Staff

Shep Welles
	Shep Welles has been riding since the age of 7. He has 25 years of riding and teaching experience as a professional, and currently instructs the more advanced students at Triton Stables. Shep has competed at shows throughout the eastern U.S. including Washington, Harrisburg, Devon and the Florida Circuit. In recent years he has focused on riding and teaching aimed at preparing riders for the NCHJA horse shows. Shep is known for producing excellent riders and horses who consistently win top awards at the NCHJA “C” shows. Shep’s main objectives include providing quality instruction and training for the horse and rider in a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere. He strives to educate each individual to reach his or her maximum potential so they can thoroughly enjoy the equine sport.
Mrs. Welles
	Mrs. Welles has dedicated over 40 years to teaching riders of all ages and abilities. A graduate of Duke University, she taught swimming for many years before starting her career with horses. She and her husband Paul raised 6 children. Mrs. Welles rode and fox hunted with them, and headed the riding program Camp Triton on Lake Gaston. In 1970, the Welles Family purchased a farm in northern Wake County, and Triton Stables was born. Some of her children carried their love of horses into their adult life with two of them being professional riders and one a Veterinarian. Many of her former students return to Triton with their children and grandchildren because of the excellent instruction she provides. Mrs. Welles has been honored by the NCHJA twice as Horsewoman of the Year and received their Lifetime Achievement Award for her commitment to the sport. Mrs. Welles states “children grow up healthier when they are athletic. Learning to get along with horses not only improves a child’s relationship with animals, but also how they get along with people. The relationship between a horse and rider is priceless.”
Megan Ward
	Megan grew up around horses. At the age of 7, she began taking lessons and was showing at NCHJA “C” shows by the age of 9. Megan has been riding at Triton Stables for 13 years, winning many awards in the “C” show circuit. For the past 3 years, she has worked as a professional with Shep Welles in the riding program. She teaches intermediate and advanced riders, trains horses, and travels to the NCHJA shows with Triton. Students and parents appreciate her patience, humor, and encouragement during lessons at the stables and throughout the horse show experience. As her students would say “she makes learning fun!”
Laura Wharey
	Laura began riding at Triton Stables when she was 9 years old. She was a student of Mrs. Welles for several years and later moved to Shep Welles’ classes when she began showing on the NCHJA circuit. Many of the ponies she now teaches on she showed across North Carolina at NCHJA C shows. While she was in high school she assisted Ms. Pat, the then beginner instructor with the afternoon lesson program. Then it was off to college. Laura recently graduated from NC State University with a bachelor’s degree in Biology and has returned to Triton to head the beginner lesson program. She instructs the youngest and newest students in the fundamentals of horsemanship and hunt-seat riding in a fun and engaging atmosphere. To schedule a lesson, or to tour the facility and meet the horses please call her cell phone 919-696-2459.
Emma Conking
No Photo Availible	Emma Conking is now teaching Monday thru Saturday,by appt. 919-610-9212. Emma grew up riding with us,and has been riding since she was 6 yrs. She is an excellent teacher and is great with kids as well as adults.