About Chestnut Lane
Nestled in Monroe, North Carolina, Chestnut Lane is a premier equestrian facility with a rich tradition of excellence, passion, and personalized care. Owned by Bill and Amy Roberts of Denver, North Carolina since 2001, the farm has grown into a thriving program dedicated to developing both horses and riders to their fullest potential.
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Under the expert management and training of Matt Lightner, alongside assistant trainer and instructor Lindsey Lightner, Chestnut Lane has built a reputation for producing quality horses and confident, capable riders. Specializing in American Saddlebreds, Morgans, and Hackney ponies, the program is rooted in a thoughtful, individualized approach—ensuring that each horse receives a customized training plan tailored to its unique strengths, abilities, and goals. This attention to detail allows every horse to progress in a way that promotes long-term success, soundness, and peak performance.
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At Chestnut Lane, success is measured not only by championships in the show ring, but by the growth, confidence, and connection developed between horse and rider. The team prides itself on creating a positive, professional, and encouraging environment where riders are challenged to improve while feeling supported every step of the way.
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Beyond training, Chestnut Lane offers a full range of services to meet the needs of the equestrian community. From buying and selling quality horses to a dynamic lesson program, educational clinics, summer camps, and full training boarding, the farm is a place where riders of all ages and experience levels can thrive. Whether stepping into the saddle for the very first time or returning to the sport with competitive goals, each rider is welcomed into a program designed to inspire confidence, build skills, and foster a lifelong love of horses.
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With a commitment to excellence, a passion for teaching, and a deep respect for the horse, Chestnut Lane continues to be a place where tradition meets progress—and where riders and horses shine.
Our Team
Matt
L ightner
Matt Lightner grew up in a small town in Virginia, where his passion for horses began as soon as he could walk. By the age of 5, he already knew he wanted to become a horse trainer - a goal he pursued with unwavering dedication. During his high school years, Matt apprenticed under the guidance of the late James F. “Jimmy” Varner, where he built a strong foundation in horsemanship. Under Jimmy’s mentorship, Matt learned every aspect of the industry, from breaking and developing young horses to showing, conditioning, and providing top-level daily care.
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From 2005 to 2015, Matt continued to refine his craft, working his way up as an assistant trainer for some of the most respected names in the industry, including Harrison Shiflet, Smith Lilly, the Cater family, and Rob Turner. During this time, he gained invaluable experience working with a wide variety of horses and riders, developing a well-rounded training style and a deep understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of competition.
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In 2015, Matt returned to North Carolina to take on the role of Manager and Trainer at Chestnut Lane, bringing with him a decade of hands-on experience and a clear vision for building a top-tier program. Since then, he has played a pivotal role in transforming and elevating the farm’s performance division. Through his dedication, consistency, and keen eye for talent, Matt has developed a highly competitive program that consistently produces champions at the regional and national level.
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Under his leadership, the performance program at Chestnut Lane has flourished across multiple breeds, including Saddlebreds, Morgans, and Hackney Ponies, and spans a wide range of divisions such as gaited, pleasure, driving, roadster, and equitation. Matt has a unique ability to bring out the best in each horse, carefully tailoring training programs to suit their individual strengths while also developing riders to confidently and effectively present their horses in the show ring. His horses are known for their quality, consistency, and presence, and his riders for their preparation and professionalism.
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Beyond the ribbons and titles, Matt has cultivated a program built on strong horsemanship, work ethic, and attention to detail. He is deeply involved in every aspect of the operation—from training and show preparation to mentoring riders and overseeing the daily management of the barn. His commitment to excellence, combined with his lifelong passion for the industry, has made him a driving force behind Chestnut Lane’s continued growth and success.
Lindsey
L ightner
Lindsey Lightner began her riding journey at just 3 years old and discovered her passion for Saddleseat at age 7. From an early age, she distinguished herself as a talented and driven competitor, earning multiple national championship titles beginning at just 9 years old. She capped off an outstanding youth career by representing the United States on the World Cup team in South Africa, where she proudly brought home two gold medals.
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Lindsey continued her education at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Health and Exercise Science. During her college years, she remained deeply immersed in the Saddleseat world, spending summers interning at the highly respected Cater Stables in New Hampshire. She further honed her skills working full-time during her junior and senior years at Callaway Hills Stables in Missouri, one of the most prestigious Saddlebred breeding and training programs in the country. Following graduation, Lindsey returned to Cater Stables in 2012 and 2013 as an assistant trainer and instructor, sharing her knowledge and passion with the next generation of riders.
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After taking some time away from the industry, Lindsey returned with a renewed focus on developing riders through her strong foundation in Equitation. Since joining Chestnut Lane in 2020, Lindsey has played an integral role in growing and strengthening the program. She has expanded the lesson program to welcome riders of all ages and skill levels, creating a supportive, structured, and goal-oriented environment where students can thrive.
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One of Lindsey’s most impactful contributions has been the development of a highly successful Academy Show Team. Under her leadership, the team has flourished—providing riders with valuable opportunities to gain confidence, ring experience, and sportsmanship in a positive and encouraging atmosphere. She has cultivated a team culture centered around hard work, horsemanship, and camaraderie, resulting in consistent success in the show ring and meaningful personal growth for each rider.
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In addition to her work with lesson students and the Academy team, Lindsey serves as an assistant trainer for Chestnut Lane’s performance horses. In this role, she is actively involved in the day-to-day training, conditioning, and development of show horses, working closely with both horses and riders to prepare them for success at competitions. Her well-rounded experience, keen eye for detail, and dedication to both horse and rider make her an invaluable part of the Chestnut Lane team.