Member Spotlight - Lisa Cifrese and Richard Geha and Thornewood Farm

Located midway between the excitement of New York City and Philadelphia, PA, Thornewood Farm provides a sanctuary for the finest bred Straight Egyptian mares.  The Thornewood breeding program, based on the blood of Ansata Justina through their mare Skyy (Thee Desperado) consistently porduces typey, athletic, and beautiful horses, with sound minds and the most charismatic personalities.  Prized for thier beauty, their quality and their stunning presence, horses of this program have excelled at the Egyptian Event, and are now making their mark as future foundation mares for farms around the country.   Additonally, for owners Lisa Cifrese and Richard Geha, Thornewood provides an alternative to the hectic pace of their busy Psychotherapy practices.  "For me," notes Lisa, "there is no better way to unwind then to watch foals playing in the fields, or a broodmare nuzzling her baby."

What began in 1982 as a small breeding operation, Thornewood has grown slowly, with careful breeding decisions and choices made wisely.  The present Thornewood operation relfects the culmination of a ife-long love affair with Arabian horses.  "I guess you could say I grew up on the back of a horse," Lisa recall.  "I started riding at age 4, and at age 10 my father bought me my first horse, a bay Mor-ab mare.  From then on, I was hooked, and I successfully competed in euitarian classes and in halter divisions as a youth."  But then it was off to college and graduate school, and her love of horses got a bit sidelines.  "Then in 1982 I attended my first Egyptian Event, and I knew - oh brother, did I know! -- that Egyptian Arabians would be the path my passion for horses would follow."

Since attending that first Egyptian Event, Lisa and Richard have been strong supporters of the Pyramid Society and the Egyptian Event.  "In 28 years, I've only missed one Event.  There is no place on earth we'd rather be than Lexington, KY, on that super week in June," says Lisa.  This year, Thornewood is most excited about their beautiful filly, Bint Bint Felicia TF (Mishaal HP x Skyy) who will be competing in the 2 year old Filly Futurity.  "She's a truly special filly, and she proudly carries on the tradition of excellence established by both her sire and her dam," Lisa proudly observes.  For her and for Richard, the Pyramid Society is a preservation of this significant blood.  "It amazes me to think of the foresight of a handful of people, and the impact of their efforts, on the world of horses," Lisa exclaims.  "And the Egyptian Event...oh, what a magnificent showcase for these elegant, beautiful horses.  We are most honored to be a part of both the Egyptian Event and the Pyramid Society."

Another Star is Born.  Lisa and the 2010 Skyy filly (The Sequel RCA)

Bint Bint Felicia TF (Mishaal HP x Skyy)

Thornewood Farm
Stockton, New Jersey
www.thornewoodfarm.com