Jeff TOW-Arnett

Owner, Jeffy Tow Arnett, grew up splitting his childhood between Burnsville, MN and Redwood Falls, MN. Jeffy’s love for horses all started from watching old John Wayne movies with his father. While living in Redwood, he was blessed with the opportunity to work for a friend’s grandfather, Bob Starr. Bob owned Cedar Rock Ranch and in exchange for riding lessons, Jeffy did anything and everything Bob asked to help maintain his ranch.

After High School, Jeffy attended the University of Minnesota as a recruited walk-on with his brother, Nick for the football team where he earned a full scholarship. He was the starting center for the MN Gophers, a two-time Top 5 Scholar Athlete, and was nominated for the Academic All-American in 2009. After college, Jeffy signed on with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He then continued to chase his dream of playing football professionally, along side his brother, Nick, and played for the Milwaukee Mustangs and the Tampa Bay Storm in Arena League Football.

After putting everything he had into his football career, Jeffy knew that God was preparing him for something bigger and better. He decided to pursue his Master’s in Business Administration at Augsburg College and it was during this time that he met Lauren. She took Jeffy down to Lexington, KY to get his first horse, a Thoroughbred named Noah who raced in the KY Derby, in July of 2014. You can read the full story of Jeffy and Nowhere To Hide.

The Equestrian Center has become a family affair; Jeffy, Lauren, Nick, and Jessy, all professional athletes, are able to combine aspects of their respective sports to provide a unique training experience and atmosphere that is sure to take your riding to the next level.

lauren wood

Involved in the horse world as a young child, Professional Hunter Jumper rider, Lauren Wood has over a decade of experience training and showing horses as well as instructing riders of all levels. As a child, Lauren actively competed on Hunter Jumper and Western Pleasure circuits. Her riding has led her to the Capital Challenge Horse Show and countless other awards, along with becoming the captain of the University of Wisconsin –River Falls IHSA Hunt Seat team, where she also obtained her degree in Agricultural Business. Golden Gate Equestrian is currently home to Gustavus Adolphus College’s IHSA Hunt Seat Team, under Lauren’s Instruction.  Lauren’s individualized approach partnered with her patience and attention to detail assure riders will accomplish their goals both on and off the horse. As an owner of Golden Gate Equestrian Center, Lauren is able to ensure the highest level of care and instruction is being provided for both horse and rider. 

NICK TOW-ARNETT

Certified PT, CSCS, and Corrective Exercise Specialist Nick Tow-Arnett leads our Pasture program.  Our Pasture program is the time when our campers let off a little steam (like letting a horse out in an open pasture).  The time is dedicated to allowing the kids to get moving and have fun.   Allowing the kids to run, jump, crawl and climb improves their focus for the rest of the day, as well as teaching them healthy moving habits.  There is no better playground than a farm, and the kids are encouraged to take advantage of that in a safe and enjoyable way.

Nick has extensive experience working with kids of all ages and enjoys the great attitude and excitement they bring everyday.  Nick and his wife Jessy also run successful Volleyball camps across the country (Jessy Jones Volleyball Academy).

Nick is a former collegiate (University of Minnesota) and professional football player (Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys). He is a certified Personal Trainer, Strength and Conditioning Coach, and a Corrective Exercise Specialist