Our Team
István "Coach Steve" Hernek
Head Coach & Owner
From an early age, István Hernek, born to his parents István and Mary Ann who were both Olympians, has lived a life deeply intertwined with horses. At the age of three, he embarked on his first solo ride. By nine, his expertise and natural affinity for horses made it possible for him to become an assistant wilderness guide at a renowned Dune Shores Resort, which featured traditional American equestrian activities in Michigan’s spectacular Upper Peninsula, a region blanketed by the lush expanse of the Hiawatha National Forest.
By eleven, István was promoted to “Head Trail Boss” and thus had taken the reins of the entire riding program at Dune Shores Resort, skillfully managing a diverse array of equestrian activities. These included traditional horseback riding, as well as unique experiences like stagecoach and covered wagon rides through hundreds of acres of the historic Hiawatha national forest with its spectacular natural landmarks, rivers, and lakes.
István’s passion for equestrian arts is a family trait and the legacy continued with his daughters, Christiana and Skylar, following in his footsteps which rekindled Istvan’s passion for the equestrian world after a brief hiatus.
His return marked a significant chapter with the acquisition of Orchard Park Equestrian, a show horse farm dedicated to nurturing future generations of riders, including his daughters. This venture has not only reignited István’s passion but has also cemented his role as a vanguard in equestrian coaching.
Currently, István is channeling his extensive knowledge and unique experiences into authoring a book and producing a video series. These projects aim to showcase his innovative techniques in equestrian sports and arts. His specialty lies in fostering an extraordinary connection between riders and their horses. Drawing upon Native American horse training methods and seamlessly integrating them with techniques used to train the mounted cavalry, contemporary equestrian dressage, Hunter Jumper disciplines, and more significantly a new sport which he has invented tack-free mounted archery and cavalry.
At the heart of István’s approach is a profound understanding of the bond between humans and horses, a skill that has earned him acclaim and respect in the equestrian community.
For more on Coach Steve please click here.
Christiana Noel Overton
Head Trainer
Christiana has been riding and competing in the Hunter/Jumper, and eventing world for the last 20 years. She has trained horses and riders alike through many different disciplines and levels but her heart will always lie in the jumper ring. Christiana has taken a step back from the show ring for the last five years to focus her energy on the next generation of equestrians. With a strong belief in horsemanship as the foundation of all riding, not only will she teach your child to ride horses but also the importance of proper care and maintenance. She has an almost magical skill of teaching horses and a gentle, yet superior ability to bring young riders to amazing levels. As founder of "Noel's Horse Training", Christiana is a well-experienced instructor. When István's sister got Christiana into riding she began at five years of age at the very farm they ended up purchasing. Before Christiana was a teenager, she was jumping up to 5 feet. She would jokingly say, "Oh that's only a 4-foot jump, I'll just do it bareback with only a halter and a lead rope on my horse." Then, with a youthful smile and a wink of the eye, she would be off and running on her bareback pony approaching the 4-foot pole and spreading her hands out as if she were an eagle, before gliding over the jump.
Viki Little
Care Coordinator
Viki has always felt a deep connection to the outdoors and to nature, but it was her bond with horses that ultimately shaped both her personal journey and her professional calling.
That connection began more than four decades ago, when Viki was just twelve years old. Her mother, who worked at the racetrack with pacers, carried a lifelong love of horses that ran through the family. For one birthday, she asked for something simple yet meaningful: a horseback riding experience shared together. That moment became a turning point. From the very first ride, Viki was captivated by the power, intelligence, and sensitivity of these remarkable animals.
What began as a childhood experience grew into a lifelong commitment. Viki pursued riding lessons, volunteered at local stables, and eventually began teaching riding herself. Her journey deepened when she adopted a BLM wild mustang—an experience that demanded patience, trust, and unwavering consistency. Just months later, the mustang gave birth to a foal, blessing Viki with two horses who would become her greatest teachers.
Through caring for and training her horses, Viki learned the foundational principles that guide her work today: patience, empathy, clear communication, and trust. Building a successful partnership with a horse requires understanding individual needs, anticipating challenges, and providing steady, compassionate support—skills that translate seamlessly into her role as a Care Coordinator.
These same principles are at the heart of Orchard Park Equestrian, making this role a natural and meaningful fit. Viki’s experience, values, and approach align closely with the mission and culture of Orchard Park Equestrian, and her skill set is exactly what we look for in this position. Her ability to build trust, maintain organization, and offer calm, consistent support makes her an invaluable part of our team.
Viki brings the same dedication and attentiveness to coordinating care as she does to every partnership she builds. She understands that meaningful progress comes from listening, organization, and follow-through, and that strong relationships are at the core of effective care. Her calm, focused presence allows those around her to feel supported, understood, and confident.
For Viki, this work is more than a role—it is the fulfillment of what once felt missing. She is grateful to have found a home at Orchard Park Equestrian, where her lifelong passion and professional purpose come together, allowing her to help others feel supported every step of the way.
“A horse, a horse, my kingdom for a horse.”
— William Shakespeare
Erik Eimiller
Director of Media
Erik joined our team in 2024, inspired by his daughter’s growing passion for horses and the equestrian world. A devoted husband and father of two wonderful girls, Erik brings a unique blend of creative talent and hands-on dedication to the farm. With a lifelong appreciation for horses and the rhythm of barn life, he quickly became an integral part of our day-to-day operations.
Outside the ring, Erik is a seasoned regional musician, best known as the front man for El Scorcho, a high-energy Weezer tribute band. He also lends his drumming skills to the renowned Strictly Hip and the jazz-noir group Carina & The Six String Preacher. His creative eye and technical expertise shine behind the scenes—whether it’s photographing shows, producing training videos of Coach Steve’s teaching methods, managing the farm’s website, or applying his cyber skills to keep our digital presence sharp, secure, and up-to-date.
On the farm, Erik is everywhere—tacking up horses, maintaining the grounds, assisting Coach Steve and Trainer Chrissi, and stepping in wherever a helping hand is needed. His versatility, positivity, and genuine passion for the equestrian lifestyle make him a valued and much-loved part of our team.