About
My program is first and foremost, a fundamental horsemanship program. I take the green riders and turn them into strong confident equestrian athletes. We also can instruct at the highest level for showing purposes in Saddle seat, Western and Tennessee Walking Horse showing. I start every rider in an English Saddle in order to develop balance and body control. Once the rider has learned this we pivot to whatever is the discipline of choice. If my program cannot accommodate that discipline, I will aid you in finding one that can. I always begin on Tennessee walking horses as it is much easier to develop a solid seat, a connection feel and a steady pair of hands. If at that point a rider wishes to progress to a different style of horse, we can accommodate that on most occasions. Which again if I cannot accommodate that I will help you relocate.
This program accommodates all ages from the very young to pretty much know age limit. We have wonderful Lesson horses that are very dependable and can go to a horse show.
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.
Trainer/Instructor of Tennessee Walking Horses
Trainer of 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.
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. Then, they will be helped to tack up the horse and learn to lead, turn and mount the horse. A small amount of riding will include rider exercises, learning to hold the reins and sit properly, steer the horse, turn and stop. The student will then dismount, lead, I tack 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 semi-private lessons. 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?
International clinician in the USA and 4 foreign countries
Licensed trainer for 30 years with 18 World titles to date earned with both horses and riders..
Co-Owner of the WALK N STYLE LLC saddle company and speaker for all company events in the US
Created the academy program and instructor certification program for the Tennessee Walking Horse breed until 2018 when I and my business partner created a new one in the Walk N Style Company. Named Walk N Style Academy
BS Degree from Morehead State University in Animal Science
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 $60 Complete Experience Lesson- groom tack and ride. Very well rounded lesson
1 hour $75 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
Give the Tennessee Walking Horse a try. No one ever dislikes these horses because of their temperament and gait!
you should be taught in an organized safe method so that you learn correctly and in a safe manner
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Often new students don't know many questions to ask as it is such a new area of learning. So safety would be my first thought. Then after that, while learning begins questions will emerge