Katy Schermann, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Ridgebury Farm, and Ian Schermann, Director of Operations, have built an organization where clinical excellence, horsemanship, and nature come together in service of meaningful outcomes for children and adults alike.
Set across 56 acres in Ridgefield, Connecticut, Ridgebury Farm offers hippotherapy and nature based therapy, Wellness Horsemanship, and early childhood programming, all designed to support physical, emotional, social, and developmental growth. Through a multidisciplinary team that includes occupational, speech, physical, and mental health professionals, the organization provides individualized care through programs that balance clinical expertise with the restorative nature of the farm environment.
Behind the scenes, Ian oversees the operational rhythm of the farm, from land and facility management to the logistics required to support a busy therapeutic and educational program serving riders, families, clinicians, horses, and staff.
That level of operation demands a vehicle capable of handling every aspect of farm life without compromising comfort, presentation, or performance. For Ian, the answer was the INEOS Grenadier Trialmaster from Curry INEOS Grenadier.
Purpose-built yet refined, the Grenadier has become an integral part of daily life at Ridgebury Farm; navigating wooded trails, transporting equipment and supplies, supporting events and donor visits, and moving seamlessly between rugged utility and professional presentation.
CIG: Tell us about your organization. KS: “Ridgebury Farm was created to offer thoughtfully designed, relationship-centered programs that support growth, confidence, and connection through horses, nature, and clinical care. We serve children and adults through hippotherapy, equine-assisted services, and wellness programming, with a strong emphasis on accessibility for families who may not otherwise have access to these opportunities.
What makes the farm special is that it’s both deeply professional and deeply personal. Every detail, from the environment itself to the quality of care we provide, is intentional.”
CIG: When choosing a vehicle, what made you choose the Grenadier?
IS: “I spent a long time researching vehicles that could handle the demands of a working farm while still feeling refined for everyday use and donor-facing events. Most options leaned too far in one direction, either overly utilitarian or overly polished.
The Grenadier struck the right balance immediately. It’s incredibly capable on difficult terrain, especially throughout the trails and wooded areas of the property, but it also feels solid, comfortable, and well-designed. It’s practical without sacrificing character.”
CIG: How does the Grenadier support your day-to-day operations?
IS: “No two days at the farm look the same, and the Grenadier adapts to all of it. We’re constantly moving equipment, supplies, tools, feed, and materials across the property, often through mud, snow, uneven terrain, or tight wooded paths.
We regularly host donors, community partners, and families, so presentation matters too. The Grenadier feels equally appropriate pulling up to an event or heading into the back trails of the farm. That versatility has made it an incredibly valuable part of our operation.”
CIG: What would you tell someone considering a Grenadier?
IS: “If you need a vehicle capable but still comfortable and thoughtfully designed, it’s worth experiencing in person. It’s rare to find something that feels this functional without compromising quality or attention to detail.
For us, it’s been the right fit from day one. Every farm needs a workhorse. Mine just has heated seats.”•
