About
While we are named the Youth Equestrian Collective, we accommodate all ages in our lesson program!
My program is first and foremost, a fundamental horsemanship program. I take the green riders and turn them into strong confident equestrians. Building the individual through equine interaction is paramount to success! We also can instruct at the highest level for showing purposes. Once the rider has learned basic fundamentals, we pursue any goals you may have.
This program accommodates all ages from the very young to pretty much no age limit. We have wonderful lesson horses that are very dependable and can compete.
I also take trail riders very seriously as they have unpredictable environments. They actually represent one of the greatest percentages of students and we really work on core fundamentals of riding, control and confidence.
Hundreds of riders have passed through my program both in Kentucky and now Colorado gaining confidence to go out into the world of horses. Trainer/Instructor with 19 World Champion horses and riders since 1990. As a team we participate in all breed shows locally and travel to Utah, Kentucky, and Tennessee for upper level breed shows. We are a family oriented facility!
There is an art to teaching and making students feel confident in their learning. I enjoy seeing progress and skill improve and the pride a student has in the art of the process. Many of our adults have dreamed of riding horses their whole life, but never had the opportunity. We help them realize it's never too late to enjoy horses.
If you live horses, you will love our program!
Specialties
Riding styles interested in
Have a horse
Student's interests and goals
Experience level
How often
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
andrea M.
ilze O.
alexan W.
kristi H.
lillian C.
Jennifer R.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
The first lesson is an introduction to the horse and how to become at ease working around him and with him. I first have the student learn to groom, lead and tack up a horse. From the ground a great level of comfort is gained by both student and horse as they get to know each other. From there the student learns to tack up the horse and lead, turn and mount the horse. Riding includes rider exercises, learning to hold the reins and sit properly, steer the horse, turn and stop.. The student will then dismount, lead, untack and groom the horse and to put away. As the student returns for each lesson, the grooming process gets more efficient and the riding segment grows. Students are developed on an individual basis with private and groups of no more than 3 riders. The goal is to build confidence and skill with each lesson. There is no limit to the level of advancement possible through our program.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
30 minute $35 ride session - recommended for very young students 6 years and younger or for multiple rider families on a budget
1 hour $65 Complete Experience Lesson- groom tack and ride. Very well rounded lesson
1 hour $80 ride session. Student rides the complete hour.
1.5 hours. $150. Targeted subject Training session for a rider and his private horse. Horse training progression and rider development. Student requests specific topics of interest. Trainers equipment available and in use, but selection, etc
How did you get started teaching?
I discovered my love for teaching in college in the late 80s. I attended Morehead State University Equestrian Program. In 1989, I began a lesson program in Morehead, Kentucky and taught there 23 years. We yeiled 17 World Championships. In 2011, I moved to Colorado and have been located at Clear Springs Ranch since then. So far 2 World Championships have come from Colorado riders! Bringing the total to 19!
in 2006, I was hired to be the breed representative as TWHBEA National Clinician. Teaching full time was amazing.
teaching has been a career since....
What types of students have you worked with?
Young students from 4-6 basics and beginning balance and confidence
Youth riders starting as 6 year olds that are strong and mentally ready will be taught increased skill and develop ability to a high degree
Adult riders of any age and experience level. Some students come with experience, some with fear, and others who have waited their whole life to learn to ride.
I enjoy each and every type!
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my young riders at age 12 is learning to canter. She has overcome fear, learned balance and adapted to faster speeds to be able to achieve the canter. In her last lesson she finally overcame her fear and doubt and cantered most of the lesson
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Credentials speak
take a lesson to see if you enjoy the environment
you should be taught in an organized safe method so that you learn correctly and in a safe manner