Get to Know
Our Trainers
Darlene Kemper
Darlene Kemper, owner and head trainer, opened Kemper Knoll Stables in 1982. Kemper Knoll Stables is a hunter/jumper training barn located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. She is a current member and past president of the South West Virginia Hunter Jumper Association and founding member and current vice president of the Blue Ridge Carriage Club. Darlene is also a published author and enjoys writing about her expereinces of working with horses. She earned a Master's Degree in Education from James Madison University and was an adjunct professor of Equine Studies at Bridgewater College. Darlene has two daughters, one is a history teacher, horse woman and mother, and the other is an equine professional who teaches riding and competes at the Grand Prix level.
Lily Caricofe
Lily is a Shenandoah Valley native who started her riding career at Kemper Knoll when she was 6 years old. She attended summer camps, helped with barn chores, and competed in multiple horse shows with Darlene as her trainer. She and her horse, Q, were year end champions several years in a row. She attended Bridgewater College and graduated in 2020 earning her degree in business and equine studies. She has since worked full time alongside Darlene, sharing her knowledge and passion with students. Lily believes in making sure riders have confidence and trust in themselves and their horses to accomplish their goals in and outside of the ring.
