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By J.R. Brower

Nottingham Township Barr Road resident Amy Hudson held her grand opening for Rebel Run Stables on Wednesday, December 17.

Amy hopped on Apple like it was nothing, and the sturdy little pony didn't blink an eye.

Located at 70 Barr Road, 1/2 a mile from Sugar Run Road, the brand new equine center was built in hilly terrain on 115 acres of historic property, where there were most likely activities relating the Whiskey Rebellion over 250 years ago.

Amy, with the help of her friends, came up with the name Rebel Run Stables because she and her fellow Nottingham residents are quite proud of their township's historical roots that shaped the early federal government's idea of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Amy was born and raised in Finleyville and graduated from Ringgold High School in 1995. She feels fortunate and is happy to be able to start her own business, and all indications point to success here. Amy knows that most people love horses, and a large number of them want to learn how to ride horses whether they own one or not. She says that she and her partners will mainly be giving riding lessons for both the English and Western styles.

Having been involved with horses for over 25 years, Amy is the official farm manager, too. She has ridden and competed in all disciplines of riding. She competes primarily in Appaloosa Horse Club events nationally and prefers to barrel-race. She holds National and World Championships in the event.

Amy says she'll be very active in the daily running of the farm. Her family will help, too, including mother Gaylene Walker, father Kurt Walker, brother Joe Walker and daughters Faith, 5, and Emma, 19. The Hudsons just completed the building of their new home up above the barns with a wonderful view of the horse facilities and pastures.

Kerri said Skip is one of her favorite horses for teaching the skills of riding.

The farm has twelve horses, of which Hudson owns ten. Their horses are boarded in their beautiful new barns and they will also do limited client boarding in their 100-year-old historic barn.

"Beyond the fences, we have riding trails almost all the way to Sugar Run Nursery, which borders the end of the property," explained Hudson.

Hudson's partner is Kerri Gregg, who grew up in Bethel Park and now lives in South Park, and is the head instructor. She has been involved with horses her whole life. Kerri has a B.A. in education from California University of PA and has been involved in Pony Club. She has spent the last eight years teaching in Bethany College's Equestrian program, traveling to team competitions all over Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia. At Bethany, she's also an adjunct equine studies professor. When she's not riding, she's taking care of her family, including son Talon and daughter Riley. Kerri will concentrate on teaching the English style of riding.

Hailey Grese, from Finleyville, is the western instructor and also knows pleasure-riding and the other styles. She is active in 4H. Hailey is currently in a vet tech program in Pittsburgh, studying to be a veterinary technician.

The first lesson took place on Wednesday, December 17. Participating were Skip, Renegade, Dominic, Hailey, Remington, Strawberry, and the sturdy little pony, Apple. "We have biographies of some of the horses on our Facebook page," said Kerri Gregg.

Renegade is a Canadian mare who likes her stall in the new riding arena.

The business also will be adding Barnyard Birthday Parties to their services in the spring.

For more information, check out their website at http://www.rebelrunstables.com/, which has a list of all services Rebel Run provides, including the prices. The owner number is 724-350-7831, and riding instruction can be reached at 724-747-0780. Their email address is rebelrunstables@gmail.com.

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