Meet the Owners
Christen was born and raised in Knoxville, TN. Her passion for horses started when she and her cousin began memorizing horse books and spending all day in the woods riding imaginary horses on fox hunting expeditions. The passion was further nurtured when, over time, her family welcomed four American quarter horses to their home. From then on, Christen was most at home on horseback. After going off to college in Florida and getting degrees in Psychology, Criminology, and Theatre, she returned to Knoxville with her soon to be husband, Matthew, and re-immersed herself in the world of horses. She comes to A.E. Stables from Blackberry Farm, where she worked as a trail guide. She counts her experience with the 16 horse herd and three person staff as invaluable. She enjoyed her time there so much that she left with a souvenir, Captain Chrome, a 6 year old Rocky Mountain Horse! Armed with her husband, horse, and new appreciation for the English style, she is more than ready to take on A.E. Stables.
Matthew was born and raised in Jacksonville, FL. As a youngster, he was always striving to take on leadership roles and tackle new responsibilities. While in college, he met Christen and was immediately thrown onto the back of a horse. After getting degrees in Psychology and Religion and an intro in horses from Christen, he returned with her to Knoxville, TN. Matthew admits that he is a horse person through marriage, but he embraces the situation head first. It was not long before he was flying through trails and taking horse jumping lessons at a local barn. His newly ignited passion for horses, coupled with his experience in management, have equipped him to make A.E. Stables at the Big South Fork a premier boarding facility.
Together Matthew and Christen are dedicated to providing exceptional horse care, which they believe is an all-encompassing term including both the physical and mental condition of a horse. Matthew and Christen affirm that a good horseperson is one who is involved with all aspects of equine health and well-being. They have dedicated themselves to the lifelong study of horses and continuing education in equine care. They are certain that you will find yourself and your horse in good hands at Airpark Equestrian Stables.
Contact AE Equestrian Stables by calling (865) 773-3637.