Success Stories

Priestfield West Boarding and Training, Byron

Katie Minter-Dykhouse has spent the majority of her life around horses, working, training and riding in South Africa and England. Across the globe, Jennifer Hewitt also spent the greater part of her life with horses in Rochester, MN and Pennsylvania. Combining their talents, Katie and Jennifer saw the opportunity to develop Rochester’s first specialist dressage and sports horse training facility.

With more than 92,000 horses and $1 billion in yearly revenues, Minnesota is one of the most horse populated states in the country. Although the Midwest is traditionally the domain of western riding and trail riders, it is estimated that 35% of Minnesota’s horse owners are interested in learning more about dressage. Occasionally called “Horse Ballet”, dressage is a growing discipline among horse riding. Despite the growth, there were no facilities within a 60 mile radius of Rochester.

Started in 2006, Priestfield West Boarding and Training is located eight miles southwest of Rochester in Byron, MN. It is the only facility to offer regulation sized indoor and outdoor arenas, heated facilities and high level dressage tuition. In addition, it is one of the few facilities in the state to have two professionally trained and qualified instructors. From day one, Priestfield West has been at capacity particularly due to Jennifer’s business, JLH Dressage, integrating into Priestfield West. Currently, 32 horses are being boarded at the facility with clients as far away as Sioux Falls, SD. The local Pony Club uses the facility for meetings and educational events. Rochester Community and Technical College has also used the facility as a demo model for barn management lectures and facility design classes.

With the assistance of the SBA 504 program, their local bank, and personal resources, Priestfield West was able to construct a modern stable, arenas, and sufficient pastures for the horses. The facility is located on the owner’s land adjacent to their residence. This location benefited the business and owners by utilizing the owner’s existing property and creating a safe environment for the horses.