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Trail riding business– facing allegations of animal neglect– fined $119k for illegal labor practices; owner arrested on unrelated charges

Miranda Rodriguez
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Trail riding business– facing allegations of animal neglect– fined $119k for illegal labor practices; owner arrested on unrelated charges

Pacific City, Ore. – A horseback riding and outfitting guide company on the Oregon coast and its owners are facing increasing legal woes, including allegations from one State agency of illegally failing to comply with laws requiring workers’ compensation insurance for several years.

The new issues embroiling the company, Green Acres Beach & Trail Rides, all come on the heels of ongoing public scrutiny and outrage stemming from allegations back in April of neglecting horses and other animals, including a chicken being burned alive. Other legal issues involved a former business partner, who in conjunction with the company, operated a camel-riding business and was charged with felony sex crimes for filming employees of both businesses in a bathroom– including minors.

The company has also faced a slew of issues of other illegal labor and licensing allegations, as well as years of complaints by local citizens made with the Oregon Parks & Recreation Division for violations of Oregon beach rules.

One of the owners, Teresa Stuebgen, has again had another warrant issued for her arrest in an unrelated matter for a probation violation following a DUII conviction. NW Horse Report previously reported on Stuebgen’s repeated failure to comply with the terms of a “diversion agreement” in the same case, resulting in a previous warrant earlier this year.

Despite the later plea deal and sentence in May, which included that Stuebgen could not drive a motor vehicle and was prohibited from visiting alcoholic establishments, Stuebgen also reportedly failed to report to Tillamook County’s parole and probation department within the days following her conviction.

That failure prompted Tillamook County District Attorney Aubrey Olson to motion the court for a warrant for Stuebgen’s arrest that was later issued by Judge Jonathan Hill.

Stuebgen was then arrested on a “no bail” warrant yesterday evening, August 9th, and according to the active jail roster, currently remains in custody. Earlier today, Tillamook County District Attorney Aubrey Olson filed documents alleging Stuebgen was found in violation of two more terms of her probation; Possession and consumption of alcohol, and failure to submit to a breath test at the direction of a supervising officer. A deputy allegedly smelled alcohol during her booking process and alerted her probation officer.

Tillamook County Parole & Probation recommended that probation be revoked. “Stuebgen is not amenable to probation, and I respectfully ask that her probation be revoked,” the report stated. Stuebgen, who has a court-appointed attorney, is due back in circuit court on August 28th for a hearing on the new charges. Stuebgen posted bail Thursday evening following an arraignment late afternoon.

State officials issue $119 thousand fine for workers’ compensation coverage violations

According to public records obtained by NW Horse Report, the Director of Oregon’s Department of Consumer & Business Services has issued an order stating that Green Acres violated Oregon law by failing to maintain critical workers’ compensation insurance that protects its employees in the event of workplace injury.

The order, issued on July 14th, stated in its findings that Green Acres did not “maintain qualification as a self-insured employer, under ORS 656.407, nor cause proof of coverage to be filed with DCBS as a carrier-insured employer.”

The order went on to state that the company was ordered to, “pay a civil penalty in the amount of $118,991.00 for violating ORS 656.407, ORS 656.052, and ORS 656.017.”

It also ordered that Green Acres, along with its owners and managers, “including but not limited to Daniel R Stuebgen and Theresa Jo Stuebgen, shall be jointly and severally liable for all civil penalties assessed…”.

While not specified on State records, multiple sources have reported that two other managers within the business included Tina Cabal and Jeffrey Cutler. Cabal was alleged by two former employees to have been involved in the manipulation of payroll and time records.

Oregon director of DCBS fined Green Acres Beach & Trail Rides nearly $119k for violation of workers’ compensation law

DCBS stated that the company has failed for just over two and a half years to carry the required coverage after it allowed its past coverage to be canceled by its insurer, something typically done for reasons of non-payment. The company’s insurance provider was previously SAIF, Oregon’s optional state-charted non-profit insurance provider.

According to Oregon DCBS spokesperson Mark Peterson, Oregon employers are required to maintain and provide workers’ compensation insurance.

“As with most no-fault insurance, workers’ compensation is fair only if it applies to all workers and employers,” said Peterson.

“Workers’ compensation insurance provides key benefits and protections for both workers and employers. It helps ensure prompt medical and wage replacement benefits for injured workers and protects employers from lawsuits that could otherwise be brought against them by injured workers.”

Peterson explained that DCBS “is Oregon’s largest consumer protection and business regulatory agency.”

According to records obtained from the agency dating back to early 2021, Green Acres’ management appeared to have intentionally lied and misled DCBS officials with varying statements when contacted by the agency about the lack of coverage. Green Acres had previously maintained coverage from July 2017 until December 2020.

After receiving notice in early 2021 from SAIF– who provided insurance coverage of Green Acres– DCBS sent a notice to the company. In late March the agency originally determined the company did not have subject workers, a determination based solely on a response from the business claiming they had no employees. The company was then again investigated in May of 2021 following this response, but DCBS investigators were unable to determine if the company was actually employing subject workers.

In March of 2022, an investigator from DCBS physically drove to the location but “observed no activity”. The company primarily operates daily during the summer, but only as weather and bookings allow during the “off-season”.

A month later, an investigator spoke with Daniel Stuebgen, one of the company’s owners, who told the DCBS investigator that the business is operated only by him and his wife and that they had no employees.

On August 26th, 2022, the investigator again attempted to make contact by phone with the company but received no response back, prompting the investigator to make another physical visit the week after on September 2nd, 2022. The investigator then determined the company did indeed have employees working and informed Green Acres they would need to come into compliance within 2 weeks.

On September 13th, the investigator reported leaving a message for the company requesting a call back with confirmation of policy being obtained. On September 27th, 2022, the investigator made contact by phone with the company who then claimed they were no longer employing workers.

However, NW Horse Report had received information from numerous sources that confirmed the company and multiple employees continued to be employed into at least October of 2022.

The DCBS reported the investigator would conduct a follow-up investigation in the spring of 2023, an investigation which now appears to have happened and determined the company continued to intentionally avoid compliance with Oregon workers’ compensation law over what is now three operating seasons.

Based on a fine of $118,991, it appears the agency determined the insurance premiums avoided by the company were approximately $59,495.50. Oregon law states the fine for the first violation is the greater of $1,000 or “200 percent of the premium for the period of noncompliance.”

In addition, employers who continue to violate this policy, following the first day after the initial noncomplying period, can then face a fine of up to $250 per day– which would be July 7th, 2023.

According to Oregon statute, even if Green Acres appeals the order from the Director of DCBS, at best the company can only have the penalty reduced would be to 105 percent of the premium for the period of noncompliance. Based on the order, this would currently stand to be approximately $62,470.28.

The action taken by DCBS is also likely to serve as a warning to other Oregon businesses, including many other equestrian outfitters who are predominately out of compliance with Oregon labor and licensing laws. NW Horse Report’s ongoing story series, “Shadow Outfitting”, continues to highlight allegations of unfair business practices by a surprising number of Oregon’s equestrian outfitters.

Based on information gathered from State records, over two-thirds of Oregon’s equestrian outfitters continue to avoid required licensing with the Oregon State Marine Board, licensing which ensures outfitter guides are properly trained in first-aid and CPR, have employees processed through background checks, and have the required insurance to product consumers.

Even more of these outfitting operators are currently failing to comply with Oregon’s workers’ compensation laws.

Jeff Chastain, the owner of the outfitting and guide company C&M Stables outside Florance, Oregon, stated he continues to be surprised by the number of companies violating Oregon laws and had in years past said he was also more outspoken about the issues which he claims have only gotten worse.

Chastain has been involved in the outfitting business for around 40 years and has previously been involved in industry associations and committees.

“Fines like this from State agencies will hopefully be a wakeup call to other outfitters who continue to flaunt the law, I believe many think they will only get a slap on the wrist if they get caught, so they avoid it until that time comes, but that can take years,” said Chastain.

“Everyone should play by the rules, that’s just being fair, and we need to do the right thing by taking care of our employees and our customers– we pay a lot of money to do it the right way, and we need to set a good example for our industry as horsemen.”

Chastain expressed that he’s holding out hope that officials will start to hold nefarious and illegal equestrian outfitters accountable as the industry continues to grow, especially with the increases in tourism and outdoor recreation following the COVID-19 pandemic.

Note: For transparency, an editor for Equestrian Media Group was previously engaged in civil litigation against the others and affiliated parties involved with Green Acres Beach & Trail Rides which was settled out of court well prior to this publication’s reporting about the business.

Community in Georgia rises to support riding facility after barn fire killed 26 horses

NW Horse Report Staff
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Community in Georgia rises to support riding facility after barn fire killed 26 horses

Atlanta, Ga. – Countless residents in the Atlanta Metro area are rising to the occasion in supporting a local horseback riding school and horse barn recover following a devastating fire that killed over two dozen horses over the weekend

“Our focus is on helping and supporting the community any way we can,” said Katie Holley with Cherokee Feed & Seed, one of the businesses doing its part.

This last weekend a fire broke out at Blue Springs Farm, killing 26 of the horses at the horseback riding school and boarding facility. The Forsyth County Fire Department stated that firefighters encountered a fully involved barn fire containing numerous horses.

The barn was reported as a total loss.

“Cherokee Feed and Seed has set out bins at their various store locations, making it easy for customers to donate products. Anytime that people want to donate products that might be of help in this time of need, basically, they can purchase them at the store and we’re going to deliver them weekly so we can make sure that horses that are still on the farm property are taken care of,” said Holley.

The owner of Mazi, a thoroughbred mare lost in the barn fire, shared pictures of her horse with Atlanta News First.

An online fundraiser has raised nearly $45,000 dollars in just the last two days.

Blue Springs Farm made a post on social media saying:

“As you can imagine, we’re completely devastated and appreciate all of the prayer and support during this time. We have already received so much support. Thank you all so much!”

According to the FCFD the fire is still under investigation.

Staffer and partner of USHJA horse trainer Jill McGrady permanently suspended for sexual misconduct with minor

Justin Alderman
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Staffer and partner of USHJA horse trainer Jill McGrady permanently suspended for sexual misconduct with minor

This story and headline were edited on 8/8 at 1:50pm to better reflect that Harrison Brown was a member of staff for Jill McGrady and Quiet Rein that works in conjunction with the USHJA, and not a direct employee.

Clackamas, Ore. – A former staffer for professional USHJA horse trainer Jill McGrady– and her business Quiet Rein Riding School– has been permanently suspended by the US Center for SafeSport for sexual misconduct and harassment.

Harrison Joseph Brown, 25, was suspended earlier this year following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a then-minor. NW Horse Report later identified the then-minor as Kaylyn McGrady, the now estranged daughter of Jill McGrady.

Shocking revelations from numerous sources also reported that Brown and Jill McGrady, 45, were in a romantic relationship. NW Horse Report and Pamplin Media Group later uncovered court records, which when compared to county property records, appeared to confirm that both Brown and the senior McGrady were living together in a Happy Valley home owned by Brown’s father– several months following the original temporary suspension.

On Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023, the US Center for SafeSport issued a permanent suspension following its year-long investigation that started last summer and its earlier temporary suspension on January 30th, 2023.

The “Permanent Ineligibility” suspension, which is not yet final and provides Brown with an opportunity for appeal, outlined the suspension for three separate substantiated causes: Sexual Harassment – involving minors; Sexual Misconduct – involving a minor; and Physical Misconduct.

The US Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) has ignored multiple inquiries and requests for comment on the matter from both NW Horse Report and other media outlets regarding Brown’s suspension.

Meg Dunne, a spokesperson for the Oregon Hunter Jumper Association, the Oregon affiliate for USHJA, did previously express their strong support for the US Center for SafeSport and their commitment to combat the “unfortunate and unacceptable behavior” by trainers and other professionals in the sport.

The charge of sexual harassment had also indicated minors in the plural sense, while the sexual misconduct charge used minor in the singular; but further information from the US Center for SafeSport was not obtained prior to press time to clarify if this meant that Brown had engaged in sexual harassment with more than just his original victim.

It also shows that Brown continues to have “No Contact Directive(s)” in place. The existing directives that were issued in SafeSport’s original temporary suspension raised questions as to recent allegations of Brown’s occasional behind-the-scenes involvement at Quiet Rein Riding School, which operates at the facility of and in partnership with MadKat Equine.

NW Horse Report could not immediately confirm those allegations or if would violate the no-contact directive(s). According to State records, MadKat Equine was dissolved by the Oregon Secretary of State late last month for failing to file its annual report.

A separate ongoing criminal investigation into Brown was also uncovered by NW Horse Report and Pamplin Media Group in the course of tangling with Clackamas County officials over records connected to Kaylyn McGrady months ago.

Those records also exposed the apparent attempts by Brown’s father, Bob Brown, to intimidate and discredit his son’s victim, Kaylyn McGrady.

A portion of a photo dated from January of 2017 showing Bob Brown (left) and Jill McGrady (right). Bob Brown is the father of Harrison Brown who has been suspended by the US Center for SafeSport and worked for McGrady.

Brown’s father made the unfounded allegations to Pamplin Media Group in response to its earlier reporting on multiple Clackamas County equestrians— going on to claim there were corroborating police reports to support his allegations. It was these allegations that prompted the efforts by the Clackamas Review and NW Horse Report to originally uncover the records.

Not only did the police documents themselves not corroborate the claims made by Bob Brown, audio of the “anonymous tip” that was tied to the records and even prompted unnecessary and questionable police responses to Kaylyn McGrady’s new workplace, turned out to be Bob Brown himself.

Kaylyn McGrady told NW Horse Report in an exclusive interview that she felt both “shocked and intimidated” by having law enforcement show up unannounced at her workplace and questioning a manager on her day off.

The discovery raised questions of possible witness tampering and ORS 30.845 titled “Action against person who summons police with improper intent”.

Kaylyn McGrady, who placed 4th in the nation at the 2019 IEA Nationals as a highschooler, is now working as an assistant trainer for Imagination Lane under the direction of renowned hunter/jumper trainers Nicole and Kendall Bourgeois, both of which the younger McGrady praised for their support during a difficult time.

As previously reported by NW Horse Report, Bob Brown also seemed to imply in his email to Pamplin Media Group that both Kaylyn McGrady, as well as other local victims of alleged sex abuses by equestrian professionals, were not credible.

“You might also consider looking into some of these women that make these reports,” Brown said.

The statement was likely also referring to others like Maggie Kehring– the victim of Richard Fellers of Oregon City, the now disgraced former world FEI Olympic champion who pled guilty just weeks ago to federal and State sex abuse charges. The Fellers case had garnered significant worldwide media attention.

The Fellers’ case initially resulted in significant personal attacks against Kehring– a similar situation Kaylyn McGrady has also faced in light of her allegations against Harrison Brown.

Bob Brown had made the allegations from his company email address for his business– Bob Brown Realty (aka PDX Broker Bob)– a company that was discovered to maintain sponsorships with both Quiet Rein Riding School and a non-profit run by Jill McGrady called Leg Up Northwest. Multiple sources familiar with McGrady and the Browns have stated that Bob Brown and Jill McGrady have been close friends for years.

The cases surrounding Harrison Brown and other Clackamas County equestrian professionals also garnered the attention of former US Congressman Kurt Schrader. The congressman told Pamplin Media Group in March that the reports from NW Horse Report were “really disappointing to hear”.

Schrader went on to say, “You’ve done a good job covering the alleged abuse in the equestrian industry. It’s sad. It should not be that pervasive, but women who come forward should feel safe coming forward, and the goal of the legislation was to provide at least a little bit of a safe place for women to come forward and talk about their experiences.”

This is a developing story you can count on NW Horse Report to keep you updated on.

Scam Alert: Pendleton Round-Up officials warn about fraudulent Facebook account

NW Horse Report Staff
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Scam Alert: Pendleton Round-Up officials warn about fraudulent Facebook account
A screenshot of a fake Facebook profile that officials with the Pendleton Round-Up are warning the public about.

Pendleton, Ore. – Officials with the Pendleton Round-Up– known for its famous catchphrase “Let’er Buck”– are warning the public about a fraudulent Facebook profile impersonating the organization.

On Tuesday a post was made on the official Pendleton Round-Up Facebook page, “Please be aware of a fraudulent Pendleton Round-Up page circulating. Kindly note that we never send friend requests; instead, we’ll only send a notification for you to like our official page!”

The individuals behind the bogus profile under the handle “@pendleton.round.up.2023“, which is not technically a Facebook page, last posted on July 17th. The convincing post even tagged Niki Studer Naughton, an unknowing Sales Account Manager with Elkhorn Media Group. Naughton told NW Horse Report she was not aware of the bogus profile and post until logged into her profile. She pointed out that the fake profile had copied part of her own post attending

One reader who originally tipped NW Horse Report to the statement released by Round-Up officials stated they believed the individual(s) behind the fake profile was local and familiar with the Round-Up– based upon the content being posted. The Pendleton Round-Up is a multi-day rodeo and community event that takes place annually in the small Oregon town about 5-hours east of Portland.

Just over 2,000 people have befriended the fake profile, although the amount of “followers” page the profile has since dropped from 774 to 690 in the day since officials made note of the likely scam.

Earlier today officials with the National High School Rodeo Finals also warned the public about similar Facebook scams targeting their followers through bogus Facebook chat groups. Shortly after initial publication the Chief Joseph Days Rodeo also reported a fake Facebook page created that was impersonating their organization and rodeo event.

Often these sorts of fraudulent pages are part of the early efforts to prepare to defraud consumers as popular events near and spectators start looking to purchase tickets. The rodeo industry has faced years of these attempted scams across the country.

Facebook users can also visit the fake profile and initiate a report for “Pretending to be something” and then search and select the real Pendleton Round-Up page which uses the handle “pendletonroundup” as the legitimate group being impersonated.

A fake group associated with the page had also been created June 6th and happened to show the fake profile as an admin along with a profile under the name Rakibul Islam.

An official with the Round-Up directed NW Horse Report to their marketing manager for further comment, but they have yet to get back to us prior to press time.

Attempts seeking comment from whoever is behind the fake Facebook profiles and group were unsuccessful.

Horsing around with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Posse

Ethan Rogers
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Horsing around with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Posse
The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Posse was first established in 1938 by some like-minded members of the Lake Oswego Hunt Club. – (Photo Courtesy of CCSO)

Clackamas, Ore. – On Saturday, July 22 you can ride along with Clackamas County volunteer sheriff’s deputies on horseback and get a chance to win prizes in the accompanying raffle with a grand prize of $200.

This is the seventh year that the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Posse has hosted a poker ride to raise money for the nonprofit organization.

“Normally we have them draw hands, and the ones with the best hands get the best prizes, and it goes on down the chain,” said Darlene Kegg, volunteer deputy with the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Posse. “The last couple of years, because of COVID, we’ve been doing more of a raffle. When they buy in and pay for their ride, they get a ticket and we put it in the tub.”

The money raised will go to support various community programs.

According to Kegg, the poker ride is “a fundraiser so we can help donate some money back to the community; we do things like Shop with a Cop and different things like that. We try to help kids back to school; it just depends on what is needed in the community at the time. The money from the ride, we put it back into whatever is needed out there.”

Shop with a Cop is a program that the posse supports every year.

“We donate money, and then we go out and shop with kids that aren’t so fortunate and help them get the things that they need and Christmas stuff,” Kegg said. “School supplies, and if they need clothes, they can get anything that they need or want, or they can buy Christmas presents, we usually do it right at Christmas time.”

“We just try to get out there in our community and be known, be seen,” Kegg said. “We’re always trying to get new members to join the posse.”

The poker ride takes place in the picturesque forests on Port Blakely land in Clackamas County. The poker ride is accessed through private property, which the posse gets special permission to use only once a year.

“It’s a beautiful ride,” Kegg said. “We just love to have the community come out and meet us and see us, and the ones who get to ride… really enjoy the ride, and we do this every year, and they have a great time.”

The Sheriff’s Posse was first established in 1938 by some like-minded members of the Lake Oswego Hunt Club. These early members, led by Cedric Hollingsworth, a U.S. Cavalry veteran drillmaster, formed a western-style riding group. The following year, then-Clackamas County Sheriff Fred Reaksecker asked the group to serve as a mounted posse.

Horses are a popular sight at Clackamas Town Center every December, as posse members patrol the parking lots and chat with mallgoers.

“We patrol Town Center at Christmastime on horseback, and we patrol the rodeos and help them,” Kegg said.

The Sheriff’s Posse also holds a yearly event called Camp Hope held at the end of June or beginning of July.

“There are about 200 kids that go to Camp Hope that aren’t so fortunate to be able to go to camp,” Kegg said, “We take our horses up and let the kids ride the horses and teach them about the horses.”

For those interested in joining the Posse, information will be available on the day of the poker ride.

“We’re all sworn-in deputies, as a volunteer organization, nonprofit, so any fundraisers that we do, like the trail ride, we donate back into the community,” Kegg said.

For those interested in joining the posse, Kegg says, “We’ll have information there at the ride to come and join us if they want to.”

The article was contributed and reprinted with permission of Pamplin Media Group

Idaho horse trainer in coma after being hit by a 14-year-old driver

Justin Alderman
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Idaho horse trainer in coma after being hit by a 14-year-old driver
A photo from a Gofundme Campaign for Kellie Bun showing her and her daughter

Melba, Idaho – An Idaho horse trainer and mother of an 8-year-old girl was hit by a vehicle while riding her bike on Southside Boulevard in Melba, Idaho on the Fourth of July. The woman, Kellie Bunn, suffered severe injuries. The driver, a 14-year-old boy, has been identified, and authorities are investigating the incident.

Canyon County Sheriff’s Office has stated that the teenager and his parents are actively cooperating in the ongoing investigation. At this time, no charges have been filed and the investigation is still in progress.

In Idaho, 14-year-olds are allowed to drive if they have a driver training or supervised instruction permit, while their parents take responsibility for their actions on the road. But, if they are under 16 years old, they can only drive during the daytime, unless a licensed driver who is 21 or older accompanies them in the front passenger seat.

Bunn is in critical condition and is being kept in a medically induced coma at a hospital in Portland, Oregon. To support the cost of her medical expenses and her family’s ability to stay with her during this difficult time, a GoFundMe campaign has been started by her sister, Amanda Stocking. The Melba community has shown its support by providing positive thoughts, prayers, and generous donations towards this cause.

Bunn has been in a coma for more than a week. Her leg and arm were injured and required surgery. But on Thursday, according to Stocking, Bunn opened her eyes and responded to a nurse. She recognized her mother, which is a positive sign for the family.

Despite the difficult circumstances, Bunn’s family and friends remain hopeful and appreciative of the immense support demonstrated by the local community.

Oregon equestrian Rich Fellers pleads guilty to sexually abusing minor student

Justin Alderman
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Oregon equestrian Rich Fellers pleads guilty to sexually abusing minor student

Updated on 7/14/2023 at 10:75pm to reflect comments made by Kehring’s attorney Russel Prince.

Portland, Ore. – Two years following his arrest in 2021 and earlier suspension by the US Center for SafeSport, the internationally known Ex-Olympic FEI Champion Equestrian Richard Fellers has pleaded guilty to sexually abusing his former and then minor student.

Fellers plead guilty on Tuesday in Oregon’s Federal District Court to federal charges which were just recently brought months ago in preparation for the anticipated plea deal that was first uncovered through investigative work by NW Horse Report. He then appeared on Wednesday in Washington County Circuit Court to plead guilty to the State charges.

According to court records, Fellers agreed to serve his sentence in a medium-security federal penitentiary instead of an Oregon State prison. The federal charges– interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor– resulted in a 50-month sentence for Fellers. The State’s charges resulted in a lesser 30-month sentence, although the sentences will be served concurrently according to the plea deal.

It appeared the deal brokered with federal prosecutors, who had only recently charged Fellers, may have been in order for Fellers to serve his sentence in the federal system in lieu of State prison.

NW Horse Report had also discovered court records months ago that Fellers’ wife filed for divorce.

Fellers’ former student, Maggie Kehring, told Bloomberg in 2022 that Fellers expressed his love for her when she was 16 years old, and said she was “not a little girl anymore.”

“I put the phone down and was filled with fear,” she recalled in the 2022 interview. “I knew I couldn’t leave that barn. He was supposed to be the one to help me get to the Olympics.”

Kehring’s attorney Russell Prince publically stated, “This isn’t a day to celebrate. It’s a somber day that should remind us how much work there still is to do to protect our athletes, our children, and our communities.”

Prince also went on to rebuff those who had previously attacked Kehring following the US Center for SafeSport’s initial suspension of Fellers.

“And to all of you out there in the equestrian community who relentlessly attacked [Kehring], you should be ashamed. I’d recommend a heartfelt apology to her and some serious soul-searching.” said Prince.

“I can only hope my own daughter turns out to be as tough, determined, and resilient as [Kehring] has been in the face of what she’s endured. She’s a hero in every sense of the word.”

Kehring did not have any comment on Fellers’ guilty plea, but did state, “I have no comment on the Rich Fellers case. The public record speaks for itself; Right now, I send my thoughts to those victims of sexual abuse navigating the very emotional and difficult legal process.”

Kehring’s mother Carrie Kehring did however express that her daughter was doing better and also thanked NW Horse Report for the continued coverage of this and other similar cases:

“Thank you for your very thoughtful and accurate reporting on these issues. Great and thoughtful reporting with these issues is so important for the minors in this industry and makes such a difference.”

Fellers is now scheduled to be formally sentenced in October where he will be immediately remanded into custody. Fellers could not be reached for comment.

Another Oregon DA brings more horse neglect and abandonment charges against embroiled horse trainer

NW Horse Report Staff
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Another Oregon DA brings more horse neglect and abandonment charges against embroiled horse trainer

Tualatin, Ore. – Prosecutors in Oregon’s Washington County have filed criminal animal neglect and abandonment charges against a Mustang horse trainer known throughout Oregon equestrian circles and also embroiled in previous allegations of neglect.

The trainer, Michael Jean Wells, 47, of Aurora, is alleged to have neglected and abandoned three different horses at a property off Hazelbrook Rd in Tualatin, which NW Horse Report was able to identify as the location for a horse boarding facility operated by Cindy’s House of Horses, LLC.

As first reported by NW Horse Report, as well as Pamplin Media Group, Wells was already facing separate charges filed back in March in Clackamas County for allegedly neglecting and abandoning four horses at a commercial boarding facility near Colton, Oregon.

A photo showing one of the horses allegedly abandoned and neglected by Michael Wells. (Photo Courtesy of Oregon Humane Society)

According to court documents filed late last month in Washington County, Wells was charged with 3 counts of animal neglect and 3 counts of animal abandonment, bringing the total count between both cases of 7 counts of animal neglect and 7 counts of animal abandonment, all of which are Class B misdemeanors.

It appears the cases are being handled separately in their respective counties, but NW Horse Report did confirm that special agents with the Oregon Humane Society were the lead investigators in both cases.

According to the Oregon Secretary of State, Cindy’s House of Horses was dissolved in 2009 after not filing its annual report. A man reached for comment by a telephone number listed by the company identified himself as the owner. The owner went on to state that the horses allegedly neglected and abandoned at their property were from Wells.

The charging document filed June 20th by Washington County prosecutors against Michael Jean Wells, 47.

The owner stated that the issue came to light after one of their boarders notified authorities of the condition of one of the horses, but that their facility was providing the minimum care for the animals despite not having any arrangements with Wells for full care of her horses. The owner was not willing to identify himself and he did not appear to be listed in the company’s records from before 2009.

Another source alleged that Wells owed the company well over $10,000 in costs to the company. The owner was not willing to disclose the exact dollar amount but did confirm that our source accurately put the total over $10,000. He also said they would likely not see any of that money from Wells.

According to Oregon Humane Society’s spokesperson Laura Klink, Sound Equine Options assisted agents in taking custody of the horses after they obtained an executed warrant back in May.

Kim Mosiman, CEO of Sound Equine Options, responded to a request for comment confirming they were asked for a second time to assist OHS with the seizure of horses owned by Wells, having been involved in the previous seizure in Clackamas County.

“We now have 7 of Ms. Well’s horses in protective custody as their legal cases work their way through the system,” said Mosiman.

“All the horses are gaining weight as well as getting their veterinary and farrier needs addressed.  We have seen a drastic improvement in each of the horses while under our care.”

SEO is a 501(c)(3) equine rescue that frequently works with law enforcement agencies across Oregon and southwest Washington.

Attempts to reach Wells again for comment were unsuccessful. Wells recently appeared in Clackamas County Court on her earlier charges after having proceedings delayed multiple times while she claimed she was still working to retain her own private legal counsel.

In the latest hearing on June 28th in her Clackamas County case, Wells applied for and was granted court-appointed counsel after ultimately not retaining her own attorney. When arraigned days earlier in the Washington County case, Wells again indicated she intended to retain private defense counsel. It appears unlikely Wells will be able to retain private legal counsel, but no motion has yet been made by Wells requesting court-appointed counsel in the new Washington County case.

Wells is due back in Clackamas County court on July 19th at 8:30am, and again in the Washington County case on July 24th at 3pm.

Former Olympian equestrian Rich Fellers charged by feds for sex abuse as part of an anticipated plea deal

Justin Alderman
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Former Olympian equestrian Rich Fellers charged by feds for sex abuse as part of an anticipated plea deal

Updated at 10:53am on 5/26 to include a statement from Maggie Kehring’s attorney Russ Prince.

Portland, Ore. – The former Olympian equestrian previously charged by Oregon state prosecutors for sex abuse as part of an alleged sexual relationship with his then-minor student has been formally charged by the US Attorney in federal court.

Richard Fellers was the 2012 FEI World Champion during the summer London Olympic Games and was a once highly respected equestrian based in Clackamas County.

According to federal court documents, Fellers’ was charged with “Interstate travel to engage in illicit sexual conduct with a minor.”

The charges are reportedly part of a plea deal first uncovered and reported by NW Horse Report back in March. NW Horse Report obtained audio of a previous hearing in Feller’s state criminal case where a Washington County deputy district attorney and Feller’s attorney, Mike De Muniz of Sherlag DeMuniz LLP, disclosed a plan where Fellers’ would be formally charged by the US Attorney’s Office.

The plan facilitated a plea deal as part of a “global settlement” to resolve both the state and the then possible federal charges. Deputy District Attorney Rayney Meisel would not comment on the specifics of the ongoing plea deal at the time with NW Horse Report.

The deal would also mean that Fellers’ would serve time in the federal prison system instead of an Oregon state prison.

Maggie Kehring, Fellers’ former student who he was accused of sexually abusing, was 17 at the time.

Kehring’s attorney Russ Prince responded to the latest development in the case telling NW Horse Report Friday morning, “Regrettably, it has been a protracted process that has continued to harm Maggie, the Kehring family, and other participants in sport.”

“Maggie has endured much-underserved scrutiny from the beginning, and now we are closer to some semblance of justice for her. More importantly, the truth in this matter underscores the work that is still left to do in making our sports safe for all athletes.” Prince said.

Prince then went on to further express his view on the positive impacts he believes Kehring’s ordeal will bring to the industry: “Luckily, equestrian has a role model like Maggie. She will unabashedly continue to use her voice as a force for change – a force for good that wants nothing more than a safe environment for everyone to participate in whatever arena they find joy.”

KOIN 6 News broke the news about Feller’s federal charges yesterday— although it appeared they were not aware that the new federal charges were part of the plea deal negotiations, going on to report an anticipated trial still on the schedule for Feller’s that was set for August.

Fellers was arrested in June of 2021 by the Tualatin Police Department following an investigation on the heels of a US Center for SafeSport investigation– having also been assisted by special agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“We will not be engaging in any interviews,” wrote De Muniz in an email to KOIN 6 News.

NW Horse Report also reported in March the discovery that Fellers’ wife Shelly had also filed for divorce. The proceedings in the dissolution of marriage case for the Fellers’ appear ongoing after court documents filed last week revealed the outcome of a recent mediation stating: “No Agreement – Parties unable to reach agreement”.

“I did care about him, you know, immensely. He was a person in my life who I had so much trust and respect for,” Kehring previously told CBS News in 2021. “I had never been in a relationship. And I made that clear … I was still a virgin.”

This is a developing story you can count on NW Horse Report to keep you informed of.

Justice for horses will have to wait while Clackamas County defendant seeks legal counsel

Ethan Rogers
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Justice for horses will have to wait while Clackamas County defendant seeks legal counsel
A photo showing one of the horses allegedly abandoned and neglected by Michael Wells. (Photo Courtesy of Oregon Humane Society)

A woman charged in Clackamas County with four counts each of animal neglect and animal abandonment appeared in court on May 24 to request a reset of her hearing.

Michael Jean Wells, 47, had failed to get herself an attorney despite nearly two months passing since the initial March 30 charges from the Clackamas County District Attorney’s Office, Wells told Circuit Judge Thomas J. Rastetter.

Wells, known throughout Oregon equestrian circles as a Bureau of Land Management mustang trainer, faces charges stemming from boarding horses at several Oregon facilities and allegedly failing to provide for their care before abandoning the animals entirely.

Wells, who goes by “Mickie,” entered a courtroom alive with furtive whispers between lawyers and their clients. Clackamas County sheriff’s deputies led chained men into the room, sitting them in an unused jury box. Wells was cited on eight misdemeanors and has so far not been arrested.

While Wells quietly sat in the back of the courtroom, waiting, a lawyer absent-mindedly left a paperclip near the prisoners and suffered the playful admonition of a deputy who confiscated the paperclip and dropped it into “the abyss,” a zip pouch attached to the front of his bulletproof vest.

Judge Rastetter’s court ran smoothly, with several defendants hearing their sentence within the first half hour.

A couple of defendants appeared without counsel, but only one chose to waive the right to counsel. Two young adults were convicted of shoplifting. One of the prisoners had his lack of self-control and poor relationship with his mother displayed to the court through a recorded phone call he had made while incarcerated. Through it all Wells sat, her back to the wall, waiting for her case to be called.

After nearly a dozen other cases had been heard, Wells was called to take her place at the defendant’s table.

Wells wore a long-sleeved blue shirt and blue jeans, her hair pulled back in a braid that hung below her shoulders, as she approached the bench briskly and with confidence.

Judge Rastetter inquired as to whether Wells had an attorney. She said she did not. She then requested a three-week reset of her appearance to obtain counsel and prepare to answer the charges against her.

The district attorney had no objection to the request, and Judge Rastetter granted the defendant’s request.

According to NW Horse Report, there are allegations that Wells had several other horses which she has failed to care for and/or abandoned, but there was no word at the hearing if a district attorney will be pursuing criminal charges on those as well.

Wells is next scheduled to appear in court on June 28.

This article was contributed by Pamplin Media Group for publication by NW Horse Report.

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