Since arriving in the United States in 1994, Lere has worked on commercial breeding farms in Kentucky and New York. He started Rockridge Stud in 2013, standing stallions and boarding mares to foal. We foal 50-70 mares annually for clients that either race or sell weanlings/ yearlings. In just 11 years, we have had tremendous success standing such stallions as American Revolution, Mind Control, and Tourist, to name a few. During his 25 years in the thoroughbred industry, He has worked with very prominent stallions like A.P. Indy, Kingmambo, Smart Strike, Hansel – all of whom helped him shape his love and direction in the industry.

Lere has taken courses at CSU Equine Science in Equine breeding management and Insemination program under the supervision of Prof. E.L Squires, and short courses at Cornell University for Equine Behavior. Prior to that, He also went through the Taylor Made Internship Program. He believes that we must always evolve and adjust within our industry, otherwise we can never grow to our full potential. Another aspect is to bring young, energetic, and passionate people into our sport; over the years, Lere has had around sixty interns/students work and learn what the thoroughbred industry has to offer. He hires interns from all around the world, to help their involvement in our industry and give them the knowledge to take home with them to continue their passion.

Because we have clients who breed to race as well as clients who breed to sell, he can offer insight on all aspects of breeding industry. We have numerous clients who have had public auction success, in addition to several clients for whom we have raised successful racehorses.

Lere feels very strongly that New York has one of the best breeding and incentive programs of any US regional program, and he will offer his opinion and advice to further the program to be beneficial to both owners and breeders.

A native of South Africa, Maryke grew up around horses. She competed at national level in junior equitation and show jumping, but always harbored a keen interest in Thoroughbred racehorses. After a short stint in law school, she re-focused on her love for horses and obtained a Bachelor of Science in zoology and genetics. She applied for an internship at Rockridge Stud and fell in love with horses all over again, but also with New York State and decided to make this her home. Maryke lives on the farm with her dog, Cruise. She completed an Equine Reproductive Management course at Colorado State University and has now been a member of the Rockridge team since 2019. 

From a young age, Alicia has always loved horses. Her family gave her "The Bug" with her first riding lesson at 8-years old, and the rest is history. Throughout her childhood and teenage years, Alicia continued riding and decided to pursue a career in Equine Science. With loving support from her family, Alicia went on to enroll in Equine science and management courses at SUNY Morrisville. It was at Morrisville where she learned the ins and outs of the breeding shed and fell in love with the challenges in equine reproduction. As a part of her bachelor's degree, Alicia was required to complete a 15-week internship in the field she was specializing in. She took a special interest in NYRA and applied for her internship at Rockridge Stud. It was here Alicia discovered her love for thoroughbreds and fell in love with the lifestyle of the industry.  Alicia has been a member of the Rockridge team since 2020.