Meridian Farm

Robin Bhatia

Robin is a native of Washington State and began riding competitively at the age of 10.  Raised in the small community of Pullman Washington, home of Washington State University and the WSU Veterinary School, she spent everyday riding her own horses and any others her instructors would ask her to ride.  As a teenager she competed in the Junior Hunters at local and recognized shows but most of her time was spent in the world of Eventing as that is what was most available in the region. During that time she was fortunate enough to receive instruction from USET 3-Day coach Jack Le Goff,  Olympic Silver Medalist Kevin Freeman, Olympic Gold Medalist Richard Meade and Dressage Instructor Dietrich Von Hopffgarten.  She continued to ride and compete through her undergraduate education and in 1981 graduated from Ohio State University with a Masters in Fine Arts.

After Graduate School Robin returned to the Pacific Northwest and the world of horses.  In 1983 she purchased Country Road and was successful in the Amateur Owner Jumpers through out the Northwest and Canada.  With “Cowboy” Robin attended the International Competition at Spruce Meadows in Calgary Alberta over a period of seven years.  Cowboy also competed in the International ring at Spruce Meadows with Robin’s Trainer Tami Masters and had many Grand Prix victories on the Northwest circuit. Through the years Robin has availed herself of numerous clinics with  West  Coast trainers John Turner, Joan Curtain, Braid Laird, Laura Tidball-Balisky, Jeff Campf and Mike Crooks just to name a few.

In 1994, after many years in the Amateur Jumpers, Robin became a Professional and developed a successful business in Spokane Washington.  Under the name of Meridian Farm,  Robin developed numerous Hunters and Jumpers for her junior and amateur riders.  With a heavy emphasis on the amateur rider, Robin developed a program designed to build confidence as well as skill so that riders could develop beyond their initial expectations.

Robin also has extensive experience riding Dressage which she brings to her training of jumping horses and riders.  She believes that  flat work can be used to create a more responsive and sound equine partner through correct muscle and mental development.  

Lured by the promise of year round showing and warm winters, Robin relocated Meridian Farm to  Florida from August 2011 to May 2013.  Robin enjoys teaching riders and training horses of all levels from beginner and green to those wishing to compete on the A circuit.