Our Team.

Trish and David Peters of London, England bought the Lake o’ the Woods Estate in the 2004 and restored it for use as a country refuge and an event venue. Trish takes pride in the attention to every detail, and that the 6000+ sq. ft. 1850’s Estate Manor House is registered on the National Register of Historical Places. David is an avid lifelong horseman, who currently competes in Dressage. Trish is an active member of the local hunt, and regularly rides her pony, Polly.

Max Goodman originally from Philadelphia, PA, became the head trainer at Lake o’ the Woods in 2019. As a young rider Max studied Centered Riding, and competed in hunter/jumpers. After college she moved to Europe to ride professionally, which is where she discovered Legerete and French Classical Dressage. Max is currently a Trainee Teacher in the Ecole de Legerete, one of only 24 riders accepted to the school nationally, and a USDF Bronze medalist earned on our own Lionel HW. Max competes our sales horses in Dressage, and occasionally in Combined Training or Hunters as well. She takes pride in tailoring the care and training to each individual horse, promoting their well being, both physical and mental. Max uses training and teaching methods that are kind, educated and incorporate historical classical depth and contemporary science.

Oliver Ortiz is the farm manager at Lake o’ the Woods, and has lived and worked here nearly since Trish and David purchased it. Ollie keeps the place running, and manages all aspects of the farm, from plumbing and electrical work, to fencing to gardening. A literal Jack of all Trades, and an invaluable team member, many of the structures on the farm were built by Ollie. Together with his wife, Sheralynn, Ollie also runs a small catering business and often caters our events.

Audra Lobdell is our current Working Student, who came to us all the way from Washington State. She will stay and study with Max for one year, helping with all aspects of horse care and training, before taking the next steps on her equestrian career path. Audra has brought her own young mare, Rosie, who she started herself, and is looking forward to learning more about dressage.