About Us

John Skey

John was born in Toronto and learned to ride as a child. He was one of Ontario’s top junior riders and was selected to be part of the OEF Wintario-sponsored coaching program in 1982. He subsequently spent two years riding and training on the U.S. circuit. He graduated from University with an economics degree and worked for several years at a variety of businesses for a Bay St. venture capital firm.

In 1991, John started Crossfield Farms, a small training facility at the corner of Major Mackenzie and McCowan Roads in Markham. His goal was to start a safe and well run equestrian operation for all those who love to ride. In 1996 Crossfield farms moved north and is now operating as York Equestrian Riding School. John’s small and safely run equestrian operation has now grown to include over 250 students and 30 school horses.

Always a student, John has trained and continues to train with some of the best coaches Canada has to offer. He has dedicated his life to educating both horses and riders. When not with his horses or teaching lessons at home, John enjoys giving clinics, skiing and reading books on investing.

Mary Skey

Mary, after studying at both Ryerson and the University of Toronto became the first Canadian franchisee for the tremendously successful Body Shop. She started riding as a recreational sport . . . to get her mind off work. "Riding is great," says Mary, "for people in high-powered jobs, because it tunes out all the stress of daily life."

As the years passed, Mary became more and more involved in the riding world. Her and John met when she moved her horse into his farm as a boarder. They were married four years later.

Today, Mary is an accomplished rider, having had several top finishes on the Trillium and A circuits. She has been a Zone Representative and president for the central east division on the Trillium circuit as well as organizer of numerous horse shows and riding events.

Mary has recently sold her Body Shop franchise and is concentrating her efforts and energies on developing the riding school.