About Us
Avid equestrian Catherine Ruh and QRF manager Timothy Ruh couldn't imagine a better life than living together at Quiet Rein Farm. With a strong passion for animals and farm life, QRF is their pride and joy and they wouldn't have it any other way. Since Quiet Rein Farm opened its doors for business in 2017, they have worked hard to develop a community that operates much like a family, sharing a passion for horses amongst one another and also serving as a place of friendship and camaraderie. Both Tim and Catherine look forward to watching this special community grow.
Catherine Ruh | Barn Manager/Owner & Head Trainer
Catherine Ruh began riding at age six and has known since her first ride on a pony then she would become a professional in the horse industry. Catherine believes that a strong foundation of flat work and maintaining a proper connection with the horse leads to success in whatever ring the rider aims to compete. Catherine enjoys training young horses and helping clients continue to grow and progress in their riding career. Catherine spent the past four years as head trainer at Fox Crossing Equestrian, where she coached dozens of hunter/jumper and equitation riders to qualify for and compete successfully at CHJA and CHSA Finals. Catherine got her start in the industry as a working student for several seasoned professionals including David Wilbur at Folly Farm and Shachine Belle at Belle Equestrian.
Catherine earned her bachelor of science in Animal Science with a minor in Equine Business Management at the University of Connecticut where she was captain of the Equestrian Team. While at school, she helped start an IEA program based out of UConn where she coached and managed the team in its first successful year. As a junior rider, Catherine showed in the High Children’s Jumpers and Large Junior Hunters throughout New England and Florida. She qualified multiple times for National Junior Hunter, Marshall & Sterling, NEHC, NEHJ Derby, and in CHJA finals.
Timothy Ruh | Property & Road Manager
Tim is the farm's "right hand man" for all things related to the property. Graduating from Connecticut College in 2010, he soon thereafter got back to his roots in Litchfield County, where he worked in property management, land clearing, and landscaping. Tim maintains our property, ensuring everything onsite is cared for and working as it should. Aside from being our "Mr. Fix-It", Tim plays an integral part in our show horses' travel, as he handles all the farm's shipping needs and coordinates all the moving parts for us during show season. Outside of managing our beautiful farm, Tim is also an EMT with Washington Ambulance and the Lead Coach of the U12 Division on the Mohawk Mountain Alpine Race Team.
Staff
Mattie Harris | Community Riding Instructor, Assistant Trainer, & IEA Coach
Mattie specializes in teaching, training, and keeping things running smoothly. She is excellent with riders and horses of all different ages and abilities, and loves to help each of her students set and reach goals. Like Catherine, Mattie is a UConn Alumni bringing QRF even more pride for the UConn Department of Animal Science. She has been riding since age 6 and is a well-rounded horsewoman, having ridden in almost every discipline including Hunters, Jumpers, Dressage, Western, Polo, and Eventing. At UConn, Mattie was Captain of the Drill Team and trained many of the up and coming youngsters. Her positive upbeat attitude and emphasis on a strong foundation in proper flatwork bring out the best in her horses and riders.
Samantha McLaughlin | Assistant Trainer
Sam has loved horses and working with children ever since she could remember. Sam brings an upbeat and positive approach to the arena. Her patience and genuine interest in others makes her a phenomenal instructor for those looking to build confidence, work on their technique, as well as those just starting out or returning to the saddle after years away. Her calm disposition puts at ease even the more timid equestrians and embraces progress at each individual’s own pace. Sam’s passion is in helping set and meet personal goals. Like our other staff members, Sam loves watching riders make strides in their lessons and at horse shows. Outside of teaching, Sam enjoys working towards her own personal riding goals with her favorite QRF horse, Tabasco.