Meet Our Trainers

James North, Master Horseman from West Palm Beach, FL, has been appointed Director of Equine Sciences on its Nissequogue campus. North’s leadership appointment began on July 1, 2019, and includes the management of all equestrian training programs, staff, and facilities, with the goal of growing the programs in strength and outreach, and coaching student-athletes to reach the highest levels of competition.

James North has extensive equestrian experience in stable management, horse care and training young riders to the National A Level. For 25 years, he has owned and operated Northland Farm stables in Greenwich, CT, and Wellington, FL, and competed at the international Grand Prix level in show jumper divisions. Rising through the American Horse Show Association/USEF, North won titles at AAA-rated horse shows including 2 zone hunter Horse of the Year Awards, Highest Score Award during the Winter Equestrian Festival and Circuit Champion on “Westfields,” and successfully competed on the American Grand Prix Association circuit. North coached student-athletes through the highly competitive Pony Finals, ASPCA Medal and USEF Maclay finals and Young Rider competitions. A great highlight to his teaching career includes coaching the gold medal team winner of the Jr. Nations Cup Gold Medal in Calgary, CA.

To contact James North, please call (631) 686-1600 ext. 437, or email jnorth@knoxschool.org.

Interview with Master Horseman James North

Nicole Lagis, born and raised in our hometown of St. James, NY is the assistant trainer and administrator of the Knox School barn. She works directly for James North and is responsible for managing all aspects of the equestrian program,  coaching the JV team, and teaching private lessons.

With twenty-eight years of experience in the equestrian industry, Nicole has spent the majority of her life riding and working with horses. She has coached riders to compete at both local and nationally ranked shows and has spent a great deal of time training young horses in both hunter/jumper and dressage.  Nicole has extensive knowledge of equine business management and barn management and has spent the last ten years managing premier equestrian facilities, building businesses, and training both horses and riders.

To contact Nicole Lagis, please call (631) 686-1600 ext. 410, or email nlagis@knoxschool.org.