FAMILY FIRST
A strong foundation is key in building successful partnerships in and out of the saddle. Since High Finance Farm was founded by mother-daughter duo Kimber & Lauren DiTallo, they have strived to give riders the foundational tools needed to succeed in reaching their highest goals, while maintaining a family camaraderie. Whether you are just learning the ropes or are ready to jump the big tracks, High Finance Farm is the family to get you there.
Kimber Ditallo
Head Trainer
As head trainer, Kimber brings a lifetime of horse experience, as well as 19 years of corporate experience as a Manager in Skills Development Training. That foundation allows her to draw inspiration from a variety of sources when teaching riders and she applies those skills daily. She is also a United States Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) Certified Trainer and was the USHJA Zone 5 coordinator and National Host for the 2011 Emerging Athlete’s Program (EAP) National Finals. Kimber's showing and training experience range from the baby green hunters through preparing horses for the Grand Prixs. Riding in both the 3'6" hunter divisions and up to the 1.30 jumpers gives her a broad understanding of both disciplines and their unique challenges.
Lauren Ditallo
Head Trainer & Professional Rider
Lauren grew up riding and competing in the Chicago area and has been a professional in the industry since 2011. She was a National Top 12 Finalist in the USHJA EAP in 2009, 2010 and 2011. Through the EAP, she had the privilege of working with several different top professionals across the country including Julie Winkel, Mindy Bower, Rush Weeden, Melanie Smith-Taylor and the Linback Family. After graduating from high school, Lauren moved to Reno to work as an intern for Winkel. There she gained further skills in riding, training, young horse development, show management and horsemanship. Lauren graduated from Julie Winkel's program after two years in 2013, going on to compete at the highest levels of the hunters and jumpers, while sharing her expertise in natural horsemanship, developing young horses and problem horses. She is currently competing in the FEI 3* and National Grand Prixs across the country.
Emma Calzavara
Assistant Trainer
Emma grew up in the horse industry, beginning riding as a child at her family’s boarding and training facility in Wisconsin. At her family's farm she assisted her father Frank Calzavara, a trainer specializing in young horses and horses with behavior problems, and providing training and lessons for her own clients. As a child and teen Emma was an active member in the United States Pony Club achieving national certifications and being a member in the junior board. Not only did she participate and compete in rallies and championships, she also taught and judged at them. Although she has competed in dressage, eventing and reining, her main focus has shifted to the hunter/jumper world. She has spent years working and learning from top trainers in the Chicago area, allowing her to build her knowledge base and skill set. Emma enjoys working with riders to improve their skills and ability to communicate with their horses, and with horses of all ages to reach their full potential.
Catherine Palumbo
Physical Therapist & Digital Media Admin
Catherine grew up riding in New York, showing the A circuit in the hunters and equitation. She relocated to Chicago to pursue her degree in Business at DePaul University and worked in the Mortgage and Real Estate industry for 7 years, until she decided to merge her skill set in to the horse world. She completed her certification in Equine Sports Massage Therapy and now runs the physical therapy program at High Finance Farm, while also managing the digital media marketing .