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 nation's 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.
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.
McKenna Barnes, Rider and Assistant Trainer - McKenna brings a rich and diverse background to Autumn Chase Farm. She started riding at the age of 3 and grew up eventing at Metahow Valley Riding Unlimited in Washington State. Growing up out west, she also gained considerable experience in groundwork and natural horsemanship techniques which have already proven valuable in her work with our young horses. In 2020, McKenna graduated from Lake Erie College with degrees in both Equine Teacher/Trainer and Equine Facility Management. She spent the first year after graduation in the dressage world earning her USDF bronze and silver medals. In the spring of 2021, McKenna joined Autumn Chase Farm and transitioned her focus to hunters and jumpers. Her riding, teaching, and her work on the ground with our young horses have been a fantastic addition to our team.