About Us
Training starts with trust.
Located in Gainesville, GA, Hillmar Farm stands as a beacon of excellence in horse care and equestrian training. We are near GA-400 in North Forsyth County, convenient to Atlanta, Alpharetta, Cumming, Dawsonville, and Ball Ground. At Hillmar Farm, we offer a comprehensive range of amenities and personalized care to ensure the health, happiness, and success of every horse. With over two centuries of combined experience, our team members are on hand to facilitate an exceptional experience.
Meet the Trainer
Training by Francine Hammen of Serenity Manor Farm
Francine Hammen was born and raised in Maryland’s horse country. She started riding at the age of 10 and quickly decided horses would be her career. Francine’s junior and young adult years were filled with galloping thoroughbreds, breaking babies, and doing anything that would allow her to get on the back of a horse. From the beginning of her career, she surrounded herself with driven, respected, and professional mentors, including Ray Texel, George Morris, and James Wofford. Francine worked under William Santoro and Jennifer White for many years where she developed her love of breaking young horses and working through problems. Francine’s love of eqiutation comes from many influences, including working under George Morris at his farm in Virginia and working closely with Oldfields School’s head trainers, Grace Mullan and Bernie Villeneuve. She went on to show at the Washington International Horse Show several times and placed silver at the Junior Equestrian Olympics in New York. Francine also worked for and trained under Rodney Bross, Susan Sisco, Peter Leone, and others where she gained much of her style and eye.
After many years of riding for well-known and respected names in the industry, Francine went on to develop her own training and sales program, Serenity Manor. Whether a warmblood or thoroughbred, she has been extremely successful finding the perfect match between horse and rider. She was often sought out to break, develop and train young horses for many other professionals. After taking a small hiatus due to injury, she is back to doing what she has a passion for - developing horses and riders. Francine is happiest when she pushes riders to achieve their outlined goals and accomplish what riders didn’t think they were capable of, whether it be at home, local shows, or the AA Level.
Meet the Team
Erik Eeveleth
Assistant Trainer and Academy Program Instructor
Erik began his riding career as a boy at Fox Brush Farm in DeWitt, Michigan, quickly discovering his passion for horses. By age 13, he was caring for horses at the farm and started teaching at 16. He earned a degree in Horse and Horse Farm Management from Michigan State University, during which time he taught and interned in Northern Ireland. Upon his return, Erik continued teaching and worked as a show groom in Florida, before managing for a private family. In 2012, he became the barn manager & instructor at Foxcroft Farm, later serving as head trainer for a private Morgan horse farm, where he helped secure several championships. After a brief hiatus to run his family’s blueberry farm in Georgia, Erik returned to teaching part-time at Foxcroft Farm in 2021.
Celeste Casale
Manager, C2 Equine Services
In 2016, Celeste drew on her 46+ years of equine experience and over 33 years as a National Marketing/Sales Manager in Corporate America to launch C2 Equine Services. Having grown up in Virginia’s horse country, she trained with, and was a working student for, legends in the equestrian world. With a deep background in both the hunter/jumper arena and corporate business, Celeste brings a unique advantage to Hillmar Farm. Her expertise ensures the highest standard of equine care, efficient financial management, and smooth farm operations, all while supporting the vision of the farm’s owner and trainers.
Margaux Nodvin
Owner
Margaux began riding at age 8 and developed a passion for horses which has lasted more than 30 years. She had the good fortune to ride with a number of great trainers who not only taught her how to ride but also about the proper care and maintenance of horses. After learning about stable management under the tutelage of a Georgia local trainer Michael Allen, Margaux was fortunate enough to be able to purchase her own farm. Margaux has now owned Hillmar Farm for 19 years. She continues to enrich her knowledge of horse care through seminars, literature, and through working closely with veterinarians and with horse nutritionists. The health and happiness of the horses is Margaux’s utmost concern, and is evident in the shining coats and the positive attitudes of the horses residing at Hillmar Farm.
Patricia Fabian
Senior Activities Director
Patricia's deep affection for horses has been a lifelong passion, evident in her dedicated care for all our horses, with a special focus on the retirees. Beyond her artistic pursuits, she devotes her time to decorating the retiree’s barn, meticulously grooming horses, and immersing herself in farm activities. Her warm presence extends to everyone at the farm, and we are incredibly fortunate to have her as a pillar of love and care for our horses.
Miguel, Abel, Rosalio, and Tony
Grooms
Our team of grooms at Hillmar Farm exemplifies commitment to ensuring top-notch care for our horses. Their exceptional dedication goes beyond the basics, encompassing a wide range of tasks essential to the farm's operations. From repairing fences and mowing fields to hand-walking horses on rainy days and preparing them for shows, our grooms demonstrate unparalleled professionalism and skill. Their tireless efforts behind the scenes are the backbone of Hillmar Farm's smooth and efficient operation, ensuring every horse receives the utmost attention and care they deserve.
Through the Years
Hillmar’s History
