About Different Drummer Farm

Different Drummer Farm was purchased in 1979 with the intent
of starting a resident camp and top shelf training facility for serious
hunt seat riders in an atmosphere that was also lovely for raising
children and young horses.

The picturesque New England farm is situated on 15 acres with
a 15 stall barn, 2 outdoor riding rings and numerous paddocks
and pastures.

30 years later, this small farm is still thriving and many of its
original riders are still present, and others have returned with
their children to ride. DDF is an anomaly in that it is the only
competitive barn around that operates without an indoor arena.
Lessons are in place April through November and the philosophy
is that the horses and riders can take a mental and physical
break, along with a financial break. It affords students to
explore other winter sports while maintaining sound horses
for a longer period of time. It's a system that has brought us
success for many years.

Everything about DDF is creative, from our summer pony
camps and parties, to the intensives, lessons, and horse shows
we run. Understanding and practicing good horsemanship is
an integral part of our program and a final exam is taken
by all students at the close of the season. Many special
recognition awards are also given out to riders, from good
sportsmanship to great riding.

Jodi Fortier is the owner and director of DDF. Jodi began
riding at age 12 and had a very diverse background in
everything from western reining, riding and driving saddlebreds
and morgan park horses, dressage, polo, eventing, fox hunting,
along with being a serious pony clubber and top 4-H finalist in
quiz bowl and judging. A graduate of Meredith Manor School
of Horsemanship in Waverly, West Virginia, Jodi went on to
be a live-in working student at Saddle River with Hank and
Marion Hulick. Several trainers and years of competition on
the "A" circuit with young hunters, along with degrees in
Horsemanship, Riding Master, and Camp Management,
gave Jodi the background to begin her own school.
Five years as a veterinarian's assistant also gave a practical
background for animal management.

Currently, Jodi sits on the board for the New Hampshire
Hunter Jumper Association and has published several
Hunter/Jumper related features for the Northeast Equine
Journal.

Wintertime finds Jodi teaching skiing and coaching racers,
along with being a competitive ski racer herself. Seventeen
years of classical ballet adds to the whole balance of teaching
beautiful and graceful riders!

Jodi purchased the farm at age 21 with husband, Phil and
raised three wonderful children. A ski racer, a dancer,
and finally an equestrian.