Chapter 01 · Lexington, Kentucky · The Bluegrass

Hunter, jumper, and equitation — at home in the Kentucky Bluegrass.

A full-service show barn on the historic Cherry Knoll Farm, founded by Jeannie Scalise. Horse-first horsemanship inside a 2020 state-of-the-art facility.

Cherry Knoll · Lemons Mill Pike 3975 Lemons Mill Pike
Lexington, KY
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Avalon Founded · Del Mar, California
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Stall Barn · European Fronts
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GGT-Footed Arenas · Indoor & Outdoor
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Greek Revival House · National Register
Pedigree A-Circuit Program
Trained With Bernie Traurig & John French
Location Minutes from the Horse Park
Care Staff On-Site, 24 Hours
Chapter 02 02 The Trainer

From a Del Mar show barn to the heart of the Bluegrass.

Founder & Head Trainer Jeannie Scalise

Jeannie Scalise grew up on the East Coast, training with several highly accomplished professionals before moving to California to ride with the legendary Bernie Traurig and John French.

In 1995 she opened Avalon Hunters & Jumpers in Del Mar, California, and built it into a respected, competitive A-circuit show barn — later expanding into Northern California. In 2019 she purchased Cherry Knoll Farm in Lexington with a singular goal: a versatile facility that would be an oasis for both riders and horses.

"I was tired of horses spending their days moving between a dark box stall and a small dirt paddock. Here, they have room to be horses."
MentorsBernie Traurig · John French
FoundedAvalon · Del Mar, 1995
DisciplineHunter · Jumper · Equitation
SinceCherry Knoll · 2019
Read the full story
Chapter 03 03 The Programs

Full service, one standard: horse-first horsemanship.

01

Hunter/Jumper Training

Customized, full-service programs tailored to each horse and rider — flatwork, gymnastics, conditioning, and show-ring preparation.

Full Training
02

Full-Service Boarding

Boarding is included in every program — 24-hour care from staff who live on site, generous turnout, and a barn built around the horse.

Care Included
03

Riding Lessons

Private and small-group instruction in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings — from foundation flat work to the show ring.

All Levels
04

Sales & Lease

Hunters and equitation horses for sale and lease. We match the horse to the rider — consignment accepted for the right horse.

Match-Making
05

Horse Retirement

A dignified retirement on grass and rolling pasture for horses at the end of their competitive careers. Programs start at $475/month.

From $475/mo
06

Show Coaching

Coaching and support at the major shows — from Kentucky Horse Park to the winter circuit — when horse and rider are ready for it.

A-Circuit
Chapter 04 04 Sales Roster

A short, considered list — not a catalogue.

Hunter · Grey

Sample · Hunter Prospect

Children's / Adult Amateur Hunter

SexGelding
Age8 yrs
BreedingWarmblood
ColorGrey

A quiet, ribbon-consistent prospect for the amateur ring.

POA Inquire to view
Jumper · Chestnut

Sample · Jumper Mount

Junior / Amateur Jumper

SexMare
Age10 yrs
BreedingWarmblood
ColorChestnut

Scopey and careful — a confidence-builder over fences.

POA Inquire to view

Mockup placeholders shown. Real inventory & photography appear here on publish — only horses with owner consent are listed.

Chapter 05 05 Retirement

A dignified retirement on Bluegrass pasture.

After a lifetime of giving us their all, horses at the end of their competitive careers deserve more than being forgotten in a dirt paddock.

Cherry Knoll's rolling pastures and dedicated, on-site staff make for one of the kindest retirements in the Bluegrass — built around turnout, grass, and quiet, attentive daily care.

  • Management of all care · 24-hour or custom turnout
  • Medication, supplement & non-vet medical care
  • Grooming, fly spraying & blanketing
  • Coordination of vet, farrier & therapeutic services
  • Daily health checks & regular owner updates
From $475per month
About the Retirement Program
Chapter 06 06 Approach

How a day rides at Avalon.

01

Read the horse

Every program begins with the horse — its way of going, its preferences, its day. The rider's plan adapts; the horse's welfare does not.

02

Build the ride

Flatwork, gymnastics, conditioning, and course work in rotation through the week — never more on the horse than the horse can carry well.

03

Show with intention

We ship to a show only when both horse and rider are ready for it. Ribbons are the residue of good preparation, never its purpose.

Chapter 07 07 The 2020 Facility

What the boarders walk into, every day.

01

80 × 220 Indoor Arena

Attached to the barn, meticulously maintained GGT footing.

02

120 × 220 Outdoor Arena

All-weather GGT footing with a full jump course.

03

European Stall Fronts

Airy 20-stall barn with large windows in every stall.

04

Stall Cameras

Video camera, fan & automatic waterer in every stall.

05

Automatic Fly Spray

System in every stall — comfort built into the barn.

06

Equine Treadmill

For conditioning, rehabilitation, and fitness.

07

Rider's Lounge

Climate-controlled, with arena viewing for guests.

08

Radiant-Heated Cross-Ties

Warm grooming through Kentucky winters.

09

Bluegrass Pastures

Extensive grass turnout over prime Bluegrass land.

Chapter 08 08 Around the Farm

Cherry Knoll Farm, in the Bluegrass.

The PropertyAtop a hill over prime Bluegrass countryside.
Outdoor Arena120 × 220 with GGT footing.
Pasture LifeRoom to be a horse, day in and day out.
IndoorsA polished trip in front of the judge.
Turned OutBraided and ready for the hunter ring.
Over FencesBrave and forward to the base.

Photographs of Avalon at Cherry Knoll Farm and its horses in the Kentucky Bluegrass.

Chapter 09 09 Visit

Come out to Cherry Knoll.

The best way to know Avalon is to walk the aisle. Use the form, or call and we'll set a time that suits your day — we answer every inquiry personally.

Telephone (760) 522-2924
Address 3975 Lemons Mill Pike
Lexington, KY
Nearby 15 min · Kentucky Horse Park
20 min · Bluegrass Airport

Schedule a barn visit

A short form. We answer every inquiry personally.