Our Team
Jason Schnelle, Owner & Head Trainer - Growing up here in Germantown, Jason has been involved in the horse industry his entire life. Since opening the doors to Autumn Chase Farm in 2000, Jason has coached riders to top ribbons at the nations most prestigious horse shows including Washington International Horse Show, Pennsylvania National Horse Show and The Devon Horse Show. He has also earned numerous championships with young horses that he has brought up through the ranks to become successful Junior, Amateur, and Hunter Derby competitors.
Kristen Schnelle, Owner & Office Manager - Kristen has been involved in horses her whole life beginning at age 8. As a junior rider she competed successfully in the Equitation and Junior Jumper Divisons. As an adult , Kristen had a short but successful stint as a professional rider which included top ribbons at the Washington International Horse Show. Soon after marrying Jason in 2007, Kristen took a break from the horse business and now rides strictly as an amateur. She handles all of the administrative duties at the farm and keeps things running smoothly.
Sydney Casady, Rider and Assistant Trainer - Sydney is a lifelong equestrian having begun her riding career at age 4 on her family farm outside of Knoxville, TN. Sydney grew up in the horse business and has worked for many top professionals in the industry including Bill Schaub and Chad Keenum. She is a 2019 Graduate of Emory & Henry College having earned a degree in Equine Studies. She participated in IHSA and IDA during her years at Emory & Henry College. Sydney's main focus at ACF is riding and showing client horses as well as teaching all levels.
Kalie Pettet, Rider and Assistant Trainer - Kalie grew up in Michigan and started riding when she was four years old at the Grosse Pointe Hunt Club. As a junior rider, Kalie competed at horse shows in Michigan and Ohio, where she excelled in both the Hunter and Jumper Rings. She also enjoyed fox hunting as a member of the Metamora Hunt. In 2020, Kalie earned an Equine Studies degree from Lake Erie College with a major in Teaching and Training. Kalie was a four year member of the school's IHSA team. Kalie spends her time at ACF riding, teaching and ensuring everything runs smoothly when the rest of the team is away at shows.
Jennifer Malone, Riding School Instructor - Since joining ACF in 2005, Jennifer has long been our ambassador of good will and high spirits. Her experience as a former elementary school teacher and mother of three make her exceptionally qualified to teach our youngest and often most timid students the basics of good riding and good horsemanship.