About
Experience speaks for itself and students learn by doing. I focus on safety first and teach horsemanship on the ground, as well as in the saddle or surcingle (for vaulting). My students create a stable foundation of knowledge through a hands on approach.
My goal is to help horsepeople enjoy horses!
I have been working with horses for 30 years and grew up in Fort Worth training at Curragh Equestrian Center under instructors certified by the British Horse Society. I competed in the sport of three day eventing for ten years before moving to the 'working' world of horses, where I worked as an assistant trainer and took on students as an instructor at both hunter/jumper and eventing facilities in North Texas.
Several years ago, I had the chance to longe for the Goldstar Pacesetters, a vaulting club in Burleson. I did that for a few years and, although I have since moved away, I am still active in the club when I can be for 4th of July Parades, small competitions and demos around NTX. It was through GSP that I met my mare, Killian, who showed herself to be a great vaulting horse for the club, as well as a great dressage partner for me!
Nowadays, my two horses and I focus mostly on dressage and trails and lessons.
I truly love making the world of horses accessible to people and helping them develop their own 'horse sense' and technique. They say you can't teach 'feel,' but I say you can teach respect, understanding, and body language and that helps a whole lot :)
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Milli M.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
I start with an assessment of the student's knowledge and base the lesson on that. The process below describes what I do for total beginners.
The lesson is divided into two parts.
Part One: We start with introductions! Students will first meet their new partner and learn a bit about their breed, age, and history. Next we will learn the basics of safe leading, tying, grooming, and tacking up before heading to the arena to mount up and start our riding lesson.
Part Two focuses on mounted horsemanship, starting, of course with teaching safe mounting skills. Then we move on to movement-based instruction: "woah and go," basic steering, maneuvering around circles and other obstacles to learn to communicate safely and effectively as partners.
As students advance, these skills will increase!
First time riders and small children will start on a longe line.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Ten years of lessons and competition experience in 3 day eventing (disciplines of dressage, showjumping, cross-country jumping) at Curragh Equestrian Center under the instruction of Noreen Corlett (owner, head trainer) and others.
Two years instructing at hunter/jumper facilities in Mansfield, TX - Wright Approach Farm (under Margaret Wright, owner) and Fieldstone Farm (as an independent trainer/instructor).
Ten years as an assistant instructor at Deer Creek Stables (Jennifer Burk, owner), an eventing barn in Burleson.
Five years as longeur/assistant coach with the vaulting club Goldstar Pacesetters in Burleson (Frank Pace, head coach)
Clinic lessons with:
USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medalist Brad Cutshall
Olympic eventing team and individual coach Mary D-arcy
Occasional lessons with Patti Pace, USDF Silver Medalist
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
$40 per lesson for up to two hours of instruction.
How did you get started teaching?
I started assisting with summer camps at Curragh when I was 16 and discovered I love teaching. I especially love being able to pass along my knowledge and passion to people eager to learn.
What types of students have you worked with?
All ages from 6 years to 66. Beginners are my favorite, but I have also worked with students who already have some knowledge and want to improve their skills, learn something new, or just get back in the saddle after a break.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Pick a teacher you connect with and whose style of teaching fits how you learn.