Equestrian Spotlight: Jillian Haas of North Eastern Performance Horses

Jillian headshot

Through hard work and tenacity, Jillian Haas of North Eastern Performance Horses in Shelburne Falls, MA, has already made a name for herself at the age of 27. Always on the go, “Jill” shows a deep level of commitment for both her clients and the horses under her care, in fact, she was cooling out a horse while we caught up with her to learn more about her and her new facility.

She began riding at the age of four at a local barn and quickly developed a deep passion for the equestrian lifestyle. She spent extended hours at the barn, working to earn her time in the saddle, which gave her a well-rounded approach to horsemanship. Jill never had the opportunity to own her own horse at a young age, but quickly learned that this was actually a blessing in disguise. With a hunger for knowledge, Jill used every ride, lesson, clinic, and horse show as a learning opportunity, helping to expand her equestrian toolbox. She was able to ride and work with a variety of horses with different backgrounds, abilities, disciplines, and training levels and then learned how to work through their kinks and various problems. While she worked with horses of all disciplines, she developed a passion for Reining and Western riding. It was here that Jill discovered her life goal to become a trainer and expanded her skillset to one that would allow her to work with both green horses and those with difficult training issues.

After high school, Jill attended the University of Massachusetts, where she studied Psychology and Brain Science. She laughs, “My parents gave me a push toward getting my degree before I started training horses, and I’m really glad that I did. Even though it was not an equine-centric degree, I still draw from that knowledge whenever I am working with horses or my clients.” She continued to ride horses through college, taking the opportunity to ride and school every horse that was available to her.

Right out of college, Jill began waitressing full-time, with her eyes directed at the goal of becoming a horse trainer. “My full-time job allowed me to afford to lease a six-stall barn and beginning training on the side,” she explains. “I started buying horses and training them for resale and was able to take on client horses.” Utilizing the knowledge that she learned as a young equestrian, Jill methodologically worked with the horses in her care, helping them move to the next level. Within eight months, North Eastern Performance Horses (NEPH) outgrew this facility.

Moving on to a 16-stall barn, Jill was able to expand her business and became a recognized American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) and National Reining Horse Association (NRHA) horsewoman. Jill specializes her training in a reining and dressage foundation but has also been training horses specialized in cow work, Western dressage, all around, ranch horse, and more. “At NEPH I enjoy coaching riders of any age and ability. Whether you have never sat in a saddle or are preparing for this year’s show circuit, I believe I have a training style that will fit your needs,” she says. “Good horsemanship and training is my priority. I try to work on building better communication between horse and rider with integrity and wellness in mind. I pride myself on building happy and healthy performance horses and confident, knowledgeable riders.”

Jillian riding

“There is no joy greater for a trainer than a horse who loves his job. When it comes to starting a young horse around here we simply will not push it if it’s not ready—mentally or physically,” Jill continues. “It is much more rewarding to have a partner than a machine. There is plenty to work on with your young horse that doesn’t have to deteriorate their joints and their future. Be patient with them, everything will come together as it should.”

After three years of leasing a barn, Jill took the plunge, purchasing a 26-stall farm in Shelburne Falls, MA, this past September with her fiance Justin Slysz. “We have worked so hard to get to this point, it is just so exciting and makes all of the work worthwhile.”  The facility was a bit run-down when she and Justin acquired the farm, but Jill could see the potential as soon as she stepped foot into the indoor arena. “As a performance horse trainer, I needed space that I could customize and call my own. This has all the components to let NEPH be as successful as possible. Board by board, and screw by screw, this place is shaping up to be super functional for our operation and a real dream come true.” 

With 25 horses already at the farm from day one at the facility, NEPH is growing into a sought-out reining facility in Western Mass. Her success and dedication have led to her becoming an inspirational figure to many young equestrians with similar aspirations. “I think it’s important to understand just how hard you have to work to achieve your dreams,” Jill says. “There isn’t always going to be an opportunity right in their face, you have to be hungry to get it.”

Jill found herself fortunate that the COVID-19 pandemic did not negatively impact her burgeoning business. “I was set up well with a waitlist at the beginning of the pandemic and was well established to welcome in new clients. Due to the new facility, I am able to take in more training horses and have more clients than ever before.” 

Additionally, the stay-at-home orders and the cancellations of many horse shows in 2020 had a silver lining for the NEPH team. “I had a lot of green horses developing, so last year was a wonderful opportunity to get them seasoned and ready to hit the show pen early this year,” Jill reflects. “The prospects were able to get more work under their belt without the pressures that show season can often bring. It was a wonderful reminder to work on having a strong foundation for a green horse.”

Jillian riding

Despite its challenges, Jill looks back on her past year with gratitude. “It’s hard to explain the immensity and complete awe 2020 has set forth. There has not been a year more challenging or more demanding. In every way possible. Yet, there hasn’t been a period of time in life more mystifying and downright magical,” she says. “I’ve never been more full of excitement and anticipation for what’s to come, all while feeling deeply grounded and at peace with where we are.”

The NEPH has a lot to look forward to in the upcoming season, with Jill setting lofty goals for the future. “This upcoming year, I want to focus on all of the amazing things that we have going on,” she explains. “We have planted some amazing seeds and now I want to settle in and really enjoy our new farm and the amazing horses and clients that we have here and work on our future!”

Jill is also a familiar face at The Cheshire Horse, when she shops, she purchases grain, lots and lots of grain… Her working performance horses are fed ProElite Performance as well as some Nutrena products (depending on their individual needs). She also purchases Natural Balance Dog Food for her Border Collie named Trip. Additionally, she is able to pick up her training aids, such as curb straps, nosebands, and Professional’s Choice bell boots.

Nutrena ProElite Performance Horse Feed

Nutrena ProElite Performance Horse Feed

The beet pulp-based textured feed for mature show and performance horses. Designed to help support muscle strength, stamina, and endurance.

Learn more about Jill and the North Eastern Performance Horses team by visiting her website.
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4 thoughts on “Equestrian Spotlight: Jillian Haas of North Eastern Performance Horses”

  1. What natural born talent Jill has got to speak the horses language!! Wish I lived closer. She sounds I humble, smart, brave, so much success ahead for her passion.

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  2. What an amazing young woman and incredible talent.!! Jill has been able to attain her dreams through dedication countless hours of hard work. Jill has remained humble and approachable. So glad the spotlight is shining on Jill and her success!

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  3. Jill is a class act! LOVE having her work with my horses and me. She puts the health and care of the horse first, as evidenced by her choosing high quality Nutrena and ProElite feeds as well as the team of vets and farriers she works with.

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  4. This amazing young women has helped me to regain my confidence after a tough riding accident. She is kind and supportive with just the right amount of push. I am sure her college psychology degree has been an asset in helping her to support her clients. Under her coaching I competed in my first reining shows this year and came through feeling like a huge success! I also can’t say enough about the drama free barn she has cultivated along the way. They are all like family to me.

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