Olivia Kramer launched Hilltop Stables in 2019 in Morganfield, initially offering carriage rides for weddings, holidays, festivals, and other special occasions. As the operation grew in popularity, she expanded the services to include equine therapy, riding schools, lessons, and more.
Because of the exponential growth, Kramer is moving the operation to Waverly, near her childhood home. The new location is situated 45 minutes outside of Owensboro on U.S. 60.
“I’m originally from Waverly, so when we found a larger building and area to work from, we knew we had to jump on it,” Kramer said. “Being able to expand as we grow is great, and we’ve always wanted to have a facility of our own.”
Hilltop boasts two carriages and offers rides at every Friday After 5, along with several other special events in Owensboro. And while weddings and events are their specialty, they also have a funeral carriage for processions.
Kramer said they have 10 horses, all of which are therapeutic horsemanship trained to offer therapy riding to individuals with autism.
“We offer a little bit of everything,” she said. “We have several colts, which the kids enjoy, and we offer carriage rides throughout the tri-state.”
Kramer also hosts several holiday festivals featuring horse rides, petting zoos, food trucks, and more. She most enjoys seeing youngsters’ faces when they first see a newborn colt.
“I’ve always been a horse enthusiast,” she said. “I started riding horses when I was 3 years old.”
Kramer first arrived at the idea because she wanted a horse-drawn carriage at her wedding.
“I wanted to create something that felt like a Hallmark movie,” she said. “We created the wedding carriage and began doing weddings for people searching for that Hallmark feel. It’s still our biggest hit.”
Click here to learn more about Hilltop Stables and its services.
“I really enjoy what I do and want to see it grow into something big,” Kramer said.
The Chamber Member of the Week program is a Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce membership benefit. Founded in 1913, the chamber has worked to provide valuable benefits and services to member businesses and individuals for over a century.
Today, with a membership base of nearly 1,000, the Chamber is a guiding force in community and business development initiatives. It serves as the center of business advocacy for the Greater Owensboro region.
To learn more about becoming the Chamber Member of the Week or inquire about Chamber membership, contact Shelly Nichols, Chamber Vice President, at 270-926-1860 or [email protected].
