At Thornridge Manor, we believe in creating a supportive, family-run environment where horses and riders can reach their fullest potential.

Phoebe and Claudia met in 2003 and formed an instant friendship—one built on trust, communication, and a shared passion for dressage. Since then, they’ve cultivated a long-standing professional partnership rooted in mutual respect and a commitment to excellence.

Together, they’ve successfully trained horses, coached riders, matched clients with ideal sale horses, and raised and developed a string of talented young horses of their own

Since opening our doors in 1999, we’ve become known for our exceptional care, thoughtful amenities, and a safe, focused setting for dressage training at every level.

Head trainer Phoebe Devoe-Moore is deeply involved in the day-to-day life of the farm—from the stable to the show ring to the office—while her husband, Chuck Moore, continually improves and expands our facility behind the scenes. Manager and assistant trainer Claudia Kleinsmith brings additional depth to our program, guiding both horses and riders with a thoughtful, individualized approach.

A collage of three photographs related to horseback riding and equestrian activities. The top photo shows a woman in a riding outfit riding a horse in an outdoor arena. The middle photo depicts a girl standing next to a pony with a sign that reads "Elk River Horseford Hunt Pony Club." The bottom photo features a circular emblem with a figure riding a horse, with the text "United States Equestrian Federation."

How we started…

What sets Thornridge apart is our team’s hands-on experience bringing up young horses. Phoebe and Claudia personally own and develop youngsters—usually purchased at age 2 or younger—many of whom have earned top honors at breed shows and gone on to successful performance careers.

In 2008, Thornridge Manor was recognized as one of the top dressage training facilities in the United States.

We are proud to be approved by both the American Hanoverian Society and the German Verband for training, sales, and inspection/MPT preparation from Intro through FEI.

As one inspector put it: "The U.S. needs more facilities that are this top-notch, coupled with the services you provide.”

Meet our team

Our program is made possible by a dedicated full-time groom, hard-working students, and a shared commitment to quality, care, and community. Whether you’re seeking long-term training, a new equine partner, or a positive place to grow as a rider—we’d love to welcome you to Team Thornridge.

Phoebe DeVoe-Moore wearing a riding helmet and gloves riding a gray and black horse outdoors on a sunny day.

Phoebe DeVoe-Moore

Phoebe has been immersed in the horse world since the age of three. A lifelong student and educator of dressage, she is known for her keen eye, clear instruction, and deep commitment to the horse-rider partnership. Her teaching blends classical principles, biomechanics, and individualized guidance to help riders of all levels feel confident and connected in the saddle.

Owner & Head Trainer

  • A USDF Bronze and Silver Medalist and Musical Freestyle Bronze Bar recipient, Phoebe has successfully trained and shown horses through t Phe FEI levels. Her journey includes standout performances at the North American Young Rider Championships and Dressage at Devon, where she and her beloved horse Lester made their mark. She’s also coached nine students to earn their Bronze Medals and two to earn their Silver.

    Phoebe is especially passionate about young horses. She’s personally selected, raised, and developed numerous foals into national award winners—including USDF Horse of the Year recipients and Devon champions like Heirloom, who won the GAIG/USDF East Coast Series Grand Champion Foal in 2012. Her skill in evaluating bloodlines and potential is matched by her belief that every great horse needs a thoughtful, individualized path to success.

    As a judge, Phoebe earned her “r” status in 2006 and is known for blending fairness, technical knowledge, and rider empathy in her scoring and comments. She completed the USDF L Program with distinction and continues to deepen her judging credentials.

    Phoebe also plays a leadership role beyond the arena—serving on boards for the Maryland Dressage Association, Long Green Pony Club, Baltimore County Farm Bureau, and the Long Green Land Trust, where she became the youngest board member in its history and now serves as president.

    She designed Thornridge Manor from the ground up and is involved in every detail of its operation. Her vision is rooted in care, community, and creating a space where horses and riders grow together—with joy, grit, and good footing.

Claudia Kleinsmith in show attire on a brown dressage horse with a white blaze on its face, practicing dressage in an outdoor arena with white fences and green trees in the background.

Claudia Kleinsmith

Claudia brings energy, humor, and a deep sense of empathy to everything she does—qualities that make her both a standout instructor and a trusted partner in managing Thornridge Manor. She started her equestrian journey mucking stalls and catching rides, gaining hands-on experience with a wide range of breeds long before she ever sat on a warmblood.

Manager & Assistant Trainer

  • Her diverse background has shaped her creative, psychology-informed approach to training and problem-solving. Claudia has a talent for making lessons engaging and stress-free, and her ability to communicate clearly—especially with children and newer riders—has earned her a devoted following. Her student base ranges from preschoolers to retirees, and her teaching style balances playfulness with precision.

    Claudia holds a degree in Equine Business Management from the University of Maryland’s Institute of Applied Agriculture. She has taught at numerous barns across Maryland and brings a rare mix of professionalism and joy to the job. Since joining forces with Phoebe in 2003, she’s helped shape Thornridge into the community it is today.

    In 2014, Claudia earned her USDF Bronze Medal riding Wallstreet Prince, a horse she’s helped train since he was just six months old. She is also known for her knack for teaching flying changes and her favorite go-to: shoulder-in to straightness—then let the fun begin.

    In addition to training and teaching, Claudia manages the daily flow of the barn and lives on-site, ensuring every detail is handled with care. She also judges local hunter shows and has her eye on the USDF L Program in the future. In short, she’s the glue that keeps Team Thornridge running—and laughing—every day.

Chuck Moore standing in front of a white house with green shutters, arms spread wide.

Chuck Moore

Chuck Moore may not have grown up with horses, but he’s become an essential part of Thornridge Manor’s foundation—literally and figuratively. Since meeting Phoebe at the Blessing of the Hounds in 2002, Chuck has become a devoted supporter, craftsman, and problem-solver behind the scenes.

Facility Manager & Breed Show Handler

  • From hauling horses up and down the East Coast to capturing every show moment on video, Chuck is always present. He’s been the trusted trailer driver for every major show Phoebe and Claudia have attended, and is a calming, capable handler for young horses at inspections and breed shows.

    Chuck is also the creative force behind the physical beauty of Thornridge. He’s installed stone paver walkways, landscaped gardens, built the outdoor arena and automatic watering systems, designed the boarder tack lockers, and created a discreet, efficient manure management system. He takes pride in maintaining the 90-acre property, always looking for ways to enhance its function and appeal.

    His talents extend beyond tools—Chuck has a natural patience with horses and a genuine investment in the farm’s success. Though not a rider, his presence is felt in every corner of Thornridge Manor. When he’s not building, fixing, or filming, you’ll likely find him plotting the next great improvement to the place he’s helped shape into one of the top dressage facilities in the country.

Our horses