It will be a new year and in a new location for Casey Willis Show Horses. Based in Ocala, Florida, Casey, Deanna and their team decided to make a significant change and move to MNM Stoneridge Farms in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania.
Stoneridge is run by Michelle Monteith and her family and is located on approximately 80 lush acres in south-central Pennsylvania. The family has renovated many of the structures on site, bringing the site up-to-date while maintaining its charm. They have over 30 stalls, individual turnout paddocks, pastures, a hot walker, heated barns, a heated indoor arena, a stunning tack room, staff quarters, a guest cabin for visiting clients, and an onsite home for Casey and Deanna.
“The whole process has been a bit of a whirlwind, but I think that’s because it’s meant to be,” Casey explains. “Michelle asked us if we would be interested in moving our operation to Stoneridge just after the Congress this year. We decided to visit the farm, and Deanna and I were thrilled about the opportunity. We felt this would be a good time to change and bet on ourselves and our future.”
He continues, “I’m excited about being in Pennsylvania because that will open us up to more shows in the Midwest and Northeast. Those regions have many smaller shows and options for clients at different levels. So, we think it will be great for supporting regional clubs and our clients’ needs while allowing us to stay closer to our home base.”
He laughs, “Deanna spent some time growing up in Indiana, and I grew up in Missouri, so, despite being in Florida, we aren’t afraid of the snow. The facility is heated and set up well for the seasons for both people and horses.”
Michelle is thrilled to have Casey and Deanna on her team. “I must begin by saying I’m so thankful to Shane and Cindy Young (Young Quarter Horses), who temporarily stepped in for us and did a fantastic job. Casey is incredibly talented and has already had such a great career. We are so excited for him to join us in this new chapter,” she gushes.
“I purchased The Lopin Illusion from Deanna and got to know them through that transaction. I felt like they would be a wonderful fit for our facility.”
She continues, “Casey is not only an asset to the show horse operation, but we are working to add to our broodmare band to expand our breeding operation in the coming years. We are excited to get Casey involved in our program’s breeding aspect and think this will be a great match.”
Casey will take most of his clients with him as many were traveling to him anyway. However, he will have some openings for new clients as well.
He emphasizes, “I’m so grateful to Rusty and Katie Green for all they have done for us. I’m also thankful for our amazing clients who have supported and continue supporting us in this endeavor.”
“My goal is to set my clients up for success on a local and national level, while maintaining a boutique operation where our focus is on individual customers and horses,” Casey says. “I want to make showing both challenging and fun for my clients, and I think this change will help me accomplish those goals.”
