Our Trainers
Betsy Anderson - Trainer and Owner
Betsy started riding as a young child, taking lessons during summers at a local stable. She showed hunters/equitation on the “A” circuit as a junior rider until she left for Illinois Wesleyan College in Bloomington, Illinois. While in college, Betsy took a year off from riding to pursue collegiate swimming but decided to return to her true passion: horses. During her sophomore year at IWU she created and led the equestrian team, competing in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association and eventually qualifying for regionals individually. Betsy also found a great barn close to school, Hunter Oaks Farm, where she was introduced to the world of eventing, dressage and pony club.
After college Betsy pursued the corporate path for a few years while still riding, competing and teaching lessons on weekends. She left corporate life to open Jump 4 It in 2008. Betsy has helped so many riders find their equine partners and discover their love for horses. Her student’s have competed successfully on the “A/B” IHJA circuits, NIHJA, PTS and NSBA. The last 2 years she has had the opportunity to take her students to Ocala, Florida to show at the World Equestrian Center during January/February.
After having to move locations Jump 4 It found its forever home at Homestead Equestrian in Lake Villa, IL in February 2022. We are so excited to expand our programs in our beautiful new facility!
Betsy enjoys managing the barn, teaching lessons and showing. When she’s not at the barn you can find her running around after her four kids!
Grey Melnick - Trainer/Rider
Grey grew up having a passion for horses. At the age of 5 she started taking lessons at her local lesson barn, learning the basics and growing her love for horses. Grey then started riding at Shadowood Farm, where she rode for 7 years and was a working student. It was at Shadowood that Grey grew as a rider and horse woman, having great opportunities, during her time there she got to work with green horses, learn the ins and outs of breaking young horses, and barn management. Grey has enjoyed taking her first horse Sylas from a barely broke 4 year old to an “A” jumper. She was successful in the low child adult jumpers and was first in the Zone 5 USHJA region for the stirrup cup in her division. Along with showing she also has experience up to 4th level dressage and has enjoyed riding in clinics with Kevin Babington, Albert Voorn, and Hardin Towell. Grey studied at the University of Findlay, where she extended her education, focusing on equitation and barn management. Afterwards in January 2021 Grey accepted a full time position with Jump 4 It. Grey enjoys teaching lessons to students of all ages and handling all of our pro rides at home and at shows.
Allie Reisman - Trainer/Rider/Camp Director
Allie began riding at the age of 7 and enjoyed competing as a junior rider with her horse until she set off for college in 2018. She started riding/showing with Jump 4 It in 2015 and quickly realized she wanted to learn more about what it takes to be a successful professional in the equine industry. She spent countless hours at the barn and was a very successful working student for Jump 4 It. Allie continued to develop her knowledge of horse care, riding, and teaching while she was still a student at University of Illinois. During the summers she managed our camp program and quickly became a beloved member of our staff. Allie also manages our social media accounts and helps promote Jump 4 It. Allie graduated from University of Illinois in 2022 with a degree in advertising and accepted a full time position with us in May 2022. We are so excited to have her as part of our team!
Brittany Giannoni - Trainer/Rider
Brittany has loved and ridden horses her entire life. In 2009, she graduated high school early and began her career as a working student at Market Hill Farm. This is where she spent countless hours training and showing many green horses, including off-the-track Thoroughbreds. She learned the values of patience and persistence when working with horses. In 2011, she became an assistant trainer and professional rider. As a professional, she showed many different horses on the local “NIHJA” circuit, and traveled to a handful of “A” shows.
In 2014, Brittany graduated from Arizona State University and became a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. While at school, she was introduced to therapeutic horseback riding and became a Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor in 2013. She returned to Illinois and continued to ride professionally, until becoming a mother in 2020.
Brittany is very excited to be a part of the Jump 4 It team. She has found a perfect fit with her values of teamwork, passion, and kindness at Jump 4 It. She enjoys working with horses and riders of all ages and abilities!