Meet Our Team

🌿 Cynthia Shishilla — Owner

Dressage • Jumping • Driving • Liberty • Rehabilitation • Functional Biomechanics

Cynthia is the founder and guiding vision behind Folklore Farm. With decades of hands-on experience in behavior, training, rehabilitation, and rider education, she has built a program known for its depth of knowledge, compassion, and classical correctness.

Her approach centers on restoring proper movement and posture — whether a sales horse being prepared for its next home, a lesson horse maintaining longevity through correct conditioning or a rescue horse rebuilding strength Cynthia’s ability to read each horse’s needs and guide them toward balance has become the hallmark of Folklore’s training philosophy.

Under her leadership, Folklore Farm has grown into more than a barn — it’s a place where horses rediscover confidence, riders gain true understanding, and every program is rooted in the belief that correct training is the greatest kindness we can offer the horse.

“Every horse teaches us something. My job is to listen, adjust, and help them become the best version of themselves — sound in both body and mind.”

Alongside her training and sales operation, Cynthia dedicates personal resources to a small, privately funded rescue that takes in several horses each year — each arriving in need of significant nutritional and physical rehabilitation. She carefully manages their refeeding and retraining, ensuring each horse has the opportunity to heal, rebuild, and transition into a safe and well-matched home.

Her deep love for animals extends well beyond the barn aisle. She is rarely seen without her loyal entourage of German Shepherds ( Oz, Creed and Ezra ), Kimmi the Toy Australian Shepherd, and Linus, her cherished 18-year-old Chihuahua and constant companion.

Cynthia’s steady vision has made Folklore Farm a place where every detail matters — from the health of each horse to the experience of every rider who walks through the gate. It’s a farm that combines expertise with genuine care, blending high-level training and everyday joy into something that’s truly special.

🖤 Michelle McKinney — Barn Manager & Foundation Training Supervisor

Michelle McKinney has been devoted to horses for as long as she can remember. Her passion began at just three years old, and by four, she had her first pony — the start of a lifelong journey in horsemanship. Now in her twenties, Michelle brings both youthful enthusiasm and remarkable maturity to her role as Barn Manager and Foundation Training Supervisor at Folklore Farm.

Michelle oversees every aspect of the barn’s day-to-day operations, ensuring the care, organization, and flow of the facility reflect the professionalism and welfare standards that define Folklore Farm. From staff management to horse care, she brings structure, calm leadership, and a genuine love for the horses who call the farm home.

In addition to managing the facility, Michelle plays a vital hands-on role in the foundation training and development of horses entering the program. Whether she’s starting a young horse or helping a rescue rediscover comfort and trust, she specializes in creating the correct start — or the right restart — built on balance, clarity, and confidence. Her quiet, patient approach allows each horse to soften, listen, and rebuild body, mind and trust.

Driven by her lifelong goal to help every horse she meets, Michelle continues to learn, grow, and refine her craft each day. Her work embodies the heart of Folklore Farm — where knowledge, kindness, and purpose come together to bring out the very best in every horse.

🖤 Marisol Jimenez — Assistant Trainer

Marisol Jimenez began her equestrian journey at just seven years old, and by fifteen she knew she wanted to dedicate her life to the horse industry. Her passion for every facet of horsemanship — from daily care and training to the art of correct, balanced movement — shines through in all that she does.

As Assistant Trainer at Folklore Farm, Marisol plays an active role in the development and education of both horses and riders across the discipline’s of dressage, hunters, and jumpers. She brings the same focus and integrity to competition that she does to everyday training — proving that excellence and kindness can go hand in hand. Marisol is passionate about bringing awareness to the importance that horses who are physically balanced, mentally content, and developed through thoughtful training are the true foundations of a long-term successful partnership.

Driven by her dedication of continuing education, Marisol actively seeks opportunities to expand her knowledge and refine her skills, both in and out of the saddle and show ring. Her goal is to help riders and horses reach their fullest potential together, proving that true performance comes from balance, trust, and joy in the work.

🖤 Catherine Hunter — Associate Instructor

Catherine Hunter brings decades of classical training and teaching experience to Folklore Farm. Educated in the Forward Riding System, she trained under esteemed horsemen including U.S. Cavalry Instructor and Olympic Coach Gordon Wright, Olympic rider and coach Lendon Gray, and acclaimed author Jane Marshall Dillon. This classical foundation continues to guide her work today, blending precision, empathy, and a deep respect for the horse’s natural movement.

As a clinician, instructor, and equestrian journalist, Catherine has shared her expertise through published articles, national speaking engagements, and clinics throughout the Eastern and Southeastern United States. For over twenty years, she has specialized in the rehabilitation and retraining of horses and riders using the non-interfering techniques of Forward Riding — restoring balance, confidence, and mutual understanding. Her instruction focuses on developing a balanced, secure seat and teaching riders to communicate in ways that promote safety, harmony, and correct functional movement.

Catherine’s approach centers on patience, clarity, and correctness. She helps riders discover the how and why behind every exercise, prioritizing the horse’s comfort, soundness, and mental well-being above all else. Her philosophy develops horses that are forward, balanced, and willing, and riders who are confident, educated, and kind — reflecting the very heart of Folklore Farm’s mission.

🤍 Our Working Students

At Folklore Farm, our working students are the heartbeat of daily life — the quiet, dedicated hands and eager minds that help keep the farm running smoothly while building their own foundation in correct, welfare-based horsemanship. Each one joins our team with a passion for learning and a desire to contribute to something meaningful.

Under the mentorship of Cynthia Shishilla and senior staff, our working students gain hands-on experience in every aspect of equine care and functional training — from grooming and groundwork to assisting with rehabilitation and lesson preparation. Beyond the barn aisle, they also begin developing the skills to properly instruct riders, learning how to communicate safe, effective riding practices rooted in balance, understanding, and biomechanics.

Every working student at Folklore shares the same goal: to grow into knowledgeable, compassionate horsemen and horsewomen who prioritize the welfare, safety, and long-term soundness of the horses in their care. Their dedication, curiosity, and commitment make them an essential part of the team — and a reflection of the values that define Folklore Farm.