Meet Our Trainers

Trish Eilbert’s journey with horses began at just eight years old on the island of Nassau, Bahamas, where she was born and raised. Her love for rescue horses was sparked when her mother purchased an old carriage horse named Pretzel for just fifty dollars—an unassuming but life-changing companion who became a source of comfort, healing, and purpose during some of the most formative years of her life. Trish spent every possible moment with him, riding across the island and forming a bond that would shape her future.

After the passing of her father when she was nine, Trish found solace in the quiet connection she shared with Pretzel. Horses became more than a passion—they became her refuge. Under the guidance of a disciplined Dutch trainer, she was introduced to the structure and intensity of the equestrian world. Though the training was demanding, it instilled in her a deep respect for the sport and a drive to grow.

Her journey continued in Newport Beach, California, where she trained under Hillary Ridland, further developing her skills in the jumper ring. Just as her riding career was gaining momentum, Trish faced another life-altering loss. After a brief battle with leukemia, her mother passed away, leaving her to navigate life without her parents at a young age. Around that same time, she had acquired an experienced Grand Prix-level horse, but the weight of her circumstances led her to step away from the sport and focus on rebuilding her life.

Trish went on to pursue a career in nursing, dedicating many years to hospice care. Through this work, she developed a profound understanding of grief, compassion, and the human spirit—experiences that would later shape her mission within the equestrian world.

Despite time away, her love for horses never faded. Eventually, Trish found her way back—this time alongside her husband and family. After rescuing another Thoroughbred, Harley, they made the life-changing move to Texas. Several years later, that journey led them to what would become their destiny: Aubrey Meadows Equestrian Center, formerly known as Valhalla Stables.

Today, Trish has created more than just a premier equestrian facility—she has built a sanctuary rooted in healing, kindness, and community. Aubrey Meadows reflects her lifelong belief in the therapeutic power of horses and her passion for creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for riders of all levels. Surrounded by a dedicated team and a diverse group of animals, Trish continues to care for both horses and people with the same compassion that has guided her life.

With deep faith in God and the unwavering support of her family, Trish is living out a lifelong dream. Her mission is simple yet powerful: to help others find healing, hope, and connection through the extraordinary bond between horse and human.

Lisa Marie Bishop acquired her FEI credentials in all three disciplines of Olympic equestrian sport. As a hunter/jumper competitor and trainer in Western NY, she began riding with Doris Clarkas a working student (Missy Clark and Northrun Farm) and was successful in the hunter ring. Branching out to eventing and jumpers, Lisa Marie worked with Joe Fargis, Walter Zettle, and Carol Kozlowski. She competed successfully at WEF under the watchful eye of Joe, and rode and trained for Sue Williams (owner of Olympic gold and silver medal stallion “Abdullah”). She started young horses in the program, taught students, and competed for the farm for several years. Lisa Marie then focused solely on eventing, and brought her TB Beetle Bailey from kill pen to Intermediate (earning her USEA Bronze Medal and MDCTA Intermediate Horse of the Year), until an injury ended his upper-level career. She turned to dressage, bringing along another unlikely candidate through the ranks and earned her USDF Silver Medal.

Lisa Marie has been featured in the Chronicle of the Horse, Horse Daily, USEA magazine, USEF magazine, Untacked, and several smaller publications, both for her accomplishments and articles written by her. Her technique for drop fences was the demo photos and script for a Cathy Weischoff article in USEA magazine. 

She has trained with Vera Kessels, Walter Zettle, Ralph Hill, Carol Kozlowski, Peter Gray, Joe Fargis, Michael Barisone, Anne Gribbons, Ali Brock, Jaime Dancer, Peter Green, Carmen Franco, and Cindy Ishoy.