Painted Faith Equestrian

10/21/2026

E and C got to go for a trail ride Monday night. Such a beautiful night for it. Both kids and horses did great!!

10/21/2026

I encourage my students to figure things out themselves. I don’t “hand hold” every step of the way bc that is not doing them any favors.

A GOOD RIDING INSTRUCTOR SHOULD TEACH YOU HOW TO THINK, NOT JUST WHAT TO DO.

There's a big difference between a rider who can follow instructions and a rider who understands WHY they're doing something.
I can stand in the arena all day hollering, "Pick up your rein! Sit back! Use your leg!"
And sure, that might get us through today's lesson.
But what happens when I'm not standing there?
What happens when that horse does something unexpected at a barrel race?
Or when something just doesn't feel right?
I don't want my students depending on me to tell them every move to make.
I want them to learn to recognize what's happening, figure out WHY, and make good decisions for themselves and their horses.
Because eventually, the goal isn't for them to need me every time they swing a leg over a horse.
The goal is for them to know what to do when I'm NOT there.

Now I'm curious...
Riders and parents: What's one thing a riding instructor taught you (or your child) that stuck with you long after the lesson was over?
And instructors, I'd love to hear your answers too! ❤️🐴

10/20/2026

Last week students worked on leg strength - 2 point, posting, etc. Also, trot speeds. Here’s just a few of them I got pictures of.

09/30/2026

Winnie helped me teach the other day. Plus a perfect day for a trail ride and horse shenanigans.

09/19/2026

Wow! I haven’t posted in a bit! Lessons have been going great. Horses (and me) are all happy the weather is starting to cool down even though some rain is coming. We’ve been busy with trail rides, canter work, improving our seat, and dealing with wounds and lameness. Just a few pics of some of the students and horses. Proud of how they all are doing and hoping to be able to get a few groups together for some fun games soon!

08/13/2026

Gunner is why I can’t have nice things 🤦🏻‍♀️ In his defense, he did leave it intact for 2-3yrs!! 🤣

08/10/2026

The struggle is real. Every instructor would agree 😂🤪

08/06/2026

I know there’s a few students I tell to sit up often. This is a good exercise to learn better control.

07/16/2026

Hope everyone is staying safe!

07/15/2026

You never know what you might come across in the arena. Or I should say what may come across your path! This little one darted out in front of S and Stormy the other day. Luckily she saw it and stopped. I caught it and put it back in the grass outside the side door where it napped for a bit before it left. Poor little thing was almost scared to death!