The Empowered Rider
About Us
Are you tired of struggling to make progress with your riding?
Knowledge to Bring out the Best in You and Your Horse
Balance
Both horse and rider need to be balanced
Good balance starts with correct rider position. While at a halt, I realign the rider into a classical position — sitting centered in the saddle with their legs under them, as opposed to out ahead of the body. This helps to catch the rider up with the momentum of the horse.
Effectiveness
The rider must learn to activate the core muscle groups
While most instructors are telling riders to relax, I want riders to engage their core. The amount of tone will depend on what's being asked of the horse at that moment. Top riders will instruct riders to relax, but that's not how they themselves actually ride!
Connection
Getting the horse to reach into the reins
You will very seldom hear me say "get your horse on the bit." Instead, I use "send the horse more reached into the reins." I want riders to learn how to truly ride their horses from the back to the front — I give you the keys in your body to access the tools needed to achieve connection.
Impulsion
Impulsion is an elusive being
Many times, riders as well as trainers use forward incorrectly. Impulsion is the result of the horse engaging his core, being over his back and reached into the reins with the right degree of forward for that horse.
40 Years
of Teaching
Meet Stephanie
Knowledge to Bring out the Best in You and Your Horse
Advanced Instructor with Ride With Your Mind / Mary Wanless — one of the top 6 in the world
USDF "L" Graduate with Distinction — available for judging schooling shows including Western Dressage
USDF Bronze Medalist and licensed USEF Western Dressage "r" judge
Former accredited Level 4 Apprentice Centered Riding Instructor and Level 2 Practitioner with Linda Tellington-Jones
Stephanie's background combines theory and practice for a connected and uncomplicated training experience. She has experience working with riders of all levels, most breeds of horses, and with a large variety of disciplines.
Her eye for balance along with her teaching style make it easy for riders to learn from her. She can help make positive changes in both horse and rider.
Been there, done that...
I don't even want to think about how much money I've wasted on bad lessons
Clinics where, on the way home, I'm thinking what a waste of time and money they were! Or lessons where I was left very confused at the end. Or clinics that when I watched the video of my ride, I thought — why didn't the instructor tell me?!
My promise to you
My promise to you is that you will enjoy the clinic. That you will learn and make improvements. I love teaching and it shows! It is my job to ensure you understand the instruction. And while progress can be slower for some people while others progress faster, it's all about the journey to becoming a better rider.
ready to ride
Jump into change!
Find a Clinic in your area
Stephanie teaches all over the US. There is a list of upcoming clinics. If you don't see one in your area, feel free to reach out so maybe one can get organized near you. I'm always interested in new venues.
Money Back Guarantee
Yep — that's not a misprint. I feel that all riders can benefit from riding with me. If for any reason, after attending the clinic, you feel it wasn't worth it, I'll refund the clinic tuition fee. So come try me out!
Become a better partner for your horse
By learning how to sit balanced and be a quieter yet more effective rider, your horse can now offer you amazing rides. Sometimes changes are dramatic in just one lesson — hard to believe, I know. But it does happen!
"The more responsible I am with my own body,
the more effortlessly my horses carry themselves."
What Our Happy Clients Say
"Little did I know when I signed up for the clinic that Stephanie would give me exactly what I was looking for. My little horse loved it too based on how incredible he felt under me. Thank you Stephanie, I'll be back for more."
— Laura
"Since lessons with you, my last show average improved nearly 4%. In the middle of my test I was noticing my old habits sneaking up and I quickly thought what would Stephanie tell me to do — so I sat back, brought my leg under, and focused on my tempo. Score!"
— Leslie and Luna
"Since I have been riding with Stephanie, my rider's position has changed from being a passenger to actually having a positive influence through my seat to my horse. She has such a gift in articulating specifically to each rider how to make the corrections in their body position."
— Christie
Frequently Asked Questions
I don't show — will your instruction still help me?
Absolutely! I teach a safe, balanced seat. I don't care if riders show or not. I want happy horses and balanced riders.
Where do you teach? Where can I find you?
Stephanie teaches all over the US. Prices vary according to locations for a variety of reasons. Please go to the Clinic Schedule page to find clinics close to you. If you don't see one near you and would like to organize one, please reach out.
My horse is barely broke to ride, with only 30 days under saddle. Can I bring him?
Please NO. When a horse is that green, clinic settings can be overwhelming to him. Best if you can find another horse to ride for the clinic so we can focus on your riding.
My horse isn't fancy. Am I going to feel out of place at your clinic?
NO! Stephanie welcomes all levels of riders and all breeds of horses. Mules are welcome too! Once, at a clinic in NC, out of 12 horses, there were 9 different breeds, with 4 of the horses being Icelandics!
Is this for Western or English riders?
Stephanie is both an "L" Graduate Judge with USDF as well as an USEF Western Dressage "r" Judge. So whether you ride English or Western, Stephanie can give you tools and help you along your journey.
I'm out of shape, and/or my horse is out of shape. Can I still benefit?
Yes! We can do lots of work at the walk with short trot intervals. I will give you and the horse walk breaks when needed. The walk breaks are a great time for clarity and discussion!
Do you want to stay stuck — or are you ready to get out of the rut?
Find a clinic near you and start your journey to becoming a better partner for your horse.
View Clinic Schedule