About Us

Expert Instructors, Fully Equipped Facilities

Meet Our Expert Staff

Amy Brumbach

Owner & Head Instructor

Amy began her riding journey while studying at North Carolina State University, where she majored in Animal Science intending to become a vet. She gained experience working at the NC State Equine Educational Unit and interning at Horizon Farms in Barrington, IL. It was at Horizon Farms that Amy discovered her passion for breeding and training horses, leading her to forgo vet school.

After graduating, Amy worked at several breeding farms before deciding to diversify her skills with teaching and training. She spent a year apprenticing at a local stable in Mebane, NC, where she realized her true calling was in teaching. Amy continued teaching in the Durham/Chapel Hill area while furthering her own riding education in eventing and classical dressage with various instructors and attending clinics.

Amy riding her horse Quinn at a clinic, demonstrating dressage techniques




Amy has competed in Training Level Eventing, 1st level dressage, and 1m jumpers. She owns several horses including Journeyman Houdini, Deceptions Child, Redinagh Ragtime, and GWS Chicago. Amy is passionate about teaching riders of all ages who are dedicated to their equestrian education. Since working with Helen Ingersoll, Amy has integrated natural horsemanship and classical dressage into her teaching and training methods. She focuses on developing independent, critical-thinking riders who prioritize the well-being of the horse.

Jill Moore

Assistant Instructor

Jill joined GaitWay Stables in late winter 2023 as a part-time instructor and barn staff member. With a rich background in jumpers and a dabble in dressage, Jill brings extensive experience and a passion for teaching to our team. She began her equestrian journey in Southern California, where she managed and trained at top hunter/jumper barns, including over 12 years at KKB Hunter/Jumper Barn in San Juan Capistrano. Jill has competed in both hunter and jumper levels, achieving success in Jumpers Training 1 and Training 2.

After relocating to Florida, Jill served as Head Trainer at Penny Farms, guiding young riders to local horse shows in various levels, from walk/trot classes to children’s hunters and jumpers. She also began low-level dressage training and competed at local dressage shows. Her career continued at Quail Roost Farms in Durham, North Carolina, where she instructed in the lesson school program and taught at the UNC Riding School.

Jill is passionate about teaching and helping riders of all levels achieve their goals.

Ellie Balakrishnan

Ellie Balakrishnan

Stable Hand and Assitant Instructor (Beginners)

Ellie graduated from UNC in 2023 and has been working at Medicaid since then. She has been riding at Gaitway Stables since its inception and under head trainer Amy Brumbach even longer. Ellie grew up in Cary, NC, starting in hunters but has developed a passion for dressage and eventing. After years of leasing and competing, Ellie assisted Amy in evaluating a new thoroughbred for the lesson program. Captivated by his personality and rideability, she continued to work with Rhythm for several years before officially purchasing him in 2023.

Ellie is enthusiastic about the horsemanship and riding skills instilled by Amy and Helen Ingersoll in the program. She has competed through Novice level eventing with one of Amy’s horses and is currently focusing on Beginner Novice eventing and Training level dressage with Rhythm. Besides her own horse, Ellie enjoys assisting with school ponies, lesson horses, or less experienced horses whenever possible.

Mariah Waters

Mariah Waters

Stable Hand & Assistant Instructor (Beginners)

Mariah has been a working student at GaitWay since moving to Chapel Hill in August 2021 to finish her degree at UNC. She earned her BA in Exercise and Sport Science in May 2023 and has a strong passion for advancing her knowledge in functional anatomy and biomechanics through riding. On weekends, you’ll often find her working the morning feeding shift or riding one of our lesson horses.

Mariah also occasionally substitutes for our regular instructors in beginner lessons. She has a deep affinity for working with children and is employed full-time as a behavior technician for children on the autism spectrum. Although she grew up around her grandmother’s horses, she did not officially start riding until high school in 2016, where she rode western and hunters. She has come to really enjoy dressage and learning the ropes of eventing at GaitWay, as well as the empathetic and naturalistic approach we take at riding and training. 

Helen Ingersoll

Adjunct Instructor

Helen Ingersoll is the owner of Frog Pond Farm in Cedar Grove, NC and serves as an adjunct trainer at GWS. With a blend of natural horsemanship and dressage techniques, Helen focuses on developing horses that embody balance, softness and confidence. Amy frequently collaborates with Helen on horse training, including her own horses.

Helen conducts monthly clinics at GWS, welcoming both our students and riders from outside. These clinics offer valuable opportunities for riders to learn from her expertise and refine their skills.

Eddy (Edison)

GaitWay’s Chief Mischief Officer

Eddie is the playful pup of GaitWay Stables, always ready to greet visitors with a wagging tail. At nearly a year old, he’s full of energy and loves exploring with his best friend, Chicago, Amy’s baby horse. Sweet and curious, Eddie is a beloved member of the GaitWay family—you’ll most likely find him right by Amy’s side. 

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Interested in Lessons?

Join our waitlist and we’ll be in touch as soon as spots in our lesson program become available.