GaitWay Stables

05/30/2026

🐴 Now Hiring: Part-Time Riding Instructor 🐴

GaitWay Stables | Hillsborough, NC
GaitWay Stables is looking for a knowledgeable, horse-centered part-time riding instructor to join our team!

We are a dressage-focused barn with riders who also enjoy eventing, so applicants should have a strong foundation in dressage instruction. Experience teaching eventing and/or jumpers is a plus.

At GaitWay, we believe great horsemanship starts long before a rider gets in the saddle. Our instructors play an important role in reinforcing proper horse care, handling, and barn etiquette before and after every lesson. We are proud to be a horse-first program, where the well-being of our horses always comes first in training and barn management. Instructors must take a kind approach to teaching students and horses.

Because we operate as a lease-based program, our riders know their horses well and have established relationships with them. We are looking for an instructor who can help riders continue to develop their skills while encouraging thoughtful horsemanship, correct riding fundamentals, and a positive learning environment.

Schedule & Compensation:
✔ Flexible hours
✔ Ideally 2–3 half days per week
✔ Must be available for at least one weekend day
✔ Mondays are preferred, but not required
✔ Pay based on experience and overall responsibilities
✔ Scheduling and lesson horses provided by GaitWay Stables

Qualifications:
✔ Dressage riding and teaching experience required
✔ Eventing and/or jumper teaching experience preferred
✔ Strong horsemanship and horse care knowledge
✔ Positive, professional communication skills
✔ Ability to teach riders of varying ages and skill levels
✔ Commitment to horse welfare and rider education

If you're passionate about developing confident riders while maintaining the highest standards of horse care, we'd love to hear from you!
📍 Hillsborough, NC
📧 Contact us for more information or to apply.

05/02/2026

At GaitWay Stables (Hillsborough), our program is built on a horse-first approach—prioritizing the health, happiness, and long-term well-being of every horse in our care.

We currently have 𝟮 𝗟𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻/𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗼𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗽𝗼𝘁𝘀 available and offer several flexible boarding options within a thoughtful, welfare-focused environment. Juniors and AA are welcome (we have a great community of both).

We specialize in balanced seat riding, with a focus on dressage and eventing, always emphasizing correct, compassionate training methods that put the horse first.

Our facility includes:
• 125' x 200' lighted outdoor arena
• 20m x 40m covered arena
• 28 acres of pasture
• Ample space for riding beyond the arena

Our horses are supported by a trusted team of practitioners, ensuring they receive exceptional, well-rounded care.

While competition is never required, we do maintain an active presence in North Carolina dressage and eventing shows for riders who choose that path.

If you’re looking for a program where horse welfare and correct horsemanship come first, we’d love to connect. For more information please email [email protected]

03/25/2026

✨ **Lesson Leases Available at GaitWay Stables** ✨

Looking for consistency, partnership, and a horse-first approach to riding? Our **lesson lease program** offers riders the opportunity to work with the same horse regularly while building correct foundations in a dressage-forward program that events.

🐴 **Currently Available **

**OnTopp Silver Lining (Roni)**
2008, 13h Welsh Cross mare
Small, mighty, and enthusiastic. A bold jumper who loves cross-country and is best suited for a rider with a solid foundation.
**Available for ¼ or ½ lease as of 4/1/26"

**Fly Me to the Moon (Penny)** – 2008, 14.1h mare
A reliable schoolmaster with training-level dressage and BN eventing experience. Schools 2’3”–2’6” consistently.
**Available for ¼ or ½ lease as of 4/1/26"

**Diesel** – 2012 16.2h Amish Horse
A complete teddy bear personality! Diesel is new to our program, coming from a foxhunting/hunter pace home. Diesel is learning the ropes about arena riding, but is learning fast. He is one of the sweetest horses we've had. Gentle enough for my 6 year old niece to handle. Needs an adv beginner rider due to being green in the arena. Not spooky or anything naughty, just needs more education. This would be a great lease opportunity for someone that wants to learn about training or can't afford a lease on a more educated individual.
**Available for ¼ or ½ lease as of 4/1/26**

If you’re ready to deepen your riding through consistency and correct basics, we’d love to talk.

📩 Message us to learn more or schedule an evaluation lesson.

03/23/2026

Get ready for an unforgettable 2026 at GaitWay Stables! 🎉🐴

We’re kicking off the year with an incredible lineup of clinics and competitions designed to help riders of all levels grow, challenge themselves, and have fun along the way.

🌟 First Up: Daniel Stewart’s Pressure Proofing Clinic 🌟
Rider Slots - Full
Auditors Registration Here: https://form.jotform.com/260813844252153
(pre-registration $50 for 1 day or $75 for 2 Days. Register at door; $75 -1day or $100 for 2 Days)

Join internationally renowned clinician Daniel Stewart for this must-attend event focused on building confidence and composure under pressure. Whether you're preparing for the show ring or just looking to ride with more focus and control, this clinic will give you practical tools you can use right away.

Through a unique blend of mounted and unmounted exercises, Daniel helps riders:
✔️ Manage nerves and perform with confidence
✔️ Improve focus and mental toughness
✔️ Develop better communication with their horse under pressure
✔️ Turn stressful situations into successful rides

This clinic is perfect for riders who want to take their performance to the next level—both in and out of the arena.

📅 Don’t miss your chance to ride, learn, and grow with one of the industry’s leading experts!

✨ And this is just the beginning…
Throughout 2026, GaitWay Stables will be hosting a variety of exciting clinics and competitions for our amazing community. Stay tuned as we highlight the excellent learning opportunities we will be offering throughout 2026!

👉 For full details, schedules, and registration information, visit: http://www.gaitwaystables.com

03/10/2026

🐎✨𝐂𝐨𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐃𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐭 (Pressure Proof Coaching Academy) 𝐢𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐭𝐖𝐚𝐲 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟏-𝟏𝟐! ✨🐎⁣
⁣
𝐖𝐇𝐎?⁣
International coach, author, and equestrian sport psychology expert Coach Daniel Stewart (creator of Pressure Proof Coaching Academy).⁣
⁣
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐋𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐋 𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐑𝐒?⁣
Riders of all ages. Must be able to confidently trot a ground pole course. We will have levels from ground poles through 2'0. The height of the fences are kept low due to the mental demands of the clinic. ⁣
⁣
𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓?⁣
A **2-day Pressure Proofing Clinic** featuring:⁣
• Riding Clinics⁣
• Sport Psychology Seminar (Lunch Lecture)⁣
• Rider Fitness Workshop & Bootcamp⁣
• Q&A and Book Signing⁣
⁣
𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍?⁣
📅 April 11–12, 2026
Saturday
Sports Psychology Lecture/Lunch
Group Riding Lessons
Q&A / Book Signing

Sunday
Rider Fitness Bootcamp / Breakfast
Group Riding Lessons
Q & A / Book Signing
⁣
𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄?⁣
📍GaitWay Stables⁣
7206 Schley Rd⁣
Hillsborough, NC 27278⁣
⁣
𝐖𝐇𝐘?⁣
Want to ride "bolder, braver, and brighter"? Coach Daniel Stewart helps riders overcome nerves, build confidence, and improve performance using proven mental coaching, biomechanics, and fitness techniques used by top riders around the world.⁣
⁣
𝐇𝐎𝐖?⁣
• $375 per rider⁣
• Auditing: $75 (1 day) or $100 (2 days)⁣

Due to the nature of this clinic, Coach Stewart HIGHLY recommends that all riders and auditors attend the entire clinic. It is mandatory for riders to attend the briefings.

📩 To Reserve your spot, sign-up here: https://form.jotform.com/260627980513056

Have Questions? Email [email protected]

𝐀𝐔𝐃𝐈𝐓𝐎𝐑𝐒
Can't ride? Then AUDIT! Coach Stewarts charismatic personality draws auditors right into the pressure proofing experience. Auditors are encouraged to participate in the sports psychology lecture and rider fitness boot camp, as well as watch the group lessons.

🌐 Learn more about Coach Stewart:⁣
www.PressureProofAcademy.com
⁣
Spots are limited—**don’t miss this incredible opportunity to train your mind and body for better riding!** 🐴💙⁣
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03/03/2026

North Carolina Dressage & Combined Training Association Horse of the Year Gala was a success and so much fun!

GaitWay was well represented in awardees and volunteers for pulling off this extravaganza! Big congrats to Charlotte Turner, Sadie Turner (Heather Wilson Turner), Maya Dardess (Pam Hall Dardess), June Faulkner, and Jordan McKenzie-Solis on their awards. It took a lot of hard work and dedication from these riders to get to this point.

Thank you to Ellie Balakrishnan for being the champion event planner that pulled off such an amazing event. Mariah Waters and Gabriella Hulsey you all also stepped up big time with volunteering for this event.

And of course thank you to all of our supportive parents and the rest of the GWS gang that made it to the gala.

oh, AND I survived an impromptu public speaking situation announcing two of the lifetime achievement awards honoring Beth McCashin of TTC and Angie Mirarchi's stallion Phenix.

02/03/2026

Come join us at GaitWay Stables (Hillsborough, NC)

02/03/2026

✨ **Now Offering Lesson Leases at GaitWay Stables** ✨

At GaitWay Stables, our **lesson lease program** is designed for riders who want consistency, deeper partnership, and real horsemanship—without full ownership. Leasing allows riders to work with the *same horse regularly*, develop feel and responsibility, and progress thoughtfully, all while prioritizing the horse’s well-being.

We are a **dressage-forward, horse-first program that also participates in eventing**, and our lesson leases reflect that philosophy: correct foundations, educated horses, and riders who want to do right by them. Lessons required. Competition opportunities available for those interested.

🐴 **Horses Currently Available (and Coming Soon!)** 🐴

**𝐆𝐖𝐒 𝐓𝐨𝐩 𝐆𝐮𝐧 (𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐆𝐨𝐨𝐬𝐞)**
2007 Chestnut Quarter Horse Gelding
Goose is the heart horse of GaitWay Stables. Adopted in 2021 after being rescued from abandonment, his journey is one of resilience, patience, and second chances. Now thriving as a green eventer and starter-level competitor, Goose is an exceptional teacher for riders learning the fundamentals of eventing and correct basics. Goofy, occasionally sassy, and endlessly kind, Goose embodies the compassion and horsemanship at the core of GWS.
**𝐴𝑠 𝑜𝑓 2/1/26, Goose 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 lesson or ¼ 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒**

**𝐎𝐧𝐓𝐨𝐩𝐩 𝐒𝐢𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 (𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐑𝐨𝐧𝐢)**
2008, 13h Welsh Cross Mare
Cuteness overload with a turbo engine. Roni is a bold, enthusiastic jumper with experience in eventing, dressage, and jumpers. She loves cross-country and brings a sensitive, forward ride that teaches riders finesse, balance, and accuracy. While a starter-level schoolmaster, she is best suited to a rider with a solid foundation who enjoys a spirited partner in a petite package.
**𝐴𝑠 𝑜𝑓 2/1/26, Roni 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 ¼ 𝑜𝑟 ½ 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒**

**𝐅𝐥𝐲 𝐌𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐨𝐨𝐧 (𝐚𝐤𝐚 𝐏𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐲)**
2008, 14.1h Welsh/TB/British Riding Pony Mare
Penny joined GWS in winter 2024 and quickly earned her permanent spot. With excellent jumping ability, training-level dressage, and beginner novice eventing experience, she is a reliable and confidence-building schoolmaster. Penny shines with riders who understand balanced seat riding and consistently schools 2’3”–2’6” with ease.
**𝐴𝑠 𝑜𝑓 2/1/26, 𝑃𝑒𝑛𝑛𝑦 𝑖𝑠 𝑎𝑣𝑎𝑖𝑙𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 ¼ 𝑜𝑟 ½ 𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒**

If you’re looking for a program that values **education, consistency, and the horse as a true partner**, we’d love to talk with you about joining GaitWay Stables.

📩 Message us to learn more or schedule an evaluation lesson.

Enjoy this 2025 Recap video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VKZsFMKyiE

01/12/2026

This post is late - my apologies. It's already been a full start to the new year, so I am a little behind! Here are my thoughts about 2025. Enjoy

Tis the season for reflection as the new year starts. I am so proud of 2025. Not just because of our competition results (those were great and we will get to them below), but more because the mission and vision I have for GaitWay are really starting to come through in all aspects of the program. I have worked very hard to stay the course, but change when needed, continue to improve my own horsemanship and education, and passing the education to my students. My students are working so hard to be the best riders and horseman they can possibly be. I just love seeing them expand their knowledge and capabilities, pushing themselves further than they thought they could. Always staying curious and being willing to experiment.

This year, due our program's reputation, we were gifted two beautiful horses to join our lesson lease program and another to come into training with me that will eventually be a part of the program. Don Larson, Captain Moonlight TG, and Kynynmont Anya.

Don Larson, fondly known as DL, is a 17yr old Andalusian/Hanoverian gelding. DL came to us from Wellington, FL where he competed up to Intermediate I and the Young Rider Tests with scores in the upper 60's, low 70's. DL is a wonderful addition to our program, teaching our riders the ropes of dressage and giving Amy the opportunity to ride a quality FEI horse. DL is having fun doing some cross-training and popping over a few jumps here and there.

Captain Moonlight TG - Captain is a 18yr old very handsome Dutch Riding Pony. Captain also came from Wellington, FL after competing up through 3rd level (schooling 4th) with a junior rider. Captain does have some jumping experience, but has never jumped cross-country, so he is enjoying cross-training over all different types of fences. Captain can be grumpy on the exterior, but he's really quite sensitive and a big teddy bear on the inside.

Kynynmont Anya - Anya is a 6yo, 15.1h Connemara mare that was given to GWS in September. Due to some health and behavioral issues, Anya was not thriving in a sales program, so her owner kindly did what was best for her and gave her to GaitWay to take a step back and see if we can sort her issues out through our groundwork program. I have a soft spot for Connemara's, so I am quite excited about the future with Anya. The hopes are that she will either become a part of the GWS lease program or be sold in house to a GWS student.

Competition
In a season where there is so much controversy in competition, it has been hard to navigate how to be successful in competition without compromising our moral and ethical horse first standards. We are definitely not perfect at this and have room for growth, but I am proud of how my students obtained their results this year. They tried very hard to put their own wants/desires aside when their horse needed something different. I am going to especially commend, Sadie Turner, for doing this our special pony, Fly Me to the Moon (aka Penny). Penny had an accident in the spring that caused her to start doubting her riders and we (Sadie and I) had to make the decision to take a step back from competition, even though we had a big season planned. Sadie took a full 4 months off from competition to spend quality time at home with Penny doing groundwork and slowly regaining her confidence under saddle. And while they did not end the season at the level we were hoping for, they ended the season with some much growth in their relationship and 2nd place for NCDCTA Horse of the Year in the Green As Grass JR/YR division.

We also had some other fantastic success stories for the 2025 competition season: These are our NCDCTA HOY Winners
1. Charlotte Turner / Handsome:
1st Place in Beginner Novice Combined Test (BN CT) JR/YR
3rd Place in Training Level Dressage JR/YR
2. June Faulkner / OnTopp Silver Lining (Roni):
1st Place in Introductory Dressage JR/YR
3. Sadie Turner / Fly Me to the Moon (Penny):
2nd Place in Green as Grass Combined Test (GAG CT) JR/YR
4. Jordan McKenzie-Solis / High Desert Slew of Broken Hearts:
3rd Place in Green as Grass Combined Test (GAG CT)
5. Maya Dardess / OnTopp Silver Lining (Roni):
3rd Place in Starter Combined Test (Starter CT) JR/YR
5th Place in Starter Horse Trials (Starter HT) Jr/YR

Please enjoy this video that one of my students, Maya Dardess, put together from this year's competition season:

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