Meet the team
The Co-Founders
For 26 years, Vijoa has enjoyed outstanding relationships with all three past concessionaires of the ACEC facility, was part of the ACEC management team under previous leader Sara Crary, and is now honored with being the current concessionaire of the ACEC facility.
She is an award-winning Black equestrian in the disciplines of show jumping, dressage and cross country eventing. Horsemanship runs four generations deep in Vijoa’s family, and having had the privilege of training with Olympic and international level competitors/coaches, she acquired elite horsemanship practices.
Vijoa has taught horsemanship and riding for children’s summer camps, organized, and led safe trail rides for riders of all ages and experience, and through Kheystone Training, has taught scores of clients the joy of riding in all equestrian disciplines.
Olympic/International Mentors - Brian Sabo (USEA former president/Olympic coach/course designer/USEF Board member)Chelsey Sibley (Olympic waitlist Dressage competitor/multiple National Arab Dressage Champion), and Jimmy Wofford (2x Olympic team silver/ 2x Bronze World Champ/ 5x National Champ/ Team Gold PanAm games/ Coach of Multiple Olympic medalists etc). Vijoa has also enjoyed a working partnership with Olympic individual silver medalist Gina Miles.
Vijoa Lucas Ricardo
Co-Founder President
A financial and banking professional who has received multiple awards and accreditations, Anthony has over fifteen years of progressive experience with accounting, financial modeling, financial advising, and contract negotiations.
Anthony functions as the concession’s Business Manager, providing all financial services necessary to maintain an economically viable operation. Anthony will also direct maintenance, safety training, and HR services to all KMC personnel.
An outspoken advocate for transparency, accountability, and diversity, Anthony is proud to lead by example during these unique times in what many view as an industry slow to reflect the diversity of banking customers, serving on industry committees to ensure higher standards of responsible customer service, and supporting efforts to expand diversity in the banking industry.
Anthony is an avid equestrian, biker, hiker, and user of the East Bay Regional Park District’s extensive network of trails and gorgeous open spaces.
He has worked with horses for over twelve years at ACEC with personal horses and enjoys the disciplines of eventing and pleasure trail riding.
Anthony Ricardo
Co-Founder Managing Director
Anica Odell-Smedley
Operations Manager
Bay Area native Anica Odell-Smedley rides at ACEC and has been a member of Kheystone’s team for the past five years in a variety of roles, including administrative responsibilities, client scheduling, new student onboarding/orientation, and serving as crew at competitions and training events.
As a graduate of Skidmore College, Anica was a member of the College’s nationally recognized equestrian program and played in the Skidmore polo club. Her professional expertise is in nonprofit/arts marketing, skills she will bring to KMC’s vision of community outreach and engagement using all online communications modules.
When Anica is not riding Blue (a 10yo OTTB) or Viva (WB) at ACEC, she enjoys rock climbing, playing music, and working on her garden.
Our Foundation
Kheystone Management Company is delighted to manage/operate the Anthony Chabot Equestrian Center (ACEC) Concession. Here’s what this partnership between KMC — a subsidiary of Kheystone Training, a successful 16-year business — and EBRPD means for our boarders and equestrian community at Chabot:
A leadership team with 26 years of experience and a professional base at ACEC, providing seamless and smooth management. KMC Co-Founder/President Vijoa Lucas Ricardo has been a volunteer, boarder, and professional trainer at Anthony Chabot Equestrian Center (ACEC) since 1994, working closely with the last three concessionaires at the barn (Skip and Liz Leahy, Sara Crary, and Mona Ellingson). Vijoa continues to nurture successful relationships with every current boarder, horse occupant, and the network of professional trainers, farriers, and veterinary care professionals currently servicing the ACEC community.
Strong Financial Capacity and Expertise to ensure an economically viable operation during uncertain fiscal times. KMC Co-Founder and Managing Director Anthony Ricardo brings over fifteen years of executive, high level financial experience with accounting, financial modeling, financial advising, and contract negotiations. As Assistant Vice President and Wealth Relationship Manager for Citigroup N.A., Anthony services the highest tier of exclusive, financially well-positioned clientele with experienced financial planning guidance.
A team and organization representing our region’s diversity, and a partner that aligns with EBRPD’s goals of preserving and enhancing ACEC — a public and community asset; engaging and providing access to the diverse constituencies and communities EBRPD serves through a Goodness Plan; and maintaining a fiscally sustainable, viable operation.
We’ve never been more excited to have ahold the reins, and we thank everyone who supports us throughout our journey managing ACEC.
Here for you, here for your horses
Vijoa Lucas Ricardo
Co-Founder/President
Anthony Ricardo
Co-Founder/Managing Director
