Where Horses and Riders Come Together
Shenanigans Farm has long been a staple in the Metamora Hunt Country community, known for its welcoming atmosphere and deep-rooted passion for horsemanship. Over the years, many horses, riders, and families have come through our gates—but one thing has always remained the same: our commitment to creating a supportive, inclusive space where riders of all levels can learn, grow, and thrive.
Whether you’re taking your very first lesson or preparing for your next rated show, Shenanigans is a place where you’ll feel encouraged, challenged, and right at home.
About our farm
Shenanigans Farm sits on over 60 acres of beautiful countryside with direct access to the Metamora Hunt Trails. Our facility features three well-maintained barns, large grassy pastures, and spacious indoor and outdoor arenas with premium footing—offering ideal conditions for year-round training. We proudly host a strong riding school, welcoming students of all levels—from our smallest first-time riders to adults seeking a fulfilling new hobby. Our program includes A, B, and C-rated hunter/jumper horse shows, as well as a popular summer camp series. All horses boarded with us participate in our structured training program, and we offer a reliable string of safe, well-trained school horses suited for riders at every stage. With 24-hour on-site supervision, personalized horse care, ample turnout, high-quality hay and feed, and trusted relationships with experienced vets and farriers, Shenanigans Farm provides a supportive, professional environment where both horses and riders can thrive.
Why Choose Shenanigan’s Farm
Safety & Support First
We prioritize your child’s well-being with trained horses, hands-on instruction, and a family-like atmosphere where every rider feels seen, supported, and safe.
True Horsemanship
We believe horsemanship is about more than blue ribbons. Our students learn to care for and connect with their horse—on the ground and in the saddle—developing trust, patience, and respect
Growth That Lasts a Lifetime
Through each ride and every chore, we teach life skills: confidence, responsibility, and compassion. Our goal is to help kids grow into capable, kind, and confident humans—on and off the horse.
Meet Mary McKiernan
Owner & Head Trainer
Mary McKiernan is the heart behind Shenanigans Farm. With more than 40 years of experience in the hunter/jumper world and a background in education, she has created a training program and riding school that emphasizes growth, connection, and care. A graduate of Central Michigan University and former middle school teacher, Mary blends structure and support in a way that makes her program both effective and welcoming.
She’s known for her thoughtful, individualized instruction—adapting her methods to meet the needs of each horse and rider. Whether she’s guiding beginners or coaching show competitors, Mary emphasizes patience, clarity, and the importance of the horse-rider bond.
Mary continues to ride and show her own horse, Jackson, purely for enjoyment. She values the everyday moments just as much as time in the show ring and encourages her students to focus on growth, connection, and fun—ribbons are just the bonus.
Approachable and dedicated, Mary takes time to get to know each rider and family. Her warm presence helps create a supportive community and a positive learning environment where everyone feels at home.
Committed to continued education, Mary regularly trains with international-level professionals and brings fresh insight to her program. Her long-standing partnership with Assistant Head Trainer Ricci Tarockoff ensures a consistent, team-based approach that keeps the farm running smoothly.
Outside the barn, Mary enjoys boating on Lake St. Clair and spending time with her grandchildren, her horse Jackson, and her loyal dog Patrick.
Ricci Tarockoff
Assistant Trainer & Lead Rider
Ricci Tarockoff brings over two decades of experience in the hunter/jumper world to Shenanigans Farm as a skilled rider, passionate educator, and dedicated horsewoman. A member of the Shenanigans family since her pony days, Ricci blends lifelong equestrian experience with a strong academic background.
She holds a Master of Science in Molecular Biotechnology and teaches biology at Wayne State University, offering students at the farm a unique combination of scientific insight and hands-on horsemanship. Ricci actively competes and coaches riders at MHJA, HJAM, and USEF-rated shows, guiding students from foundational skills to competitive success.
Ricci’s love for horses is at the core of everything she does. She rides and trains her own horses, JJ and Froggy, not just for competition but for the simple joy and connection they bring. Her genuine care for each horse extends into her teaching, where she helps riders build confidence, refine their technique, and develop true horsemanship.
Known for her clear communication, positive energy, and ability to connect with riders of all ages, Ricci’s teaching style is structured yet approachable—always rooted in the belief that progress comes from partnership, not just performance.
She and Mary work side by side to bring balance, professionalism, and genuine care to every aspect of the farm.
Get in touch.
Ready to ride or have a question about our programs? We’d love to hear from you! Whether you're interested in lessons, boarding, horse shows, or just want to learn more about life at Shenanigans Farm, we're here to help.
Fill out the contact form below, and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible. We can’t wait to welcome you to the farm!
