The 5 Values My Horseback Riding Program is Based On

Horseback riding programs vary differently from area to area, and teach disciplines like show jumping to barrel racing and everything in between. As a riding instructor and business owner, it's up to me to decide how I want people to remember their time with horses when they leave the barn. When I started my horseback riding program in Las Vegas in early 2020, I founded it on 5 values that have stayed consistent throughout the years. Here I explain a bit about each value and why they are important to me for my riding program:

1) Community 

Even though you may feel new or inexperienced and not feel like you fit in, when you come to the barn, you are family! At the barn for my lessons, everyone is respectful and kind, treating others the way they'd like to be treated. There is a negative stigma attached to the horse world, and I strive to change that with consideration and patience! Everyone starts somewhere, and everyone in my program appreciates where each other is at! Community is what makes a barn family, a barn family! 

2. Compassion

We all have a past, and we all are working toward a brighter future every day, horses and humans alike! We respect each other and help each other when we can! If you see someone putting a saddle pad on backwards, offer to help. If you see someone struggling to hold a hoof up, team work!! That's where you'll find the biggest breakthrough in your horsemanship. When you can see another in distress and show concern for them, you will find they will do the same for you, especially when it comes to horse lovers. Strive to show compassion whenever you can.

3. Authenticity

Always be yourself at the barn. You never have to worry about what others think about you when you're in my program. I have spent years of my life trying to hide who I really am, trying to hide my past and trying to feel bad about it all. When I finally decided I couldn't hide anymore, that is when I started to build the most authentic, raw, special relationships. That's what's most important in life. You never have to feel like you need to act like a professional at the barn. If you forget how to halter your horse or cinch up your saddle, just ask and someone can help you! Building your confidence with authenticity can go a long way.

4. Determination

Riding horses is a lot more than just sitting on the horse letting it do all the work. You have to build the communication between horse and human and show the animal that you are worthy of their trust. Are you ready to push yourself to the next level? In my riding program I am always checking in to see how you're feeling and what goals you have set for yourself next? If you tell me a goal you have with horses and you keep coming around the barn long enough, chances are we're going to make that goal happen for you! I want to see you succeed, and that takes determination.

5. Play

Never take life too seriously! When you're at the barn, my main goal for you is to have fun! If you're not smiling and enjoying your time connecting with the horses, nothing else about your ride will matter much. I have spent many days in the past being frustrated with my horse, ruining my mood and heading home feeling more stressed than when I arrived. That is NOT how horse interactions are supposed to leave you feeling. Most people have stories of their childhood horseback riding instructors yelling at them to put their heels down or their shoulders back, but not many people remember great memories about their riding lessons. I am focused on becoming the change I want to see in this industry, and that starts with making play a priority in each and every lesson. Staying relaxed and gaining little wins is important to the big picture.

I strive to build a community of compassionate horseback riders who feel great about their time in the saddle. I dare each and every student to come to the program with an open mind and heart, and invite the magic of the horses into their lives. I truly believe they will feel the love and care that horses show every day, and learn to play with their energy in fun ways! What do you value most in your horseback riding program?! If you're not part of one, what value do you feel sticks out as most important here? I would love to hear your thoughts.