About Us
Dena & Michael Hasler
Dena and Michael Hasler are the owners of The Woods. Dena is a licensed high school math teacher who taught for three years prior to moving full time to managing the business and raising her three children. She has a degree in secondary math education from Purdue University and a lengthy career in equine activities, having grown up in and around her father’s business of managing horses for the Indiana State Parks. An accomplished rider, Dena has won numerous 4-H and state riding and judging events, and was a member of the Purdue Horse Judging Team during her college years. She has judged professionally for ten years. Dena oversees the camps, gives both Hunt Seat and Western lessons to beginners through advanced.
Vicki Perkins
Vicki Perkins is a riding instructor who has been giving lessons at The Woods since 1998. She primarily focuses on students who are preparing for the 4-H show arena. She has a degree from Purdue University in Animal Agribusiness. Vicki grew up riding, showing and judging horses, and was also a member of the Purdue Horse Judging Team and has judged professionally for several years. Vicki worked for various western pleasure trainers throughout high school and college and enjoys spending time with her children and husband.
Tori Schwartz
Tori Schwartz is a camp instructor and clinician who focuses on instructing students who are just beginning their journey at The Woods. Tori became part of the family when she began lessons in 6th grade. She was a 10 year 4Her, showed in open shows, and judged horses until she graduated high school. From there, she followed her passion in cosmetology from Tennessee to Alabama before returning to Columbus to work as a general manager at The Woods. She now builds on her equine experiences through horse care and positively impacts the lives of students in Indiana through her work.