Riding High: The Aureliano Equestrian School Leading the Way in Elite Horsemanship, Training and Jumping

It’s a beautiful thing, when a family shares a common interest and builds a successful business around it. The Aureliano Equestrian opened 30 years ago as Hunters Grove, now run by mother Jill Aureliano and daughters Brittany and Alexa on a sprawling 18-acre property in Old Brookville. The women’s devout passion for horses — riding, competing, training, showing, jumping, boarding and more — forms the foundation of their equestrian enterprise. 

Here we talk to Brittany about their humble beginnings, life on the farm, and the bond that keeps them together.

When did Jill first start to ride? Tell us a little about her journey.

Jill began riding around 10 years old. She loved it so much but didn’t have all the support to do it as much as she would have liked. She worked her butt off to take lessons. She would ride her bike on a paper route every morning, she worked as a secretary (in her younger years) and then worked at whatever barn she was riding at to get in as many rides as possible. She went on to work for some big names, eventually building her own business. She successfully showed a lot of very young horses, showed horses on the line at Devon, and worked with/broke many babies. She taught me to do the same and that is where my passion lies. My mom is a superwoman who, like most genuine horse people, does this out of pure passion. I remember, at our first farm, getting up at 2am with her so she could go braid all our horses for the Hampton Classic. Then she rode and taught all day there, to then come back and care for each horse. It’s not a crazy story, but it stuck with me because she can just keep going. Nothing stops her. She gives the absolute best care to each horse in our farm. She rescues horses who have no other chance, she donates to cow organizations, she imports top warmbloods. 

It’s really important to have people to look up to like my mom in this industry. I know how hard she’s worked for everything. To continue the legacy she has created, with the same values she has, is an honor. My sister and I are so grateful to have a family with such passion and to bring that into a barn where others can enjoy it as well. Not many people have passion in life. We are really blessed.

What is it like to run the farm as a family?

You might be surprised by this answer because people say working with family can be hard, but it’s calming. Being a family-owned farm where you really have the whole family working to make it run isn’t something you see too often anymore. The farm brings us together to create something we love. I also love that we can offer a family run business to the horse industry. I feel you get a more genuine approach. It’s not just a boarding or training facility. It’s our home and we genuinely care about each individual, four legged or two, under our roof.  

Let’s talk a little about Hunter Jumping. How did you get into that specifically? How does it differ from other types of riding? How do you train your riders for competitions? What skills does it require – both mentally and physically?

We have always trained as “Hunter/Jumper” riders. I grew up mainly riding young hunters whereas my sister grew up competitively showing ponies and top-level equitation. We train riders for whatever realm they want to be in in the hunter jumper world. Whether they just want to ride for pleasure or be competitive in the equitation ring. We put a huge emphasis on physical fitness (I am a strength and nutrition coach) so any rider that really wants to be a full package athlete is strength training with us. Education, safety, etiquette, and horsemanship are paramount in our training. Training for competitions requires a lot of consistency from the rider. They must show up ready to learn each lesson. They need to understand that their horse also needs to be in top shape to compete.  I have seen many riders struggle with nerves/anxiety so they will usually work with me outside of their lessons in the gym building physical and mental fortitude. 

What’s a typical day like at the farm?

Depending on the weather we start anywhere from 5:30 on. We all wear many hats so depending on the day Jill and I could be teaching all day or Alexa and I could be riding all day. We have about 60+ horses on the farm and a very large lesson program. Our wonderful trainers teach lessons to various types of riders on our lesson horses. We offer therapeutic lessons, in house schooling shows, summer camp, boarding and lessons to anyone that wants to learn to ride! We have eyes on all operations at any given moment. 

Horses are very special animals. How do you feel about the bond you share with your horses? How many does your family own?

To be loved by any animal is truly a blessing. Their kindness brings so much happiness and to be able to share that with people is what it’s all about. We own about 30 horses, two cows, two mini donkeys and one giant mule. I’m the animal collector in the family. Jill will pretend she doesn’t aid in my animal collection, but she does! Owning this farm means that we can give a really great home to each animal we have. Their happiness means everything to us. 

What is your vision for the future for you, for the farm?

The vision is to keep building on what our family has worked tirelessly to build. A beautiful, safe, welcoming facility that offers a real home to the horses and riders it houses. We are a place where horsemanship is not lost. When you walk through our doors you join a team. We are a family-owned business but the entire barn is a family. Aureliano Equestrian is a place to come to learn, enjoy your horse, the property and become the best rider you can be. The goal is excellence in every aspect!