About Us
Blue Mountain Farm is a premier, full-service Hunter/Jumper stable located in the greater Chicagoland area. Owned and operated by Thomas and Chari Cerra, Blue Mountain Farm focuses on the training of top-level riders and horses. Blue Mountain Farm also specializes in the sale of quality horses - from young horses, Junior/Amateur Owner Hunters or Jumpers, to Grand Prix horses - and everything in between. With over 50 years of combined experience, Thomas and Chari have the knowledge to help each rider and horse succeed. Additionally, Blue Mountain Farm’s intentionally small-scale operation allows each horse and rider to receive the personalized care and attention specific to their needs. Whatever your training needs may be, Blue Mountain Farm can provide a serious, yet fun environment for you and your horse to achieve your goals.
Thomas Cerra – Thomas is a well known and accomplished professional both in the Midwest area and nationally. He has built a reputation as a successful and integrity-filled trainer, capable of getting the best results out of horse and rider alike. At its core, Thomas’ training philosophy focuses on the importance of keeping things simple and positive for both horse and rider. He creates a straightforward, but individualized program for every horse and rider. Coupled with an emphasis on correct position and flatwork, this approach leads to success at every level and in every ring.
As a junior, Thomas experienced success in the Junior Jumper and Hunter rings, as well as the Equitation and Medal Classes. He later worked as a professional rider for Alex Jayne and Our Day Farm for several years before opening Blue Mountain Farm with his wife, Chari Klapman Cerra. Throughout his professional career, Thomas has experienced many wins in both the hunter and jumper rings – from the young jumper and pre-green hunter classes to the Grand Prix ring and regular working hunters. This extensive experience enables him to best prepare his clients and their horses for success in every ring.
Chari Klapman Cerra - Chari is an accomplished rider who has also experienced much success throughout her career. As a junior, Chari won frequently in the Junior Jumper, Junior Hunter, Equitation, and Medal Classes. After graduating with a Bachelors in Communications from the University of Colorado at Boulder, Chari spent time overseas, working and riding for a horse dealer in Germany. Chari later worked as a professional rider and assistant trainer for Nancy Whitehead. While working for Nancy, Chari helped guide many students and their horses to success, while also continuing her own successful riding career in the Grand Prix ring.
Currently, Chari has taken a step back from her professional career to raise Thomas’ and her two children, Kobe and Lena. Chari plays a vital role in the business, management, and organizational aspects of Blue Mountain Farm - taking care of much of the “behind the scenes” work, helping make sure that every detail is taken care of and that things always run smoothly.
Partners
We are very proud to be affiliated with some of the leading service providers and products in the industry. We highly endorse these companies and their products and services and use them regularly.
