The Team Behind Your Success

our team

Passionate Experts With Years of Experience

At Sorella Farm, our team is more than just trainers—we’re passionate horsemen and horsewomen who truly love what we do. With deep roots in the hunter/jumper and equitation world, we bring years of experience and a personalized approach to every rider. Whether you’re chasing big competition goals or simply looking to grow in and out of the saddle, we’re here to support you like family—every step of the way.

Meet the Team

Nina Thorton
Barn Manager

Nina was a student-athlete for 4 years as a member of Baylor University's top-ranked NCAA Division 1 Equestrian Team. After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Digital Media, Nina returned to Orange County and managed scheduling, operations, marketing and the online presence of other barns when she then met Ireland in 2020. Since then, Nina is now the barn manager for Sorella Farm.

Anika Phillips
Working Student

Anika is the definition of hardworking and committed, always at the barn making sure everything runs smoothly. Whether she’s managing grain, handling chores, or supporting riders at lessons and shows, she’s a constant presence both in and out of the ring. You’ll always find her at the back gate during every round, keeping things organized behind the scenes, and making sure both horses and riders have what they need. She’s a key part of the team, bringing reliability, knowledge, and a strong work ethic to Sorella Farm every day.

Danny
Head Groom

Danny is the backbone of horse care at Sorella Farm, bringing an unmatched level of dedication and attention to every horse in the barn. He doesn’t just care for them—he truly knows them, understanding their individual needs, quirks, and personalities like no one else. His ability to develop a deep bond with each horse ensures they are always at their best, both in and out of the ring. A true horseman through and through, Danny’s commitment to their well-being and success is second to none.

Our Mission

"Striving for excellence while having fun."

Our Atmosphere

A Team That Lifts Each Other Up

At Sorella Farm, we are more than just a barn—we are a team that supports, encourages, and celebrates each other every step of the way. While safety and success are always top priorities, we believe that the journey should be just as rewarding as the results. With a fun, positive atmosphere, we help our riders achieve their goals while building strong relationships with their horses and our community.

Come meet our team

Come to Sorella Farm to meet the team and discover our atmosphere. We would love to give you a tour!

Contact us

So excited to be apart of this amazing barn! Great trainers and lessons, horses well taken care of, and nice group of people. Love this place!

Heather H.