Deerfield Farm
While we are known for our world class competitive riding program, we thrive on teaching horseback riding lessons to children and adults of all ages. It doesn't matter if you have never ridden a day in your life or you have been taking lessons for years, we invite people of all skill levels to join our Deerfield community.
- Nationally acclaimed riding program
- Gentle, well schooled lesson horses
- Educated, skilled riding instructors
- Family oriented with friendly atmosphere
- Indoor and Outdoor Arenas
- New 60 ft. covered round-pen
- Heated viewing room to our indoor arena
- Art and Yoga studios
- Easy access off I-90 in Preston WA
- 10 min to Issaquah and 20 min to Bellevue
Deerfield Farm Instructors
Katie Sikes
Head Coach/Trainer and OwnerKatie started riding at age 8 in eastern New York and by the age of 12, had expanded riding styles to include western. She worked in barns and summer camps to pay for riding clinics and extra riding lessons. At 12 years old, she started teaching riding lessons and by 16, she was running summer camps.
She attended Suny Oswego and graduated in 2010 with a degree in Biology. After graduation, she was hired at Deerfield Farm and began her mentoring by Sue. Over the years, she has worked with many trainers including Shane Dowdy, Carol Dal Porto, Morgan Stoevener and others. In her spare time, she draws, paints and loves being outdoors or hiking with her dog.
“I have the honor of allowing people to create peace in their lives through working with horses. I am so blessed to have such an incredible group of students, and genuinely inspired by their courage and desire to work hard! They don't know it, but they teach me far more than I could ever teach them!”
- Katie
Lee Ann Hagen
Assistant Coach/Camp DirectorLee Ann started riding at the age of 5 years in upstate New York. She fell in love with horses before she was even old enough to ride them. As she grew, so did her love for horses.
Lee Ann attended Le Moyne College and graduated with a BA in History. During college, Lee Ann would often work summers at Deerfield to run their summer camp program. After college, she was hired at Deerfield to mentor her sister Katie and run the Youth Riding Academy program.
“I enjoy helping others to cultivate their love for horses by learning and experiencing what it means to be an equestrian. Deerfield allows me to combine my passion for teaching and horses. I am blessed to have such amazing students!”
- Lee Ann
Sue Cumming-Schultz
Founder and Master CoachFounder of Deerfield Farm, Sue attended the University of Washington and Burnley School. She has also studied with many accomplished masters of horsemanship, aikido, yoga and meditation. Through her personal study and experience, she has created a program founded in the awareness that through committed, consistent practice (of any worthy endeavor), joy and self-esteem is created in the individual.
The Deerfield Farm Riding Program, designed by owner Sue Cumming-Schultz, has been recognized as one of the premier horse programs in the country and its students have won literally hundreds of national and world title over the past 40 years. The majority of our clients have been from the greater Seattle area though many have been from other areas of the United States, as well as England and South America.
“The purpose of the Deerfield program is to teach compassion, commitment and focus through skillfully coached instruction with horses but ultimately, the real lesson of Deerfield Farm is the awareness that the only thing that stops us from achieving our greatness is our inability to believe in ourselves.”
- Sue
Deerfield Farm's history
The beginning
Deerfield Farm, situated just outside Seattle in Preston, WA, is a cherished family-owned equestrian facility. For the past 45 years, it has been home to Deerfield's renowned equestrian and leadership program, a vision originally crafted by Sue Cumming-Schultz. This program was established with the goal of nurturing riders and fostering their confidence and self-esteem through the disciplined art of becoming skilled equestrians.
Change in ownership
In April 2018, Deerfield Farm, LLC, now operating as Deerfield Farm Equestrian, LLC, saw a change in ownership when Katie and Jarred Sikes acquired it. The Owner and Head Trainer, Katie Sikes, embarked on her equestrian journey at the age of 8 at a hunter-jumper barn in New York State. After relocating with her family during her middle school years, she was introduced to the world of All-Around Performance and spent years honing her skills.
Katie pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Biology from The State University of New York at Oswego but soon realized her deep-rooted passion for the art of horsemanship. In the summer of 2010, she joined Deerfield Farm and commenced her apprenticeship under Sue. Eight years of dedicated learning and growth later, Katie was ready to take on the significant role she holds today.
Holistic approach
Deerfield Farm follows a holistic approach in supporting its riders while striving to establish a profound connection between horse and rider. Our riders are encouraged to develop awareness of their physical and mental states as they learn the art of communication with their horses. We welcome riders as young as 6 who are just starting their journey, and we are equally enthusiastic about adult riders, even if they have no prior experience.
Art of horsemanship
Over the years, Deerfield Farm has proudly accumulated numerous World and National titles. Many of our program graduates have gone on to pursue NCAA and IHSA collegiate riding careers. Yet, our most significant achievement lies in our commitment to helping riders believe in themselves through the pursuit of the captivating art of horsemanship. Our dedicated coaches are here to guide riders in embracing qualities such as commitment, accountability, gratitude, grace, grit, and connection. Those who embark on this journey will experience the enchantment of an unspoken bond between horse and rider, leading them to a profound sense of peace.
Have a peaceful ride!
Haley says...
- Haley P.“I met Katie Sikes when I was twelve years old, and she, along with Sue Cummings-Schultz, is my first gratitude for everything I have accomplished since then. Horse trainers are easy to find; what is far more difficult is to find someone who speaks to the greatness of each student, who loves their horses relentlessly, and who works tirelessly to understand the unique energy of each horse.
Katie exhibits each of these traits, and in today’s horse industry, that is a rarity. In this place, I have found a forever home, an oasis, and the power to see that the only thing stopping me from anything I could ever want in life is my own mind.”
