Chez Chevaux’s Story
Founded in 2004 by Richard Bolmgren and Melodee Shelley-Bolmgren, Chez Chevaux was created as a safe haven, rescue, and rehabilitation program for Thoroughbred horses, specifically those that were previously race horses. Their gentle training methods and use of classical dressage was designed to show off the athleticism and versatility of the breed. Sadly, Melodee, who was the main organizer and trainer, passed away unexpectedly. Richard was left to manage the rescue and farm while working full time as a bus driver in downtown Seattle.
Richard retired to spend more time on the farm, but it was a daunting task as maintenance had fallen by the wayside due to time, prioritizing the health of the horses, and grappling with grief. So when Richard heard about a program that needed a new home, he reached out. With Wolf, Troy, and the rest of the Golden Owl community in his corner and on the team, we have been able to breathe life back into the rescue and the property. Our community has put in hundreds of hours of labor and thousands of dollars of donations into repairs and animal care. There is still a lot of work to be done- from the daily animal care tasks and training, to the re-organizing of the organization from top to bottom to be as structurally sound and transparent a non-profit as possible. We thank everyone who has stuck by our sides while we get it all sorted out, and we can’t wait to see what we’ll be able to do next! Covered arena here we come!
Meet the Board of Directors
-
William "Wolf" Craig
President
Wolf has been involved in the equine world for many years, and is well versed in classical dressage. Ze is also a personal trainer and passionate about fitness. In Wolf’s spare time, ze can be found gaming with friends, spending time in the forest with Beau, zir dog, or catching up on episodes of Outlander.
-
Richard Bolmgren
Vice President
Richard and his wife, Melodee, are the original founding members of Chez Chevaux. Richard was trained by his wife in classical dressage techniques but is enjoying learning new ways to train from Wolf and Troy. In his spare time, he likes to take his Harley out for a ride.
-
Bethany Lewis
Treasurer
Bethany has worked in HR and financial resources for several years, and is well versed in systems management. She is thrilled to join the Chez Chevaux board as she has always been passionate about animals and the care of critters. In her spare time she can be found gaming with friends, spending time with family, or enjoying quilting!
-
Molly Uchtman
Secretary in Training
Molly is the secretary-in-training under the old secretary of the board, which fits well with her excessive note-taking and tendency to organize. She has loved horses for as long as she can remember. Along with her work for Chez Chevaux, she apprentices at Golden Owl Riding School, learning to care for and work with the horses. Outside of horses, Molly is passionate about reading, wilderness education, and gaming.
-
Whitney Lumsden
Participating Member
Whitney Lumsden, Air Force veteran, is a full time real estate agent who specializes in VA home loans and virtual buying for active duty service members. She has a deep respect and passion for nature and animals. In her spare time you’re find Whitney outside with her dog, Alfred, hiking, running, or paddle boarding.
-
Jaym Gates
Participating Member
Jaym Gates is an editor, author, and lifelong horse enthusiast. She has spent years working with rescued and traumatized horses. The most recent addition to the family is an off-track Standardbred harness racer with too many opinions and no boundaries. You can find out more about her at jaymgates.com
-
Troy Schroder
Participating Member
Troy has been working with horses for most of his life. Troy has experience riding in training in many styles, and uses a base of natural horsemanship to help students branch out into whatever direction they want to go as the primary riding school coach. In his spare time, Troy likes to spend time with friends and family, play Pokemon Go, and spend time with his dogs.