Charleston Equestrian

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Charleston Equestrian We offer horse boarding, training and riding lessons in the Charleston area. Over 25 years professional experience. Safe lesson horses for ALL levels.

One of my favorite things about coaching adult amateur riders is helping them discover just how capable they really are....
10/16/2026

One of my favorite things about coaching adult amateur riders is helping them discover just how capable they really are. It’s never too late to build confidence, develop new skills, and become the rider you’ve always wanted to be. ❤️🐴

Dressage lessons on a schoolmaster with a killer view? Absolutely!!! ❤️ We still have some limited availability for less...
10/13/2026

Dressage lessons on a schoolmaster with a killer view? Absolutely!!! ❤️ We still have some limited availability for lessons in the Charleston area! 👉🏼 Are you wanting to work towards your USDF Bronze Medal? I have both the horse & the experience to get you there!

Today was one of those days that reminded me just how much I love what I do!I had the opportunity to work with a Hollywo...
10/09/2026

Today was one of those days that reminded me just how much I love what I do!

I had the opportunity to work with a Hollywood actor preparing for an upcoming movie role. The challenge? He had never ridden a horse before, and we needed to get him comfortable, confident, and capable of trotting and steering in a very short amount of time.

This was a perfect example of why I believe teaching riding goes so much deeper than simply giving instructions.

With over 25 years of experience and my background in advanced rider biomechanics, I was able to immediately identify three key things that would give away an inexperienced rider on camera.

And that’s where we started.

Before he ever got in the saddle, I got on and demonstrated. I had him study my position, observe how my body moved with the horse, and understand not just what I was doing, but why.

Rather than overwhelming him with a hundred instructions, I focused on the mechanics that would make the biggest difference in the shortest amount of time.

What made the experience especially fascinating was hearing him talk through his process as an actor. He was approaching riding as another part of building a believable character, studying the details, asking questions, and figuring out how to make something unfamiliar look natural.

In many ways, our processes were remarkably similar. We were both looking at the smallest details that create an authentic picture.

I told him I was confident we could get him to a place where he wouldn’t need a riding double.

And I meant it.

This is what I love about rider biomechanics. It’s not just about correcting someone’s position. It’s about understanding movement, identifying what matters most, and finding the most effective way to teach the person in front of you.

Whether I’m working with an adult amateur trying to overcome fear, a competitive rider refining their performance, or an actor preparing for a film, the principles are the same.

Good coaching isn’t about how much information you can give someone.

It’s about knowing exactly what they need, when they need it, and how to make it click.

I can’t wait to hear about his experience and watch him on the big screen!

Pretty incredible day at Charleston Equestrian🐴🎬

This student rode through a 2’9” gymnastic line. This was her 1st time at this height, and they both did amazing!
10/08/2026

This student rode through a 2’9” gymnastic line. This was her 1st time at this height, and they both did amazing!

Today’s Gymnastic: Balance, Adjustability & AccuracyToday’s exercise features a crossrail to a one-stride oxer, followed...
10/08/2026

Today’s Gymnastic: Balance, Adjustability & Accuracy

Today’s exercise features a crossrail to a one-stride oxer, followed by a two-stride oxer, with a placement pole set one stride before the final fence.

While gymnastics are excellent for developing a horse’s coordination, strength, and jumping technique, this exercise also places an emphasis on rider accuracy and the quality of the approach.

The one-stride and two-stride elements encourage the horse to organize its body, maintain straightness, and develop adjustability throughout the exercise.

The placement pole before the final oxer encourages the horse to shift its weight back toward the hindquarters, rebalance, and organize its stride in preparation for takeoff. Rather than rushing forward onto the forehand, the goal is to encourage a more balanced, controlled jumping effort.

I also added ground poles in the corners to help my rider develop a better understanding of using the entire arena and riding accurate, balanced turns.

Why is this important?

Because the quality of your approach begins long before you reach the first fence.

Cutting corners can compromise balance, rhythm, and straightness, often leaving the rider making unnecessary corrections in the final strides. Riding deeper, more purposeful corners gives the horse time and space to establish a balanced, straight approach.

And here’s where rider biomechanics becomes especially important.

The rider must maintain an independent, stable position through the turns, approach, jumping efforts, and landing without relying on the reins for balance or trying to manufacture every stride.

The goal isn’t to micromanage the horse. It’s to ride accurately, establish the right conditions, and allow the horse to do its job.

Sometimes the most valuable lessons in a jumping exercise happen between the fences.

Today’s Gymnastic: Introducing Oxers Today we’re taking another step forward in our gymnastic progression by introducing...
10/06/2026

Today’s Gymnastic: Introducing Oxers

Today we’re taking another step forward in our gymnastic progression by introducing oxers.

An oxer isn’t simply a “bigger jump.” Adding width changes the question we’re asking the horse. Instead of only jumping up, the horse has to learn to cover width while maintaining balance, rhythm, and shape through the entire arc of the jump.

Gymnastics are one of my favorite ways to introduce this because the exercise does much of the teaching for us. When the distances are thoughtfully set, the horse can begin to understand the question without the rider chasing, manufacturing a distance, or trying to create the jump for them.

With today’s exercise, we’re developing:

* Power and strength through the hindquarters
* A better bascule and use of the horse’s body over a wider fence
* Confidence with width
* Rhythm and straightness through a series of questions
* Quicker, more organized footwork
* Most importantly, independent problem-solving and self-carriage

And there’s an equally important lesson for the rider.

Do less!!!! (That’s my mantra for riding!)

Stay centered. Maintain your stability in the saddle. Allow the horse to use their neck and back. Follow the motion instead of jumping ahead or trying to help.

A good gymnastic teaches the horse to take responsibility for their body…. and teaches the rider to stop interfering with it.

We’re not just teaching horses to jump fences.

We’re developing the strength, balance, confidence, and understanding that eventually make the bigger questions feel easy.

One thoughtful progression at a time.

10/04/2026

I can't thank these amazing ladies enough, (who are also exceptional equestrians) for their support this past weekend at both of my EQUITANA USA demos--on the mat and mounted. Ashley Allen & Amy Vanner 🙏🙏

And of course a big thanks to Rio, an off the track thoroughbred for indulging us in a Yoga for Riders demo. With all the distractions going he was understandably a little nervous at first but settled right in once we started our breathing and Mindful Equestrian session.🐴🧘‍♀️

Though I never claim to be a horse trainer, I always notice even the most nervous of horses relax as we notch our energy and nervous systems down. It's fascinating how our energy affects everything and everyone we encounter humans or animals. 🙏🤗



PS: Rio is for sale to the right person, contact Ashley Allen of Timberway Farms in TN for details.

Came across this picture of me riding First Solo. What an amazing mare she was!
10/04/2026

Came across this picture of me riding First Solo. What an amazing mare she was!

Another rider’s very 1st time on a horse! ❤️
10/02/2026

Another rider’s very 1st time on a horse! ❤️

Address

Ravenel, SC

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 8pm
Tuesday 8am - 8pm
Wednesday 8am - 8pm
Thursday 8am - 8pm
Friday 8am - 8pm
Saturday 8am - 8pm
Sunday 8am - 8pm

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