Meet Our Trainers
Val Buesching
Owner & Head Trainer
Val Buesching began riding at the age of 11 and quickly launched her competitive career on the NIHJA circuit. Driven by her passion for horses, she attended the University of Kentucky, where she earned a bachelor's degree in equine science. Val is well known for her talent in matching horses with riders. She instills strong fundamentals in all her students while maintaining a sense of fun. Over the years, Val has trained numerous champions on the NIHJA circuit, including many medal finalists and winners. In recognition of her contributions, she was voted NIHJA Horseperson of the Year in 2009 and voted in as NIHJA President for the 2025 season. Her ability to blend hard work with the joy of riding has inspired and motivated students of all ages. Val has watched several of her students achieve success at “A” and “AA” rated competitions.
Lisa Smith Gola
Assistant Trainer
IEA Coach
Lisa started riding when she was only 6. She rode with many of the midwest's top professionals and clinicians. At 12 years old she started her junior career on the "A" Circuit. Competing throughout her teens and twenties all across zone 5 and Florida for her family's Andelain Farm. She took a break from riding to pursue an education and career in service management and supply chain. During which time she assisted managing and running the Summers End Horse Show along with her mother. For the past 10 years she has been instructing students to top placings in IEA and NIHJA series. She joins us to impart her love of the horse and the sport on the next generation of equestrians.
Bridget Marie
Assistant Trainer
Bridget Maire has been training with On Course since she was 7. She now joins us as an instructor, teaching both in the arena and in our classroom-style Horsemanship program. Bridget's goal is to keep students happy, motivated, and having fun while they learn and grow in their riding careers. Bridget attended the Lake Erie College, School of Equine Studies program. With a focus in the psychology of teaching both horse and rider as well as managing the facility and business. As part of her cirrocumuli, she rode in several classes and with many different trainers and clinicians. Bridget's tenure with us helps her select the most productive and safest pairings between horse and rider. She has been showing on the NIHJA circuit for over 10 years, in that time she has earned multiple trophies and top-placing ribbons.
Kristi Jarosch
Certified PATH Instructor
Special Olympics Coach
Kristi Jarosch is a life-long equestrian, combining her love for English equitation with a unique perspective as a PATH-International Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor. For over fifteen years, Kristi has been an active rider and trainer in multiple disciplines including hunt seat, dressage, and western pleasure. Kristi has a long line of students who have successfully competed in the NIHJA circuit, Special Olympics, and IHSA teams. She has also trained dozens of horses going on to successful competitive careers. In 2004, Kristi joined the St. Mary of the Woods College IHSA Hunt Seat and Western teams while completing her Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies in 2008. Uniquely, Kristi brought her self-trained horse, Skating on Thin Ice, to college, where he became a regional favorite draw as an exceptionally trained ride. Kristi audits clinics to constantly learn new approaches to teaching and strives to provide all of her students the opportunity to develop solid equitation and horsemanship.
