Our History
Why Wishing Tree Farm? Jason and Kelly Lasher bought the property in 2011 from Mary and Dale McCall. Prior to 2011, what began as nothing, was eventually transformed through hard work and a love for it all to become "Shady Maples," a place of community and a thriving equestrian facility. When the torch was passed to the Lashers, they continued that vision, and the business was renamed, "Hunter Landing Equestrian (HLE)," a chapter that the Lashers are extremely fond and proud of. This was a name that they could call their own and captured both the essence of the hunt seat style of riding offered as well as historical ties to the local region along Fish Creek; however, it was decided that a rebrand was warranted for 2026 in spite of the solid reputation built under the HLE name. Since 2011, the business has evolved into something so much more, including hunters, jumpers, equitation, and a small breeding program. Hunter Landing simply no longer captures all that we are,
The symbolism? Health, love, and prosperity. The truth is that 2025 was a testing year on many personal levels, and it was time for a fresh start. "Wishing Tree Farm" goes back in a way to the *roots* of "Shady Maples." Yet also -- in October 2025 at the Keeneland racetrack, during a week that Kelly was showing her horse, "Mr. Houghton," at the nearby Retired Racetrack Thoroughbred Makeover, Kelly declared that if Mr. Houghton's longshot 30-1 sister, "Mom's Cheesecake," won the final race, that the rebrand was ON. Guess what? Mom's Cheesecake was the fastest that day. It was a sign.
We look forward to building on what we have already begun!
The symbolism? Health, love, and prosperity. The truth is that 2025 was a testing year on many personal levels, and it was time for a fresh start. "Wishing Tree Farm" goes back in a way to the *roots* of "Shady Maples." Yet also -- in October 2025 at the Keeneland racetrack, during a week that Kelly was showing her horse, "Mr. Houghton," at the nearby Retired Racetrack Thoroughbred Makeover, Kelly declared that if Mr. Houghton's longshot 30-1 sister, "Mom's Cheesecake," won the final race, that the rebrand was ON. Guess what? Mom's Cheesecake was the fastest that day. It was a sign.
We look forward to building on what we have already begun!
Meet the Trainer
Kelly (Gaffney) Lasher is the on-site trainer. She began riding in 1989, spending much of her youth as a true barn rat. Kelly's resume includes showing competitively at local, A-rated, IHSA, and AQHA recognized shows, attending shows stretching from Toronto, Massachusetts, Vermont, Virginia, Kentucky, Florida, Ohio, Texas, and various locations across New York State. She has been coaching and training professionally since 2011. Some of her highlights include:
Over the years as owner/trainer at the property of Wishing Tree Farm, Kelly has since shifted her focus to helping clients reach their goals at local, rated, and Interscholastic shows, as well as putting a heavy focus on working with and promoting off-track thoroughbreds, her true love. She continues to build her USEF resume in the hunter and jumper rings both with herself and with her clients in the irons, and is pursuing the path to becoming an 'r' judge.
Additionally, Kelly has added a small warmblood breeding program to her endeavors, and is excited for that chapter to bring her babies along as they grow and mature! She has started and brought along many young, green horses, preparing them for the world of sport.
Kelly is thrilled to teach horses and riders alike, at a facility that she can call her own.
Kelly is available to book for your next clinic or to judge at your local show. If you need a horse hauled, we may be able to accommodate in our 4-horse Head to Head or 2-Horse trailer. Please contact us.
- Three-time top ten working hunter & equitation over fences at the AQHA Congress as a youth and amateur
- Preliminary working hunter round winner at the AQHYA World Show, Fort Worth, TX, finishing 15th
- St. Lawrence University IHSA alumni; Reserve High Point Rider and Regional Champion over fences as an individual
- 2019 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover; 7th Field Hunters, 11th Hunters
- 2022 Take2 Circuit Champion HITS Vermont
- 2023 Kentucky National; 4th $10,000 Take2 Hunter Finals
- 2023 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover; 7th Hunters
- 2024 Retired Racehorse Project Thoroughbred Makeover; 14th Dressage
Over the years as owner/trainer at the property of Wishing Tree Farm, Kelly has since shifted her focus to helping clients reach their goals at local, rated, and Interscholastic shows, as well as putting a heavy focus on working with and promoting off-track thoroughbreds, her true love. She continues to build her USEF resume in the hunter and jumper rings both with herself and with her clients in the irons, and is pursuing the path to becoming an 'r' judge.
Additionally, Kelly has added a small warmblood breeding program to her endeavors, and is excited for that chapter to bring her babies along as they grow and mature! She has started and brought along many young, green horses, preparing them for the world of sport.
Kelly is thrilled to teach horses and riders alike, at a facility that she can call her own.
Kelly is available to book for your next clinic or to judge at your local show. If you need a horse hauled, we may be able to accommodate in our 4-horse Head to Head or 2-Horse trailer. Please contact us.
We Are Proud to Call Them Our Partners
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Click on an icon to get more information, or to visit our Facebook Page!
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3207 Haskins Road, Blossvale, New York 13308