About
I provide a safe, caring, cleanly, and supportive environment to help my clients reach for and achieve their dreams. I specialize in starting new riders, building their confidence while at the same time setting and achieving their goals.
I love introducing people to horses and the equestrian world, as well as stretching their experiences and introducing them to all sorts of different styles of riding. I like to make sure my students are well-rounded equestrians and good horsemen/women, as well as being good riders. I also really enjoying setting goals with my students and taking them to shows to watch them achieve whatever they set out to accomplish.
Highlights
Reviews
Rebecca L.
Kurt B.
Sherette p.
Reta O.
Devon R.
Rebecca D.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Typically, I will set up a pre-lesson meeting with a student and their parent to take a tour of the barn, and talk and get to know each other and fill out the liability waivers at this meeting. The first lesson I show the student where all of the equipment and tack is, and then go step-by-step on how to groom and tack up the horse. After the horse is tacked up we go out into the riding arena for the remainder of the lesson. I will start walking right next to the horse so that I can talk closely with the student and help out with any issues that may arise. After the lesson is over we are intact, cool the horse out, and put everything away. Once I am confident the student can groom and tack up the horse on their own, they are welcome to come before theor lesson time to do so.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been riding for 15 years, most of it in the St. Pete/ Pinellas Park/ Largo area. I started with Sea Spray Farm and then continued my hunter/ jumper training with Kelly Oliver, and also did some Western Pleasure riding. At 14 years old I got and trained my first horse, starting from scratch with halter and basic manners all the way through jumping 3ft hunter courses. I rode and successfully showed on FSU's IHSA Equestrian Team at the Intermediate level. I have show experience at the local leve all the way to 'A' rated shows. My primary riding style is hunter/ jumpers, but I also know basic dressage.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
1 hour Private lesson $45 (your horse)
1 hour Private lesson $50 (my horse)
45 minute "Tiny Tots" private lesson $40 (my horse, 3-5 years old)
30 minute Jumping ONLY lesson $40 (your horse, must be warmed up and ready to jump before lesson time starts)
How did you get started teaching?
I got started teaching at Calypso Bay Stables in 2015. They were looking for a trainer to teach beginner students, and knew I had an extensive background with horses as well as teaching and with children.
What types of students have you worked with?
-Very young children (3yrs old) to older adults (50+ yrs old)
-Very nervous/ scared people
-Brand new to horses/ riding
-Experienced riders
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
One of my students was working towards a horse show and had a rough lesson the day before the show, and she was very nervous because it was her first horse show. She came out the day of the show and practiced hard, and ended up winning ribbons in every single class she entered! So proud of the way she perservered and conquered her nerves!
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Come out to meet the instructor before your first lesson. Tour the facilities, look at the equipment/ tack, meet the lesson horses. Watch them teach a lesson, preferably with a student at your ability level. Talk to other people/ boarders/ students at the facility to get a feel for everything.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What is your TRUE ability level?
What are your expectations for your instructor and lessons?
What are your short-term and long-term equestrian goals?
How much time and effort are you willing to put into it?