Our Team
Mrs. Zoe Staab
I’m the owner/operator of Willow Tree Farm! I could ride before I could walk and knew ever since I was old enough to remember, that I wanted to work with horses for a living. I was a student of the infamous, Turkey Quarter Farm for the last 12 years they were operating. Then immediately pursued my Associate degree from Martin Community College in Equine Training and Equine Business. Following my return home to Cove City, I revamped this program and am now married and welcomed a sweet baby boy in August of 2023 with horses that multiply by the day, 4 pups and a kitty! Every day in this life is a dream come true and I look forward to making it happen for others in their relationship with their equines!
Fun Facts: I have an obsession with giraffes and grey horses, almost my entire family lives on this same street as I do and my very first pony was named Peanut!
Mrs. Jennifer Emens
Jennifer is the assistant instructor for all levels! Not only does she have extensive background experience, but she has a heart for the job!
“I am a New Bern native. I started riding horses when I was 8 years old at Turkey Quarter Farm and have been riding ever since. I went to college at ECU and rode on the equestrian team. I also taught horseback riding lessons at Camp Seafarer while I was in college. I graduated from ECU in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Parks and Recreation. I completed my internship in Hilton Head, SC with Vagabond Cruise, then started to work as a Recreation Programmer for the City of Hickory, NC. After working in Hickory for a little over 2 years I moved back to New Bern to work as a Special Project Coordinator for the City of New Bern. Currently, I am also running my business “A True Love Story Wedding and Event Planning”.
Titles/Accomplishments: I am CPRP certified (Certified Parks and Recreation Professional), Certified AFAA Personal Trainer, Certified AFAA Group Exercises Instructor, and First Aid and CPR certified
Fun Facts: I am married to my wonderful husband Sam. I have 2 dogs: Rocky and Scarlet. My church is First Baptist Church New Bern. I studied abroad in Australia and New Zealand.” -Jennifer
Mr. Cristian Bernal
Cristian teaches our “Kit” lessons for beginner students without experience. He is not only an important asset to Willow Tree but one of the friendliest faces you’ll meet here!
“I started riding horses back in 2015 when I lived in Virginia, but it was just for enjoyment. Back then my main focus was soccer. Once we moved to NC later that year, we got horses for Christmas! From then on, I have been mesmerized by them. I took over training my first horse, Sahara, that was wild as can be when we got her, and she has become my favorite horse to ride. After that I didn’t pay much attention to soccer, and everything revolved around horses. I have been a member of the ECU equestrian team for the past two years and have been showing in IHSA. I currently have two horses of my own that are both mares and both chestnuts which some say is a deadly combo. I am still amazed at the grandeur and power these beautiful animals have and I am so fortunate to be able to work with them on a daily basis.” -Cristian