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Laurel Springs Farm
About Us
Holly Butler has had over 20 years of experience being the owner and operator of Laurel Springs Farm. Her passions for horses and animals of all kinds blossomed as a child. Today she proudly holds almost 4o years of riding experience in multiple english disciplines including dressage, eventing, show-jumping, hunt-seat equitation and hunters.
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Some of Butlers accolades include..​
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- USHJA Instructor Credential
- Graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in Animal Science.
- Founding member of the Blue Ridge Eventing Association.
- Former Intercollegiate Dressage Association Coach.
- Former Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Hunt Seat Equitation Coach.
- Provided the original home of the New River Valley's first Interscholastic Equestrian Association Hunt Seat Equitation Team.
- Experience training multiple levels of pony club members through their ratings.
- Experience as a 4-H leader.
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USHJA Trainer Certification ​
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Holly first obtained her TCP certification in 2014, and more recently completed her USHJA Instructor Credential in 2025. The USHJA Instructor Credential was developed to offer a comprehensive educational program for riding instructors. The credential offers both a comprehensive online education as well as an in-person workshop and examination. Designed to assess and elevate the teaching, coaching, and horsemanship skills of hunter/jumper professionals.athlete wellness and safety, sports psychology, stable management, riding theory, learning styles, and teaching methodologies that preserve the American Hunter/Jumper Forward Riding System.
Honorable Mention
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Holly wants to largely tribute her former supervisor, mentor, roommate, coach and friend of 30 years, former Virginia Tech Equestrian program director, Teresa McDonald. Teresa emphasized the values of honesty, loyalty, and integrity, believing they were vital for creating a positive environment for her students. Teresa chose to bring Holly on to help with the Virginia Tech Equestrian program. The opportunity to assist her was both a professional and personal compliment. Teresa continues to be a significant influence in Holly's life and career.