Request a quote for your horse's next journey: info@horsejitney.com

Hi! My name is Athena Haresign and I'm a fellow equestrian, horse breeder, and veterinary technician with a passion for all things horses. I grew up in Southampton, NY watching all the big, beautiful rigs drive by every summer on their way to the prestigious Hampton Classic. Sure, I loved the horses, and had the unique pleasure of meeting really cool horses such as Calypso, Abdullah, and so many others, not to mention their people, but I was fascinated by the process of getting them all there.

Finally, in December of 2007, after co-founding and establishing a unique software company which enabled communication between pet owners and their veterinarians, and allowed pet owners controlled access to elements of their pets' medical records, I decided to throw in the suit and start a high quality horse transportation company.

Like all little girls, I begged my parents for a pony, and when I was ten got my first pony! Ever since then I've had horses living in my backyard, and the lifestyle that goes with it. I now have a little breeding farmette in Maryland where I raise a small number of high quality Oldenburgs and maintain a few retirees, many of whom are pictured on this site.

My passion for horses continues to grow, and I'm excited to be learning so much about other disciplines and breeds such as the barrel racers, reining, and gaited horses through the Horse Jitney and its clients. While it's hard to be away from my own horses, I enjoy meeting horse people and their horses.

I'm often joined on the road by good friend, and former horse owner, Dave Benze. Dave is a commercially licensed driver with nearly thirty years of driving experience, plus he caught the horse bug as an adult from his wife Holly, so he's a great asset to the Horse Jitney, and specializes in providing comic relief! It doesn't hurt that he's an engineer who can fix anything, and a real motor head who loves to tinker with vehicles. Dave helps keep all of the equipment in top notch condition.

Meet the Fred Team

What can I say, but tell you that Fred Massie Jr and Fred Massie Sr make a pretty fine team when it comes to shipping horses! Fred Jr has had the horse horse bug all his life, learning early on that "it's fun to go fast" - and that's just what he likes to do... barrel race and work cows! Fred Jr has a passion for horses, especially a quarter and paint horses. He really loves those horses with lots of color! When he's not playing with his horses, he's working with his other favorite steed - the Mustang (the kind with the motor!). Yep, Fred (and his dad) is a true motor head, and die hard Mustang enthusiast - just ask him about his barnful of mustangs, but be prepared to get an earful! :-)

Fred Sr is a commercially licensed over the road driver who enjoys horses almost as much as Fred and me. Of course, being a motor head first, his first love is taking engines apart and putting them back together, and he really likes a good challenge when it comes to creative renovations for the trucks and trailers. Like his son, he has an excellent sense of humor, loves animals, and enjoys long-distance travel.

Below are links we like and want to share with you

Everyone has links and services they like, and we're no different. Below are just a few of the folks we highly recommend for the services they provide.

Young horse training and breaking

When you need someone to start your baby, leg up your thoroughbred, or help your horse gain show experience we recommend that you visit our friends at Diamonds Bluff Farm in Union Bridge Maryland. Becky Maticic has a talent for starting horses off just right!

Young horse handler

Christine Smith of Wildest Expectations Farm in Stephens City, Virginia, shown here with Dream Catcher at the 2006 Fair Hill Breed show, handles all of our mares and foals at region 1 breed shows. We highly recommend Christine and her handling services. She is also available for showing-in-hand clinics at your farm. Contact Christine at 540-664-0234.

Fox hunters and lower level event horses

When you're looking for a horse to fox hunt, trail ride, or event, stop and look no further! Ian Michaels, a veterinarian located in upstate New York specializes in finding the right horse for your personality and skills. He spends the time to train and bond with each horse so you are well matched with your new mount. Contact Ian at (518) 398-7400 to find your special horse today!

Horse Trailers

A trailer is only as good as the manufacturer, and the dealer who helps you create your dream trailer. For those reasons, we must mention our dealers, Traveled Lane Trailers in Centreville, MD, from whom we've purchased several Kingston Trailers over the years, and > Cox Trailer Sales, Inc of Upper Marlboro Maryland.

J.D. Cox from Cox Trailer Sales was especially helpful in designing the Hawk trailer, and we owe him many thanks for making the transition from Kingston to Hawk an easy one - no offense to Kingston, but they are no longer building four-horse trailers.

CEM Quarantine at Rigbie Farm

We routinely transport horses from the USDA Federal Import Quarantine at the Animal Import Center in Newburgh, NY to their new homes, and recently had the unique opportunity to transport stallions from the CEM State Quarantine Center at Rigbie Farm, in Darlington, MD. The folks at Rigbie welcomed us as new shippers to the industry, and we are looking forward to transporting many horses to and from Rigbie Farm.

Persimmon Tree Farm

Westminster, Maryland is home to the K2 show stables and the talented team of Carolyn and Kenny Krome. Horse Jitney recently had the pleasure of shipping some of their lovely horses to the Maryland National Show held at Prince Georges Equestrian Center. Please visit their website to learn more about their hunter/jumper training and showing services.

Legacy Friesians

It isn't often that you have a full load of high quality Friesians on your trailer, but we recently had that experience when we transported a load of three of these gorgeous animals! Two of the Friesians were Jelmer van Manege Nes who joined us from the USDA Animal Import Center in Newburgh, NY traveling to his new home in Tennessee, and the newly imported Friesian stallion Oene R.V. who traveled from quarantine to Bruce Griffin's training center in southern Virginia. Looking for a Friesian? Contact Sue Zoltner at Legacy Friesians.

Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue

Located in Lisbon, Maryland, the Gentle Giants Draft Horse Rescue specializes in rescuing draft breeds and finding them forever homes. In the past two years they have re-homed over 120 horses. They valiantly try to rescue them from the fate of the killers from the New Holland auction, and for horses which are clearly unhealthy and not adoptable, will often pay the auction veterinarian not to allow the horse to be shipped for slaughter, but will humanely destroy the animal onsite. Of course this takes money, and most people don't want to donate money for euthanasia, however, it is a fate far better than hours of transport on a trailer or van where many animals die enroute. Please consider making a donation to Gentle Giants and learn more about them on their website at www.gentlegiantsdrafthorserescue.com.

Renaissance Center

The Friesian Stallion Wally P, owned by Joanne Bosma, and trained by Laurietta Oakleaf, recently traveled with the Horse Jitney llc to western Ohio from Rigbie Farm where he completed his CEM quarantine. Laurietta Oakleaf is trying out for the Paraequestrian World Championships and Paralympics on her stallino Quimerico KF in dressage. Click here to find out more about Laurietta, Wally P, and Renaissance Center, and consider being a sponsor for her goals.

Skin care!

For my professional skin care services, I use Hulya Daniel, one of the few medical aestheticians in the Columbia, Maryland area. She's done wonders for the skin I've spent over forty years abusing. Visit Hulya at her private studio (Hulya Studio) in Ellicott City, Maryland. Hulya's skills are second to none, and she puts you at ease with her empathetic nature. Her studio is located in her home, and she is humored by horse people who arrive right from the barn.