Kriess/Solomon Family

Jude, Drew and Finn

Jude has been riding horses since she was old enough to trade stall cleaning services for lessons. She learned a lot in those early years about patience and responsibility, and how horses love to push boundaries. She currently owns 4 horses: one nearing retirement, two working through the levels, and one youngster. She strives to create a deep relationship with each horse and wants them to love their life.

Years ago, Jude and her husband, Drew owned a small hobby farm, soon selling it to purchase a defunct boarding facility in Kent that they developed into a thriving business. The work was unending and hard, especially during the corona virus years, but the stalls were full, and the care of the horses was their top priority. Purchasing Skyreach Equestrian Center, formerly Summervale Farm, was their dream come true. Drew spends many hours on a tractor or a four-wheeler, though he prefers his motorcycle for his commute to Bellevue where he is a game developer.  

Finn has been riding since he got his first pony, Sir Launch-a-Lot, when he was five years old. This year, he is graduating from high school. He owns two horses: Mochi, a Friesian gelding and Fenn, a Hanoverian warmblood. He is hoping to compete at 3rd and 4th level dressage. When not in school, he works as an exercise rider for Christine Headley Dressage. 
 
We are extremely fortunate to work with Jennifer Williams, an Internation Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer, who offers world-class dressage training and sales at our facility during the summer months. 
It has been our dream​

Leo Valenzuela

​Staff extraordinaire 

Leo has been an integral part of this facility for over 15 years, having started to work here for the previous owners. We are truly fortunate he agreed to stay with us. Leo has a broad knowledge of handling horses and expertly manages their day-to-day care. Additionally, as a skilled builder, he is our jack-of-all trades and takes pride in keeping the facility in tip-top shape for our clinics and shows.

​We are truly grateful for Leo’s friendship and help bringing us up to speed during our transition. He is a pleasure to work with, and we are fortunate to have Leo on our team.  He lives on site with his lovely family. His wife, Neli, occasionally lets us enjoy her amazing Mexican cuisine!

Pat Stauffer

Facility Expert

Pat was with Summervale for a long time before it became Skyreach, and he carries a wealth of knowledge of the facilities, including where to find secret rooms in our one-hundred-year-old house! He functions as our Sunday staff member for horse care, and when not working his “real” job, he willingly jumps in to help us if needed. During horse shows, you’ll find him in the parking lot guiding participants and guests to the best parking locations.   

Pat is a highly skilled horse trainer for groundwork and riding, and he will patiently teach a frustrated owner how to load a jittery horse into a big, scary trailer. Jude’s personal experience: “I spent four unsuccessful hours trying to load my mare before Pat stepped in to help. Later, he graciously came to our farm in Kent and after two three-hour sessions, the mare loaded more calmly. After a bit of continued work, she now practically jumps into the trailer.”  Pat gives private and group riding lessons every Saturday at Skyreach. 

Kayley McGuire

Sunday Staff

Kaylee is our youngest employee and part of our Sunday staff. She works at a veterinary clinic while attending school to become a veterinary technician. Kaylee cleans the paddocks and jumps in when extra help is needed elsewhere. She is also in charge of scheduling the farriers and fetching the horses for them.  
Kaylee is an animal lover and an impeccable care giver. Our office cat, Mittens, can attest to that and appreciates Kaylee by showing her much love.