The Legacy of Khaleesi

Khaleesi was my dream horse in every way.

Three years ago, I shattered my knee in a seemingly small fall. I didn’t know it would mean five surgeries and years of recovery. I was devastated—not just for myself, but because my heart horse Elliot was aging, and I was missing his final years. I couldn’t ride my mare Mani either, so I gave my sister the ride.

I needed hope. With the help of Mittleider Eventing, I imported a stunning 3-year-old filly from Hungary. She was everything I dreamed of—but complications during quarantine changed her life forever. She got pneumonia, and unbeknown to me, the drugs they used to treat her caused kidney damage. Still, Khaleesi came home to me. She was perfect—my partner in recovery, my next big dream, and the reason I kept fighting.

On June 14, 2024, I said goodbye. Khaleesi died of kidney failure. Before she passed, I tried to get an embryo, but it didn’t take. My other mare, Mani, was already prepared to breed—and when her pregnancy was confirmed, it felt like a spark of hope. I wished for a filly with big ears and a sassy spirit, and on May 18, 2025, Stormborn was born. I truly believe Khaleesi’s spirit lives on in her.

While I would give anything to save Khaleesi, it was through her loss that my passion reignited—my love for breeding, developing young horses, and helping riders build lasting partnerships. I named Khaleesi Acres in her honor.

-Shawna Thomas, owner

Shawna Thomas

OWNER & TRAINER
From growing up on a horse farm to competing through Intermediate eventing, Shawna has lived a lifetime with horses. She’s retrained racehorses, worked as a student for top professionals, and competed through mid-level dressage and show jumping. Empathetic and intuitive, she helps riders and horses gain confidence together. Shawna also has a deep love for breeding and young horse development—yes, there will be foals in the barn!
Shelley Thomas

DIRECTOR & PHYSIO
Shelley is a lifelong rider, competitor through Preliminary eventing and mid-level dressage and show jumping, and a licensed physical therapist. She combines her medical expertise with her passion for biomechanics, helping both horses and riders move better. Shelley also manages day-to-day barn operations and leads our rehabilitation and rider physio programs.
Emily Sloop

ASSISTANT TRAINER
Emily brings over 14 years of riding experience, currently competing through Preliminary eventing. She has trained with Olympic gold medalists Karen and David O’Connor, and worked under Sara Mittleider and Erin Storey. Emily’s quiet, effective riding style and thoughtful training approach focus on developing confident, balanced horses and riders.
Meagan Knight

LEAD HORSE MANAGER
Eileen VonHerbulis

ADMIN SUPPORT
Ramsey

THE BOSS
Stay tuned

SOMEONE SPECIAL IS COMING!
Macki Hamblin

DRESSAGE TRAINER
Dominik Bashista

RANCH HAND
Delaney Blaisdell

RANCH HAND
Hope Foote

RANCH HAND
When Hope isn’t working on her pharmacy doctorate degree, we are fortunate enough to get her help at the barn. Her insight into the horses and help caring for them is invaluable. You’ll see Hope caring for your horses on the weekends, and other times she can squeeze in a shift.
Jim St. Marie

HANDYMAN BY MARRIAGE
We would be remiss to not mention Jim, Shelley’s husband. He is our handyman despite not applying for the job. Thank you for helping us keep the barn in good condition!