About our instructors
Ellen(fondly known as Ellie) is a lifelong equestrian. She began riding family horses and her miniature pony in Western style as a young child. At age 9, she started lessons with a USPC instructor at an eventing barn. During her teenage years, she explored hunter jumper and dressage, becoming a high point winner with her first lease horse and enjoying showing other horses. Alongside her mother, she trained a pony for her younger siblings, who are now actively showing.
At 17, Ellie began leasing a young warmblood, training it to entry-level dressage and crossrails. After the lease ended, she acquired a pleasure-pointed paint mare, which helped her master neck reining and soft Western gaits. Ellie is dedicated to providing a strong foundation for riders to excel in any discipline.
Her teaching approach includes stretching, pattern work, and groundwork. She introduces weekly/monthly challenges such as bareback riding, lunging, stirrupless practice, discipline switching, and more. Ellie believes that determination and passion are key to becoming a good rider.
Maggie recently moved to the area from Colorado, where she spent years working closely with horses, especially through natural horsemanship. Her background includes starting colts and managing horses with a compassionate, trust-based approach that’s helped them overcome behavioral challenges and prepare for their next steps. Maggie is excited to dive into both our lesson and therapeutic riding program, where her skills and understanding of equine behavior will support riders of all ages and abilities in building strong, positive connections with their horses. She’s passionate about creating cohesive relationships between horses and riders, believing in the profound impact this bond can have on personal growth and healing.