Ben was born in Houston, Texas. As a toddler his family moved to Greenville, North Carolina. It was there that Ben began riding at the age of nine and soon became involved with the local 4-H program. Ben’s parents have always been supportive and encouraged him to pursue his dream. At the age of 16, the family moved to Apex, North Carolina where they purchased a small farm for Ben to ride and work out of. Ben and Erin later purchased the 22 acres adjacent to that 12-acre farm and now both farms have become Summit Hill Farm. It was this move where Ben’s passion for eventing really flourished. Living only an hour from Southern Pines opened up a lot of learning opportunities for him at a young age.

Ben had success early on when in 1996 he and his OTTB placed sixth at the North American Young Rider Championship at Temple Farms (Illinois) in the CCI**. Competing at this event put him on long list for the United States Equestrian Team. Though Ben had been casually buying, selling and training event horses, this sparked an interest for it to become his career. His goal has always been create a premier equestrian facility in order to pursue his riding aspirations and promote the sport of eventing.

Years later, that dream came to fruition. A lot of dedication and hard work led to the creation of Summit Hill Farm located in Apex. Now Ben has the ideal facility to work to achieve those goals. A place to teach the intricacies of dressage and jumping, train horses to the top levels and introduce riders to the sport of eventing.

On top of owning and running Summit Hill, Ben is still an active upper level event rider and trainer. His love for eventing and competing is still present as he continues to expand his own skill set by working with trainers such as Bobby Costello of Southern Pines. He plans to remain riding and learning so he can one day reach his fullest potential as an event rider and trainer.

Born in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Erin began riding at the age of nine in Lake in the Hills, Illinois. She grew up riding hunters until the age of 13 when she moved to Cary, North Carolina. It was then that she was introduced to dressage and had the opportunity to expand her riding knowledge. At the same time continuing improve upon her jumping.

Erin started eventing at age 17 when she had the chance to ride and compete many of Ben’s event horses and prospects. Traveling to events with Ben, Erin had the opportunity go to many upper-level events and watch and learn from the best. With her 15+ years of horse experience including working at barns, grooming at shows, and riding, Erin has gained a vast amount of experience. She applies that experience when managing the barn, teaching lessons, and training horses. Erin has successfully competed at the novice level on multiple horses and still continues to expand her riding ability in jumping and dressage.

After years of friendship, Ben and Erin married on March 20th 2004. When Summit Hill opened its doors in May of 2006, Ben and Erin began working together to create a business established on honesty and sound morals. Their intensive work ethic has resulted in Summit Hill becoming a premier boarding and training facility in the heart of North Carolina. They strive to run an organized, well-managed barn that both horses and riders will enjoy.