Waxhaw, N.C. – Oct. 28, 2016 – For over a decade, Steve Heinecke and Sock Inc. have been based at the HiHopes Farm LLC facility in Matthews, North Carolina, but with a new year approaching, the business is continuing to grow. At the beginning of November, Sock Inc. will be moving to Waxhaw, North Carolina, and will be calling Robindale Farm home as well as welcoming new clients and horses.
With the continued success of Sock Inc. and HiHopes Farm, both operations needed more space within their facilities to expand in order to accommodate a growing string of clientele and horses, which has resulted in the two businesses parting ways.
“We love Steve,” said Marc Oken, owner of HiHopes Farm. “It’s the end of a long, very satisfying relationship between HiHopes Farm and Sock Inc. We owe Steve a lot and he’s been great to work with. Steve did a great job training and coaching our kids and we wish him well in the next chapter.”
Robindale Farm, owned by Carolyn Rechkemmer, is a full-service equestrian facility located just south of Charlotte, North Carolina. Amenities include 17 bright, airy and comfortable stalls, a large, climate controlled tack room, lounge and full bathroom, individual or group turnout in carefully managed, endophyte-friendly fields, safe fencing, large outdoor arena with jumps, a full sized covered arena with premium GGT footing, lights, mirrors and sound system, an all-weather round pen, a gated entrance and a riding trail, which is soon expanding to include cross-country obstacles.
“I’m really excited to have such an established professional with so much experience, such as Steve, to help us really take this farm to the next level,” said Rechkemmer. “We’re really close to HiHopes Farm as well so Steve knows the area, but we’re able to give him a little more room for expansion. In our area, Steve is someone who really has solid experience in the hunter/jumper and equitation disciplines. It’s great, not only for my farm, but for the whole community to have somebody like him opening up and expanding a little bit to help more riders and horses. I’m absolutely thrilled. I know Steve is not only a great rider and trainer but a really solid horseman so it’s wonderful to have somebody that’s so established and professional to work with.”
Heinecke, who just returned to North Carolina after judging the 2016 New England Equitation Championships, was head trainer of HiHopes Farm, owned by the Oken family, for over 10 years and trained daughters Alise and Lucille Oken, among others, to top finishes at some of the most prestigious horse shows across the United States. Although sad to be leaving HiHopes Farm, Heinecke is looking forward to the new opportunities Robindale Farm will provide for Sock Inc. in the future.
“For over a decade I’ve been with HiHopes,” said Heinecke. “It’s hard for me to leave, however I’m looking forward to the next chapter with Robindale Farm.”
Check out Sock Inc.’s new home, Robindale Farm, online here and like them on Facebook!
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