About Us
Alex Dow is a third generation equestrian who grew up on Maplegate farm and had the ultimate equestrian childhood. She had a successful junior career showing ponies, green horses in the junior hunters, equitation and jumpers for her family and other industry professionals.
Alex is a Charlottean with a B.A. in Spanish language and literature from NC State. Go Pack! She has taught Spanish at the middle and high school levels both in North Carolina and Spain and enjoys building positive relationships with her students. In addition to mentoring with equestrian
greats such as Johnny Barker and Daniel Geitner, Alex has spent the last 5 years working as a professional under her parents tutelage. Maplegate students have earned state, zone and national awards on the AA circuit. She is also an NCHJA and SCHJA “C” rated judge who is working on her Big ‘R” through the professional mentorship program.
As a rider Alex enjoys preparing horses for success with their owners. From top 10 placings in International Derbies to championships in the Baby Green hunters and everything in between, Alex thrives on building relationships with her horses and riders to insure success.
Alex Dow
Trainer
Barn owner/manager, Lauren Rissanen, has been passionate and deeply involved with horses since she was 6 years old. She graduated from Queens University of Charlotte with a BA specializing in marketing management. She managed Terranova's private 4 stall barn before
Lauren Rissanen
Barn Operations Manager
their expansion and continues to do so with the addition of their 15 stall boarding barn. Throughout her years as an equestrian, Lauren has competed as an eventer, hunter/jumper AA show circuit, and was a former Pony Club member for Cardinal II and continues to give back to the club. With Lauren being the backbone of their equestrian facility, she has always made sure that everything is properly taken care of at Terranova Farm, "the right way".
Terranova Farm is a Private Boarding Farm located in Waxhaw, NC., owned by John and Tammy Rissanen. The Rissanen's purchased and began developing the property into their private equestrian farm in 2001. As a result, in
2010, the farm began operating as an equine boarding facility. The Rissanen's strive to make lasting memories and relationships with their family, friends, and boarders at Terranova Farm.
John & Tammy Rissanen
Barn Owner