at Tourelay
Colts Neck · New Jersey
Our Mission
At First Light Farm, we are dedicated to the wellbeing of every horse in our care, believing that true partnership and performance begin with a happy, healthy horse treated like family. We provide quality instruction rooted in patience and encouragement, building riders and horses alike on a foundation of proper fundamentals and well-versed horsemanship.
Whether you're taking your first lesson or preparing for a show, our barn supports riders at every stage of their equestrian journey. We build a foundation of proper basics, then develop that foundation into the skills needed to compete confidently, at any level.
We inspire riders to bring their best effort by focusing on the fundamentals: correct position, timing, and communication between horse and rider. Lessons are structured to be both educational and fun, so riders develop real skill while building a genuine partnership with their horse.
Our Team
Trainer
Tess Davis has been a professional hunter/jumper trainer in Colts Neck for over ten years, with a vision of building a farm where the horse always comes first. She believes a happy, well-cared-for horse gives its best in return.
That belief shapes every part of her work, from developing successful riders to bringing along the next generation of horses. Tess meets each student with encouragement, building skill and confidence through communication, respect, and strong fundamentals. For twenty years, she has brought along green and young horses, drawing on a foundation in hunter/jumpers, dressage, and natural horsemanship to produce horses that trust their riders and carry that trust into every question asked of them.
Trainer
Cayla Mackey is a professional rider and trainer in the hunter, jumper, and equitation disciplines. A lifelong equestrian, her passion for horses began at a young age on her family's farm.
Cayla has a wide range of experience from jumping 1.25m tracks to competing in national hunter derbies, along with experience developing green and young horses. She has trained with respected professionals including the Matz family.
Her training philosophy centers on strong horsemanship, correct fundamentals, and putting the horse first, with an individualized approach focused on confidence and successful horse and rider partnerships.
Barn Manager
Haley Dowd began her journey with horses 15 years ago, when she instantly developed a deep and lasting love for these incredible animals. Over the past year, she has had the opportunity to train under our trainer, Tess, continuing to develop her skills and strengthen her passion for thoughtful, well-rounded horsemanship.
Haley is passionate about providing exceptional care and creating a safe, welcoming environment where both horses and riders can thrive. She truly enjoys being surrounded by horses and connecting with others who share her passion and appreciation for these incredible animals and the sport.
Services
Every horse here receives daily turnout, fresh water, tested forage, and a night check long after the barn has closed.
Lessons are open to everyone, not just boarders. Ride your own horse, or learn on one of ours while we find you the right one.
We lean toward a forage-based diet, minimizing overly processed feed in favor of nutrition that works with the horse's natural digestive system. Our hay is held to a high standard, so every horse receives the best possible nutrition as the foundation of its diet.
Feed decisions are guided by education from leading professionals in the industry, so each horse's program is tailored to its individual needs.
Facilities
Tourelay is a forty-acre facility with an indoor and an outdoor arena, thirty stalls, and grass turnout across the property.
Sales & Leasing
We help clients buy, sell, and lease horses. We'd rather wait for the horse that fits than push the one that's convenient. Tell us what you're looking for.
Leases are a good way into the sport, or a way to keep riding while you look. Buying or selling, our job is to make sure horse and rider are well matched.
Visit
We're on Route 537 in Colts Neck, in the heart of Monmouth County horse country. Visits are by appointment, to ensure we have a team member available to answer all of your questions and give you our undivided attention.
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