What began in 2018 with a steadfast commitment to breeding and developing top Hunter/Jumpers has evolved into a leading program dedicated to cultivating the next generation of elite and competitive hunters, jumpers, and equitation horses.
cherokee show horses
cherokee show horses
OUR MISSION
At Cherokee Show Horses, we take pride in our mission to shape tomorrow’s champions. Based in the prestigious equestrian community of Rancho Santa Fe, our program operates out of some of the finest show facilities in the country, including Thermal and Del Mar. We are fully equipped to support our horses wherever their talents take them—be it Spruce Meadows, Major League, Devon, Green and/or Derby Finals, or the Fall Indoors Circuit.
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meet our team
THE CHEROKEE DIFFERENCE
Expert Care and Development
Our team of seasoned professionals is dedicated to the wellbeing and advancement of each horse in our care. We understand that developing confident, honest, and consistent equine partners is a unique opportunity and a responsibility we embrace wholeheartedly.
Attention to Detail
From meticulous nutrition plans to precise grooming and tailored fitness regimes, every detail at Cherokee Show Horses is handled with the utmost care. We believe that these elements are crucial in developing successful, long-term equine athletes.
Transparent and Honest Transactions
We approach every aspect of our business with transparency and integrity, ensuring that each transaction and interaction reflects our commitment to honesty and ethical practices.
Passion for the Sport
Our team brings years of expertise to every facet of our program, and their passion for excellence drives us to continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in equestrian sports.
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OUR TEAM
Alexis had a significant junior career in the 1990s training primarily with Timmy Kees and Leslie Howard out of Ox Ridge Hunt Club. She earned top placings in all major medal finals, hunters at Indoors, Young Riders and was a silver medal recipient in the USEF Talent Search Program. She took a decade away from the sport to earn her business degree at NYU & have a successful career in finance followed by another in business management.
Upon returning to riding she led the country in the A/O 18-35 division aboard Carnado while training with Hunt Tosh. As a young professional she won the WCHR Developing Professional National Title along with the Challenge Class at Capital Challenge in the same year. Alexis owned and operated Aleron Training Stables from 2013-2023, a very successful hunter/jumper program based in the NW that competed across the country with an average of 40 horses under her management each year. There, she produced numerous top hunters (Skyhawk, Campari, Notorious, Category, Gatsby, Q The Music) and took riders from walk trot to national finals.
Wanting to take a step back from being a sole operator, Alexis has since sold her business and is a full time team member of Cherokee Show Horses.
ALEXIS TAYLOR
Trainer
Jill Hunter-Hensley is the founder and CEO of Cherokee Show Horses LLC. Jill has earned a distinguished reputation for consistently producing outstanding show jumpers in and outside the show ring. Born in New Jersey and raised in Colorado and California, she has shown in everything from hunter to equitation to jumpers. After her career as a competitor, she started Cherokee Show Horses in 2018 and was matched with a remarkable mare from Quinar. Recognizing the breed's potential, she has dedicated her time to preserving and enhancing the mare's lineage, establishing CSH as a hub of excellence in equine breeding and sales.
As a mother of three children and co-owner of an irrigation company, Jill seamlessly juggles her roles through dedication, drive, and passion for both family and entrepreneurship. She continues to see the potential that lies within the pursuit of one's passion.
Jill Hunter-Hensley
FOUNDER & CEO
career highlights
2-time winner: $25,000 Markel Insurance Grand Prix
1st Place: $30,000 Blenheim June Classic Grand Prix
1st Place: $10,000 CSI3* 1.40 Bronze Tour Classic
1st Place: $5,000 CSI3* 1.35m Tour Speed Stake
Champion: $20,000 1.40m Las Vegas Grand Prix
1st Place: $25,000 Blenheim Spring Classic Grand Prix
Born in Washington, D.C., and raised on both the East and West coast, he enlisted in the US Navy in 1985. He received his commission in the Navy in 1992 after graduating from the University of Washington and has earned 2 Master's Degrees in Quality Systems Management and Lean/Six Sigma. He is also an FAA-rated pilot. With twenty-four years of experience in the military, Darryl holds a valuable perspective on the CSH business environment.
Being relaxed and innovative with a strong work ethic and emphasis on structured processes, Darryl's diverse experience, thoughts, and approaches lead to innovative solutions, effective problem-solving, and a deeper understanding of a broad range of markets and customer needs, ultimately driving business success.
His knowledge of the horse industry through his over 20 years of marriage to Jill and his exceptional leadership skills help him make informed decisions to drive the company's growth, motivate the team, and ensure CSH continues to excel in the competitive world of show jumping.
Darryl Hensley
COO
Full of energy daily, Marlon brings an outstanding commitment to horse care and a true love of horses to the team. Marlon has been caring for horses for over a decade. He gets to know each horse individually, allowing him to manage their various needs and ensure they remain healthy and happy. Marlon takes extreme pride in the turnout of Cherokee's equine athletes and loves seeing them shine in the ring.
Marlon Garcia
Head Groom
Originally from NY, Reyhan was born into the show jumping industry. Working with family, Reyhan learned every aspect of the business from a very early age. An accomplished rider in his own right, Reyhan gravitated towards horse care and barn management as his specialties, including a love for coaching. After a large business in NY followed by another in Texas, Reyhan helped create Tristar Farms in San Diego CA. At Tristar, Reyhan went on to develop horses and clients to many successful FEI and Grand Prix wins, and it was there that he began working with Jill, fostering a relationship that would lead to Cherokee Show Horses as it exists today.
Reyhan Haunert
MANAGER
SPONSORS
