Freda and Joe moved to Rutherford County in 2001 and established Fern Hollow Farm in Ellenboro. The farm grew from three to 16 horses and in 2010 moved to a newly built facility off of Piney Mountain Church Road in Bostic, NC. In addition to the horses, the farm is home to 4 dogs, 3 cats, and several chickens.
Owner/Instructor Freda Jessen has over 20 years as a professional riding instructor and is an ANRC #2 rated rider. She holds a BA in Equine Business Management from St. Andrews Presbyterian College and was the assistant director of riding at Chatham Hall from 1998 to 2001.
Since establishing Fern Hollow Farm, Freda’s students have competed at shows throughout North and South Carolina. Many of her students have received year-end awards, been champions of multiple different divisions, and qualified for local medal finals. Freda has also shown several horses to year-end BRHJA championships. Freda has served on the BRHJA board and was named BRHJA horseperson of the year in 2008 and 2023. Additionally, Freda runs and manages the Carolina Schooling Series.
Assistant Trainer/Barn Manager Chelsea Zsigmondovics has ridden and competed on horses since she was 7 years old. In her youth, she primarily focused on three-day eventing. However, as an adult, she has competed and currently competes in both Hunters and Jumpers locally in North and South Carolina.
Chelsea has studied movement and coached professionally throughout her life. She has a BA in Biology from Seattle University in Seattle, WA, and over 15 years of experience coaching children and adults in their athletic pursuits.
