Built in 1909 and expanded numerously throughout the next century, Chagrin Valley Stables was initially a home for horses and riders involved with the Chagrin Valley Hunt. Throughout the next few decades, foxhunters combined with show jumpers as the region became a popular equestrian area.
In 1955, the Stables lost an outer barn with several horses located next to the turnout pastures during a devastating fire. The fire was contained preventing its spread to the main barn and nearby homes. This incident 50 years ago still serves as daily reminder for our diligent attention to fire prevention
In the late 1960s, CV Stables named Kentucky-born horseman Howard L. Lewis to head the facility. Over the next 30 years, Howard set standard for professionalism and helped CV Stables' reputation rise to the top. Along with son Tom, daughter-in-law Betsy Lewis, and daughter Sharon Allison, Lewis & Lewis trained horses and riders won thousands of local, regional and national equestrian titles. In 1980, Howard Lewis was named "Equestrian of the Year" by the AHSA (American Horse Shows Association).
In the 1990s, professional rider Ken Smith began his career under the tutelage of Howard Lewis. Other instructors working at CV Stables during Howard's tenure included Scott DeHelian, Wendy Weiskopf and Patrick Bostwick.
In 2006, Flagship Ltd headed by Maclay-winning trainer Jeff Gogul and his wife Keeley joined CV Stables. Their high-caliber training and teaching program has brought home numerous championships from Palm Beach WEF, Saratoga, Chagrin, Traverse City, Kentucky, Harrisburg and Capital Challenge.
