Our Trainers & Staff

Mark Conley: Owner /Head Trainer

Lexington, Kentucky

Mark opened the doors of Concord Equestrian Center (CEC) in San Diego over 33 years ago with a vision to bring horses into the lives of kids and adults. As a Grand Prix rider himself who trained with George Morris and Karen Healy, many of his riders have gone onto professional careers.   Now located at his second Hunter/Jumper barn in Lexington, Kentucky, Concord is a place to learn his traditional horsemanship and advance in the competition world.  His riders believe working hard and being disciplined allows their riding dreams to come true. 

       From Grand-Prix to hunters, Mark has done it all. His style is based on a well respected classical dressage foundation that allows the horse to become its best, physically and mentally. Mark stands out for his passion for teaching as well as competing. He teaches a select group of serious and committed riders with determined goals (competition or not)

   Our horses are among the best cared for. Knowledge and understanding are the most important parts of horse care. No two horses are the same, and our program tailors specifically to each horse or pony. Mark has always been on the forefront of progressive horse nutrition and care for three decades now. A happy horse is a well performing horse.

 

 

Taylor Gilmore: Assistant Trainer/Rider

Lexington, Kentucky

     Taylor began riding at a young age in California and found a passion for the sport. She went on to ride and compete in Canada for several years, later returning to California where she started working for Concord. She enjoys passing on her knowledge and developing riders into effective and skilled horse-people. She teaches our beginner and intermediate riders, inspiring confidence every lesson. Now at our new facility in Kentucky, Taylor is ready to take on new clients and further her show career. 

Chico: Head Groom

Lexington, Kentucky

  Our head groom Chico cares for the horses each day, ensuring they are in top condition. He prioritizes their health and wellness over anything else. His attention to detail keeps the horses in their best shape. 

 

Ashley Taylor: Trainer/Rider

San Diego, California

      Ashley has been riding professionally for 17 years. She has studied under several top professionals and invested her life to working with horses. She has the ability to transform a horse through gentle but effective methods to bring out the best in everyone. She believes that the well being and care of the horses is a top priority. Her program was created based on her extensive knowledge of equine psychology and biomechanics. She leads our California show team and teaches intermediate through advanced students. 

 

Maribeth Polese Gagliardi: Barn Manager/Trainer

San Diego, California

     Maribeth has been with Concord for 17 years. She grew up riding on the East Coast and found her calling in San Diego as an amazing beginner instructor and barn manager. Maribeth has a fun and patient approach with all of her students from all ages. She prioritizes safety in her carefully structured children's program and has brought countless students from complete beginners to accomplished equestrians.