About
We have some lovely retired show horses who are wonderful school masters. Over 45 years experience teaching riding lessons. We start all students English so they develop a good strong, centered and balanced seat. We emphasize soft hands and strong legs. Our students go on to Saddle Seat, Hunt Seat, Western and even Side Saddle for pleasure or for competition. However we DO NOT JUMP or BARREL RACE.
All of our horses are registered Arabians. Several are multi national Champions.
The ability to take my life long passion for horses and share it with children and adults who want to experience the magic of these beautiful animals. It is truly a labor of love and I am blessed to share this blessing with others. My specialty is children and adult amateurs, teaching them not just about riding but giving them a total equine experience.
Specialties
Riding styles interested in
Have a horse
Student's interests and goals
Experience level
How often
Student's age
Photos and videos
Reviews
Sarah L.
Amanda
Shaun U.
Jessie
Gloria E.
Michelle
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
Start with a farm visit to see if we are a good fit. Beginners always start privately and then move to semi private once they have good control of the horse and can maneuver with other horses.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
45+ years of riding, showing, breeding and training Arabian horses and riders.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$50 per lesson or prepaid pkg of 5 for $215
How did you get started teaching?
Started teaching at 16 to supplement paying for board and training for my horse. Started beginners for my trainer. I have been involved in the Arabian industry non stop since then. My greatest joy is teaching my children, grandchildren and other's children to ride, care for horses, show and have the passion for horses and horsemanship that I have.
What types of students have you worked with?
Ages 5 and up to 70 yrs old. Have also worked with students with emotional and/or slight physical disabilities including autism and cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy etc.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
I am also a very busy horse show announcer and do shows throughout the SE United States. I do Saddlebreds, Morgans, Paso Finos , but my favorite is announcing Arabian Shows where I get to be with friends and family for over 45 years. I do many shows at WEC in Ocala, the past 2 years even doing the most prestigious Arabian/Half Arabian Region 12 Championships for over 700 horses from 18 states (first week of May each year)
Proud to sponsor the Black Stallion Literacy Project with the Ocala Horse Alliance and the Public Education Foundation of Marion County...sponsor of Shadyhill Elementary School.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Visit their farm, ask for references, and watch their interaction with other students and of course the horses. Ask the beginner instructors how long they have been at that farm. Many in this area have revolving door instructors. Also beware of beginners riding in large arenas with 5 or more students. That can be dangerous and can get ugly very fast. My students ride in private lessons until they can canter and can manage, control and maneuver the horse competently. We never teach more than 4 at any time. I don't believe jn the assembly line, volume of riders theory.
Decide if you want you or child to be at a heavy competition centered barn or more focused on horsemanship and friendship.
Understand your budget and that showing horses is can be extremely expensive. Good quality show horses of most breeds start in the high four figures and can go up to six figures. We try to turn our students into competent riders that could show if they wish but we DO NOT push for that because we understand the financial constraints. I dont want students to feel left out because they can't participate at that level.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What are their ultimate goals, what is their preferred style of riding, are they prepared to get dirty, care for the horse they ride and the tack, learn about all aspects of horse keeping...not just riding. Be prepared to become a team with the horse.