belief that there should be a place for every rider led her to open Bellwether Stables. A Massachusetts licensed riding instructor, Deb also believes strongly in continuing education for professionals and personally rides in and audits many clinics offered by well-known trainers.  She is an active member of several professional equestrian organizations.

  She rides her horse Riva every day and competes as often as she possibly can!

About Us

Staff

Chloe/ Chief of Security

   Bellwether Stables, nestled in the green hills of Richmond, MA, is the premier horseback riding stable in the beautiful Berkshires.  After many years riding and working for local stables in Massachusetts and Connecticut, Deb Sullivan decided to bring her teaching expertise along with her knowledge of horses and competition to her own equestrian business, and established Bellwether Stables in 2014.  Deb combines her philosophy of kindness and respect between rider and horse with her exceptional ability to pair each rider with the right horse. She uses a systematic approach with an emphasis on a strong classical foundation.  Lessons are safe, positive and productive.  

   Bellwether riders are encouraged to achieve their personal riding goals, whether they are once-per-week students or riders who are interested in pursuing a serious show schedule. Bellwether has a full complement of trainers available to serve all types of riders.  It is important that all riders are safe, happy and feel part of the barn community.

   Bellwether is one of three businesses located on the vast Sebring Stables property, along with Sebring Stables and Rodney Hicks Stable. Bellwether is proud to be aligned with these nationally recognized horse professionals.  A passion for horses, quality horsemanship and professionalism are the cornerstones of all three businesses. 

Julia Doyle/ Trainer (Right)

  Julia Doyle, a Massachusetts licensed riding instructor, has been with Bellwether since its inception.  Julia is an accomplished equestrian, who has been riding her entire life and has a special fondness for ponies.  Julia rode (and owned) many horses and ponies as a child and teenager and is very knowledgeable about horsemanship and horse behavior.  She competed seriously as a junior, in both ponies and in equitation.  After college, she moved to New York to pursue a business career.  About 6 years ago, Julia and her husband moved back to Massachusetts to open Assembly Coffee Roasters.  Julia, once again, made horses an important part of her life. She teaches all levels of riders and enjoys working with young children, teenagers, and adults.  Julia is an integral part of the Bellwether Summer Riding programs and brings her expertise to the Bellwether Interscholastic Equestrian Association (IEA) riding program.