Welcome to Wonderland
Welcome to Wonderland Farm! Our mission is to bring the enjoyment of horses and horsemanship to people through unique, genuine, fun, and challenging riding experiences, and to find the best use and purpose for horses through sound horsemanship and thoughtful placement with people for long-term success.
At Wonderland Farm, we offer boarding, training, and lessons. We also have quality hunter ponies and horses that are offered for sale. Conveniently located just west of Wilmington, NC. The farm is situated on 106 beautiful acres, including a large outdoor arena and trails.
We are fortunate enough to be in a business we love, and that continues to keep us personal enough to connect with our boarders who have become friends over the years
Our Team
Karen Mealey
Owner
Trainer
Head Instructor
Karen Mealey, farm owner, is a graduate of Virginia Intermont College, with a major in Equine Studies. Karen began her equestrian career when she was eight years old riding ponies and horses in Manchester, Connecticut. She started showing horses and ponies as a child and continued through college showing jumpers on the A circuit. While attending Virginia Intermont, Karen spent her summers with Carol Lush at Maple Side Farm in Pennsylvania starting young Thoroughbreds and Warmbloods under saddle, as well as furthering the training of the older horses, preparing them for the show ring. After Graduation Karen took a position as an instructor and trainer at the Westbrook Hunt Club, Westbrook Connecticut. Karen has operated her own farm for several years at different locations, before establishing Wonderland Farm in Leland, NC.
Karen teaches the intermediate to advanced rider. The foundation of her teaching method, stresses the form and function of the rider, that are basic principals established by the greats such as George Morris.
When Karen takes on the task of training young horses she closely follows her basic instinct to gently help the horse learn. Her passion for the horse drives her to look through the horse’s eyes, thus helping both horse and rider to work as a unit.
Spicer Cassidy
Instructor
Spicer Cassidy, Instructor, graduated from Appalachian State University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. A lifelong equestrian, Spicer found a passion for Equine Assisted Therapy. After working in the field for several years they decided to redirect their passion towards teaching lessons. Focusing on beginners (adults and children), Spicer excels at creating a positive learning environment and working through riding anxiety.
Throughout their equestrian career, Spicer has had to opportunity to explore many disciplines. Starting as a Saddleseat rider, they developed a passion for the American Saddlebred Horse. Eventually, they found a passion for Huntseat and Eventing.
Currently, Spicer enjoys working with rescue horses and exploring new riding experiences. With experience in Natural Horsemanship and traditional methods, Spicer enjoys expanding student's knowledge on and off the horse.
