Meet Kevin Conto, lifelong horseman, and the heart behind Pine Tree Stables. With more than 45 years of experience in the horse industry, Kevin has dedicated his life to developing young horses with patience, consistency, and true horsemanship at the forefront of everything he does.

Kevin trained under legendary horsemen Frank Whiteley and Neil Howard before launching his own training operation in 1990. For the past twenty-five years in Camden, he has specialized in starting horses under saddle, building confident, well-rounded equine athletes from the ground up.

Known for his calm, hands-on approach, Kevin works with racehorses and show horses alike, always tailoring his program to the individual needs of each horse. Whether preparing a horse for the starting gate or the show ring, his focus remains the same: creating a solid foundation through patience, trust, and proper development.

At Pine Tree Stables, we specialize in starting babies and take pride in giving every horse the time and attention they deserve. No cowboying, no rushing, just thoughtful training designed to bring out each horse’s full potential.

When Kevin isn’t in the saddle or at the races, he’s hard at work around the farm managing the training and boarding facility, tending hay fields, building jumps for Lynne’s horse shows, or, as he likes to say, “fixing ALL the equipment.”

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Lynne has spent the entirety of her life involved in the horse industry. She found her passion in bringing young riders along in the show ring at a young age and continues to follow that passion daily.

With a lifelong commitment to equestrian sport and education, Lynne brings decades of diverse experience across competition, instruction, and program development. She competed on the A Circuit from 1976 to 1986 throughout Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, riding notable ponies such as Disco Duck and Arctic Ice. Her early career also included an active fox hunting background from 1979 to 1992, where she earned her colors in 1985.

Lynne further developed her leadership and horsemanship while attending the University of South Carolina, where she was a four-year member of the equestrian team, served as Club President, and was recognized in the USC Hall of Leaders. Her professional career spans roles as a riding instructor, camp horseback riding director, and equitation educator, including positions at Sea Pines Stables and USC Beaufort Hilton Head.

A dedicated advocate for the equestrian community, Lynne has played a key role in establishing and growing regional programs, including founding the Camden Equine Circuit in 1997 and the Central Carolina Dressage Association in 2006. She has also contributed extensively as a 4-H leader, SCHJA judge and steward, and as coach of the Central Carolina Equestrian Team for 11 years, specializing in both Hunt Seat and Western disciplines.

With over 42 years of teaching experience, Lynne has instructed riders of all levels and led clinics in Hunt Seat, fox hunting, gymkhanas, pony races, and noodle polo. Her career has been shaped by guidance from respected professionals such as Judy Young, Danny Robertshaw, Beverly Burnette, Sue Ashe, Linda Kanatzar, Shary Groat, Pat Dodson, Janet Brown, Max Bonham, and Clyde&Bet Poarch.

Lynne continues to be a respected leader and mentor within the equestrian community, known for her dedication to developing well-rounded riders and fostering a strong foundation in horsemanship.