FAMILY FIRST
A strong foundation is key in building successful partnerships in and out of the saddle. Since High Finance Farm was founded by Kimber DiTallo, she has 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.
Katie Derer
Trainer & Professional Rider
Katie Derer joined High Finance Farm in the Fall of 2023. Katie’s education comes from working alongside a multitude of industry professionals, such as rehab facilities, non-profit rescues, massage therapists, and trainers of many disciplines. Her experience with exercising racehorses, polo ponies, and competing in dressage, hunter and show jumping arenas has helped to cultivate an innovative approach to the training of young horses. Her training programs cater to the horses as an individual, instilling confidence and proper basic riding principles for a strong, long-lasting foundation.
Kelly Bever
Assistant Farm Manager
Kelly brings over 25 years of horse experience to High Finance Farm. Kelly refers to herself as a grown up lesson kid, sitting on anything that would give her time in the saddle, sitting ringside for hours to watch and analyze top riders, and auditing and riding in clinics. Through the years she has experienced all sides of the horse industry, including professional grooming, training, riding, managing, and teaching lesson programs throughout Northern Illinois. While attending Northern Illinois University, Kelly was the Co-President of the NIU Equestrian Team, multiple High Point Rider recipient, and multi-IHSA Zones Finalist. Kelly splits her time between the HFF young horse development program in Richmond, as well as the HFF lesson program in Gurnee.