Meet the team!

Katrina Schmitt

Katrina began riding horses as a toddler in Illinois, where THANKS-A-LOT FARM began. She holds a degree in Animal Science with a specialty in animal nutrition, and is a trained farrier. She has evented through the CCI*** level on a mare she broke and trained herself as well as eventing many other horses over the years. She also has experience showing horses and ponies in the hunters and jumpers on the "A" circuit, playing International mounted games and working race horses at the three race tracks in Illinois for many years.Katrina is the farm farrier and keeps all of the horses up and running!

Katrina & Babe (above)

Tom Schmitt (aka “Dad”) did not grow up with horses but loves all animals and has even ridden horses a couple of times. Tom is extremely experienced as a driver, groom, fence fixer, mechanic, handyman, barn builder, hay person and at finding (and acquiring) animals in need of homes. He still does all of the hay and grain hauls for the farm as well as all of his grounds keeping, handyman and mechanic work. He was a painter at Illinois State University until he retired.

Seth Cooley has been riding with THANKS A Lot Farm since the age of 8. Seth has evented through the Preliminary level and shown some in the hunters and jumpers on the “A” circuit. He starts, trains and shows/competes horses (and ponies if possible). Seth has a huge love of cats and dogs and has “helped” the farm acquire several pets over the years.

Laura started riding and working at THANKS A Lot Farm as a 13 year old. She is a fast learner and hard worker. She brings joy and laughter to the farm everyday with her upbeat personality. Laura is progressing quickly in her riding and gets along well with all types of horses. Laura is truly amazing with foaling and foals. She is there for every mare that foals no matter the time of day or night. She loves all animals and they all love her! *Photo to come soon!

Alyssa Schmitt

Alyssa began riding horses as a toddler in Illinois, where THANKS-A-LOT FARM began. Alyssa has evented through the Preliminary level and competes year round in dressage, eventing, hunters and jumpers depending on what horses are showing that week. She also has experience showing horses and ponies in the hunters and jumpers on the "A" circuit, playing International mounted games and working race horses at the three race tracks in Illinois for many years. Alyssa starts and brings along the youngsters taking them out to their first year (or two) of shows before the horses are offered for sale.

Alyssa & Wild Eyed And Wicked (above)

Heidi Schmitt (aka “Mom”) starting riding horses as a child. She evented and rode high school dressage on Lipizanners in Germany. She is an avid runner and still rides. Heidi is very well known for her out of this world cooking and baking skills as well as being an amazing chocolatier. Heidi still helps in the barn and teaches lessons.

Sam McCollough has been riding at THANKS A Lot Farm since the beginning of 2024. Sam is also from IL! Sam evented and showed horses and ponies before moving out to WV. Sam has been helping start horses as well as showing some and fox hunting horses for the farm. Sam is wonderful person and hard worker!