About Us

 Charla, owner of Chapin Equestrian Center, brings a lifetime of equestrian passion and veterinary expertise to our program. She grew up in Illinois showing Quarter Horses and developed a deep appreciation for solid horsemanship and partnership from an early age. She later graduated from Oklahoma State University before continuing her veterinary education in the Caribbean, where she met her husband—also a veterinarian.

Together, they have built both a beautiful family and a life centered around animals. Charla owns a small animal clinic in Irmo, and she and her husband stay busy with their four children and a lively household filled with a plethora of animals.

An avid fox hunter, Charla is highly active with The Camden Hunt during the hunt season and enjoys trail riding with her friends and family in the off-season. What she loves most about owning Chapin Equestrian Center is creating opportunities for kids to lease a horse and learn to ride in a low-pressure, encouraging environment. Her vision is centered on building confidence, responsibility, and a genuine love for horses—making the barn a welcoming place for riders to grow at their own pace.

 Sara, our dedicated Barn Manager, grew up in the Chapin area and developed a love for horses at a young age. She spent her junior years competing in the hunter/jumper ring, building a strong foundation in horsemanship that continues to guide her work today. Her eye for detail, commitment to horse care, and steady presence make her an invaluable part of our barn family.

Before stepping into her role at the barn, Sara spent time in France as an au pair and is bilingual, bringing both cultural perspective and warmth to her work with families. She first met Charla while serving as the nanny for her children, and over the years has become a deeply trusted member of the family and an integral part of Chapin Equestrian Center.

Sara also brings prior experience working within a lesson program, giving her a strong understanding of rider development and barn organization. She frequently hosts our birthday parties and special events, where her organization, creativity, and welcoming personality truly shine.

Outside of the barn, Sara enjoys fox hunting and spending time outdoors. When she’s not in the saddle, you’ll likely find her foraging for mushrooms or exploring the woods with her dog, Merle. Her deep appreciation for both horses, family, and nature shines through in everything she does, creating a warm, knowledgeable, and welcoming atmosphere for our riders and horses alike.

 Maddy brings an exceptional depth of experience and horsemanship to our program. A practicing EMT-B and CPR certified professional, she prioritizes safety while creating a confident, supportive learning environment for every rider.

Her competitive background spans multiple disciplines. Maddy has competed through Preliminary level with the United States Eventing Association and United States Equestrian Federation, gained extensive hunter/jumper experience through 3'3" and 1.10m, and shown through Third Level dressage. She also spent three years working for an Fédération Équestre Internationale dressage rider, further refining her eye for detail and classical foundation. Earlier in her career, she even competed on Paso Finos, showcasing her versatility across many breeds and disciplines.

Maddy is comfortable teaching basic Western and English riding and enjoys introducing beginners to the sport. She truly excels, however, at two ends of the spectrum: developing strong foundations for true beginners and helping very experienced riders navigate green or problem horses. With extensive groundwork knowledge and a thoughtful, systematic approach, she is skilled at building trust, improving communication, and bringing out the best in both horse and rider.