Leslie Kramer - Owner 

Leslie Kramer, one of the owners and the manager of Equest Farm, began her commitment to this sport and the special relationship between people and horses over 50 years ago. She began riding with her father Ben Brupbacher and sister Mary once a week as a Sunday outing. Those once a week rides turned into a life passion for the horse and this special place once known as City Park Stables, now Equest Farm. Now, Leslie is fortunate enough to interact with riders and horse lovers on a daily basis. Managing the facility is a full time job, not only maintaining the property but monitoring the care, custody and control of Equest Farm.

Through a long and illustrious history, the stables have survived in this urban setting when so many equestrian centers located in an urban setting have failed to thrive. Through her commitment, Leslie has brought the citizens of New Orleans a place to enjoy the serenity of the land while enjoying the horses.

Francesca Senior - Head Trainer

Fran grew up riding at City Park Stables, where Equest is today, eventually riding with Jerome Robertson as a full-time working student and apprentice; riding, showing, teaching, bringing young horses along, and working in and around the barn.

Fran is committed to lifelong continuing education through clinics, USHJA programs, and training with icons like George Morris, Jack Towell, Buddy Brown, Peter Pletcher, Julie Winkle, and Bernie Traurig.

As a professional rider, Fran has shown at the top level of USEF horse shows around the country, winning Hunter Derby Classes and picking up numerous championships and circuit championships in the Hunter and Jumper divisions.

Fran is a USHJA-certified and credentialed riding Instructor, one of only three in the state of Louisiana.

She has over 25 years of experience training horses and riders of all ages and abilities.

Fran has a proven track record for finding ‘just the right horse’ for people looking to buy or lease through carefully cultivated relationships with knowledgeable, well-respected, and talented jumping horse producers in Europe and the US.

Carefully matching riders with horses and creating personalized programs for each partnership has consistently led to successful combinations for the Hunter, Equitation, and Jumper rings.

Developing riders from walk trot into ribbon winners at Pony Finals has been particularly rewarding, along with qualifying horses and riders for national finals and medal Finals.

The horses and riders in her program are regularly recognized for their achievements through zone awards and State association year-end award championships.

Fran has been the head coach for several middle and high school IEA teams, contributing to team championships, individual rider wins, and regional and zone finals qualifications.

Fran served on the board of directors of the Mississippi Hunter Jumper Association for five years, including as President from 2019-2021, putting on three to four shows a year as chairman of the horse show committee.

On a personal note, Fran is happy to be "home" again, among many familiar faces, sharing her knowledge and love for the sport and horses through teaching.