Rachel and Jeff Fields Expand Possibilities at Sandhaven Farm

(WOODSIDE, CA) - May 20, 2016 - Sandhaven Farm, a top level show barn based out of Portola Farms in Woodside, is pleased to announce the addition of Chelsea Jones to their team. Jones joins owners and head trainers Rachel and Jeff Fields, and assistant trainer Kimberly Carpenter. In addition a rare opportunity has opened up at Portola Farms.

Kimberly Carpenter, Rachel Fields, Chelsea Jones and Jeff Fields. Photo by Alexandra Afzal.

Originally from Canada, Jones began her riding career in British Columbia, beginning in the pony divisions and making her way up the ranks through the junior division. Capping her junior career, she won many of the major regional and national equitation finals. As a young professional, she rode in Europe and Canada before coming to California. A fierce competitor in the show ring, Jones has won multiple Grand Prix classes at leading West Coast venues including Thunderbird Show Park and Sonoma Horse Park.

"We couldn't be more excited to welcome Chelsea to the Sandhaven family,” enthuses Rachel Fields. “Chelsea not only brings an impressive background in the hunter and equitation rings, she has also excelled at the Grand Prix level. We are confident in the quality and expertise she brings to our program.” In addition to assisting with riders and horses at home, Jones will also join the Fields on the road for the rest of the 2016 show season.

Chelsea Jones winning the 2015 $15,000 Odlum Brown Ltd. Grand Prix at Thunderbird Show Park. Pictured with her husband, Thunderbird Technical Coordinator Skyler Brittner. Photo © Thunderbird Show Park.

“I’ve known Jeff and Rachel for years and have always had such admiration for their program,” remarked Jones. “They care a great deal about the sport, have well-prepared horses and riders, and take every detail seriously. I’m delighted to join such a well-respected team and be part of its success.”

Along with the addition of Jones, another new opportunity has come Sandhaven’s way. For the first time in many years, Portola Farms has a limited number of stall openings. Surrounded by big open spaces and beautiful trees, the facility boasts numerous arenas with excellent footing, including two large indoor, and all amenities one would expect at any top level training facility.

With this news, based on past inquiries, Sandhaven is expecting a full house for 2016. Rachel explains, “it’s quite rare for any stall to open up here and we’re definitely snatching them up for our clients and sale horses.”

With a new capable and dependable rider and trainer on board, Jeff and Rachel have the ability to offer clients more individual attention while also maintaining a focus on their own Grand Prix careers. After a remarkable recovery from a devastating elbow injury, Rachel Fields is rebuilding her presence in the big classes with several up-and-coming mounts including VDL Groep Cyrano Z (10-year-old by Crown Z), Buell (10-year-old by VDL Harley) and Libechen (5-year-old by Cappuccino).

Taking on a new mount during the Thermal Desert Circuit, Jeff Fields is doing quite well with the 12-year-old New Zealand bred gelding Kiwi Iron Mark. After only competing together in a few classes, they qualified and participated in the prestigious AIG $1 Million Grand Prix at HITS Thermal and finished in 10th place. Recently, the pair were 4th in the Blenheim Spring Classic IV Grand Prix and 6th in the Equine Insurance Grand Prix at Sonoma Horse Park.

Jeff Fields and Kiwi Iron Mark. Photo by Sarah Jorgenson.

Sandhaven client Julia Nagler, who as a professional has her own growing lesson program but keeps her show horses with Sandhaven, was 5th in the Equine Insurance Grand Prix aboard Birhan. 

Sandhaven looks forward to a successful summer of horse showing in California, Colorado and Canada. The team thanks their incredible clients, Stal Hendrix and generous sponsors - Bruno Delgrange, Samshield, Braly Woodworking, LA Saddlery, Tomari Cellars, Sound, Paddock Cakes and Saddle Network.

Contact [email protected] for details. Follow them on Facebook. Stay tuned for a newly designed website at sandhavenfarm.com in the coming months.