STARS Sporthorses

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Ooltewah, TN
STARS Sporthorses

We are a horse training & riding academy located in the Chattanooga area. She studied Equine Science at MTSU. She is a lifelong student of the horse.
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We are a private horse, rider, & owner training facility located in the Chattanooga area. We cater to the serious & competitive equestrian who wishes to further their knowledge and take their riding to the next level. Trainer/Owner Amy Vanner has over 25 years of professional experience with teaching, training, and horse management. Amy is a technical instructor that focuses on rider biomechanics

for all disciplines. Horses are trained with her unique blend of natural & classical principles. We have a competitive riding team that goes to both schooling & recognized shows within the southeast & Kentucky. We focus on the disciplines of dressage (also western dressage), showjumping, hunters & eventing.

08/23/2024

We have boarding & training openings available. We do have a waitlist, but everyone has been contacted so it is 1st come 1st served.

Also…. Some super exciting news…. We will be having both of our arenas completely redone & we will have amazing drainage & footing. We do have lights in the small arena, which are super helpful during the winter season.

Contact us for more information (423)596-8286

08/23/2024

Our farm is a wonderful place for adult students! We have many adult students! We have a very laid back atmosphere where you can truly learn and not worry about who is watching or if a chicken will jump out of a trash can and scare you.

You are a woman, 35 to 45 years old. You have completed school, got a job and a promotion or two, maybe three. Finally, your life is getting more comfortable. You now have discretionary income. Men at this stage in life often buy a boat. Few women do. Both men and women join a golf club, but you never liked golf. You rode a little as a kid and liked it but never mastered riding. With your bills up to date and with some extra money every month, you decide to ride horses.

Many women of this description came to me to learn how to ride over the years. The results were mixed. Perhaps I can help you with your journey and save you some time with my recommendations. You have made a good decision to ride. Now you need to find the right instructor and the most effective learning environment.

First, even if you can easily afford it, don't buy a horse right away. Purchasing a horse is not like buying a car where they all pretty much operate the same. Horses can be very different, and you must first understand what you want in a horse. Until then ride lesson horses or lease a horse until you know what kind of horse works for you. And please, when you do buy a horse, don't make your decision based on looks. With horses, it's "handsome is as handsome does".

Next, define your goals. What are your priorities? Exercise? Expanding your social life? If you were an athlete as a youth, maybe it's a desire to return to sports. There are many reasons to ride. Understand your reasons so you make the right choices.

Unfortunately, today most opportunities to learn to ride are segregated into disciplines. If you rode as a kid years ago, that was not as true then. There were lesson barns that still taught all-around riding and horsemanship to teach students the fundamentals that prepare them for all kinds of riding or any discipline. If you can find one of these barns, I highly recommend this kind of instruction to start. (not easy to find)

Beginning with the most prevalent opportunities for instruction today, the most common lesson barns today are Hunter Jumper show barns. Maybe you first learned at one of these as a child and enjoyed horse shows. I have to put a warning label on these HJ instructional programs for adults. I have had adult students who wanted to return to showing as an adult and found that most shows were for kids, and that the show experience was no longer interesting to them as adults.

Secondly, show barns never have their students ride outside an arena today, and that cuts off many future possibilities for you. Many adult women want to fox hunt or play polo, and ring riding is not the best basis for these pursuits. Plus, show barns can be very focused on entertaining children with constant costume parties, stall door decorating, horse painting and other "fun" that might drive an adult a little crazy when they go to the barn to ride.

Dressage might look interesting to you. The clothes are stylish, and the riding is not too fast and always on the flat. My advice on dressage instruction is to be careful. Some dressage has become a blend of a maze and a minefield, some of which have become exploitative of horses to the point of normalizing abuse. These are the big money dressage barns and are not for everyone.

Having given my warning, dressage is a good place to start if you can find the right dressage barn. Authentic dressage is centuries old. Its roots are training military riders to ride in the most practical and effective manner. Authentic dressage is the pursuit of unity of balance and movement with a horse. This is the basis of all riding. If you can find this, do it, maybe not forever but to start.

I do have a word of caution when you interview dressage instructors. Some of the best dressage riders and instructors are perfectionists. They don't believe in "close enough". These dressage officianos might have you work on holding your reins correctly for a few months until you long for an opportunity to watch paint dry. Life is too short.

My message for adult riding students is to find an instructor who teaches the basics, who believes in effectiveness and who will make you a safe rider in any circumstances. These instructors might be anywhere, at a polo barn or at a barn focused on some of the new equestrian pursuits like working equitation.

Be sure to explore European instructors who have not been contaminated by the American commercial model of "horsemanship". Or consider western barns even if you rode English as a child. While some western riding instruction is very narrow like Western Pleasure or Reining, many western barns are based in fundamental riding principles, which is what you need.

Lastly, don't demand that a teacher panders to you to make you comfortable and avoids telling you the truth in your lessons. You have a late start, and you need to progress in a steady manner. A demanding coach can shorten your learning process. Good luck!

08/22/2024

Yesterday after we posted the two senior horses at auction we did make an assumption that they were dumped at the sale for profit after being given to "good homes". I need to clarify that while we shouldn't always think the worst, we have come to these conclusions after more than a decade pulling senior auction horses. We all hope they are there by some tragic misfortune and that the people didn't know what they were doing. Usually though we find out that they are victims of the same story over and over. It takes away that part of you that wants to give people "the benefit of the doubt".

Unfortunately, we were right in our assumptions. Again. Because old horses given to "good homes" simply DO NOT get happily ever afters a vast majority of the time. Of the last 6 horses over 20 we bought at auction, 5 were given to a family for their kids. The horse ended up needing senior horse care they were not willing to provide and they wanted that last dollar instead of just euthanizing.

Cody is a registered paint 25 years old. He was given to a Rodeo family for their kids to ride. They admitted that he wasn't sound enough and needed too much feed. Also they said they wanted the money and knew he wasn't worth anything to sell privately.

Nugget is also 25+. Given to a family for their daughter to run barrels on. He also found himself dumped when he wasn't able to do it anymore.

How do we know? The owners who gave these horses to those families reached out to us. Both completely shocked. Both thought these homes were amazing and would be great loving families. Both told me they cried when they saw what happened. These weren't seniors with no options, these weren't broke single moms. The family that dumped Cody even kept the other horse they got with him since he doesn't have the care needs he does.

I won't soapbox again with a chapter book. I write on this often enough... but in the future please understand why we think the way we do. It's because nearly every senior horse we meet has this same story.

DON'T GIVE AWAY YOUR OLD HORSES. If you must, try a rescue, do contracts, hold brand inspections or just let them pass on at home where they are loved.

08/15/2024

Immediate openings located in Ooltewah, TN.

We are seeking an experienced horseback riding instructor to teach beginner- intermediate lessons (possibly advanced if candidate has the skill level). Looking for someone who wants to expand their knowledge & be a part of a team. Many opportunities for growth and learning are available as well as showing opportunities for the right candidate.

Position would be primarily some evenings & weekends as well as covering for head instructor while they are away for shows,clinics, etc… We pay a 60/40 split and have lesson horses & equipment plus we handle the scheduling, payments & paperwork.

We are also looking for someone to help with farm chores. Primarily would be evenings and weekends, but possibly would need some additonal coverage at times. This includes: feeding, bringing horses in/out, light grooming, cleaning stalls, maintaining a clean barn, blanketing, as well as other chores. This is a job that can be worked around other jobs if needed.

This can be 1 person or can be 2 separate people. Contact me for details. (423)596-8286 (Texting is typically the best!)

07/26/2024

Worth a Shot 2016 OTTB gelding standing at 16.2 hands. This gorgeous boy has the absolute best brain! Due to no fault of his own he has been out of work. I don’t have the time to work him any more. He is the type that can sit for awhile and you can hop right back on without longeing.

Very amateur-friendly with a puppy dog & in-your-pocket personality. More whoa than go and excellent ground manners. He is very easy in the barn with no vices. Currently barefoot with excellent quality hooves.

This guy has all the makings to be a wonderful horse for a junior or amateur. He is a nice horse, and I need to place him but he is not free. Mid to high 4’s and worth every cent with a brain like his. He is a safe ride & loves to bond with his person.

Located near Chattanooga, TN.

07/16/2024

This hardworking boy is enjoying his Magnawave session today 💕 Re+Active Wellness

07/14/2024

I couldn’t love this more! 💕

I’ve recently begun cross training my racehorses in classical dressage and in just about 6 months time the changes have been remarkable!! Joint issues are resolving. Horses that were once tough to gallop are becoming light and engaged in their training. I’ve even noticed originally very different front feet, one high one low, becoming more symmetrical.

While the typical aim of high school dressage progresses towards ultimate collection, in the airs above the ground, my aim is a bit different, it’s ultimate extension…I like to think of my dressage goals as airs OVER the ground!

07/02/2024

Attention western dressage & ranch riders…

This handsome hunk just screams western dressage to me! He has a chunky build with good muscle. He is a super nice mover. Currently barefoot. No stable vices. No maintenance. Great ground manners.

3 year old 16.2 hand OTTB gelding. JC Laugh Now “Ro” is available. He is a more sensitive type, but is quiet under saddle with a good temperament and work ethic. He is still green and currently eligible for RRP.

Of course he could do regular dressage, but he looks like the cutest western horse!

Low 4’s…. Located in Ooltewah, TN

06/27/2024

It’s been such a busy week & we are just now getting to post about our 2nd session of horse camp!

This group of campers were our Pony Pals group. This group was campers that had not ridden before. We worked on our Rainbow 🌈 level curriculum that we use in our lesson program.

Every camper got to experience having their “own horse” for the week of camp. We spent lots of time learning how to ride, balance & control the horses. Everyone ended the week by trotting for the 1st time!!!

We also spent time learning more about horses and how we take care of them. We cooled off at the creek and with the horses. It was such a FUN week!

We keep our camp groups small so that we can give our campers a more intensive horse and riding experience.

Contact us if you are interested in one of our Horse Camp sessions! We only have 2 sessions remaining!

06/21/2024

This gorgeous boy came in off the track for his restart. He last raced early this year. He is 4 years old & has Storm Cat breeding. I can’t wait to start playing with him. (Not for sale.)

06/20/2024

The 1st session of horse camp was a huge success & all the campers learned to canter & also earned their Rainbow 🌈 Rider certificates!

Axl was the ⭐️ of horse camp! The girls loved when he started singing with the monthly siren test & the horses couldn’t have cared less! We have such patient & amazing horses!

06/14/2024

Nope... more seat.... way more seat.... stop nagging your horse with your leg and softer elbows! ☺️

06/12/2024

💥 EXCITING NEWS💥

We now have a new riding instructor & we will now also be offering riding lessons on the weekends! 🐴

Please welcome Cassidy Stafford to our team! 🌟

We teach ALL levels of riders from ages 5 to 100! You are never too old to start riding! We teach private lessons, so you get lots of personalized attention!

💫We do not currently have a waiting list, so hurry up & sign up now while we still have openings!

Contact us for more information or you can also view our website 👉🏼 https://www.starssporthorses.com/riding-lesson

06/12/2024

☀️LAST MINUTE OPENINGS☀️

Are your kids already bored with summer vacation? 🏖️ Last-minute openings at our Horse Camp could be the perfect solution! 🐴 Give them an unforgettable outdoor experience where they can learn about horsemanship, make new friends, and enjoy the fresh air. 🌻

Our camp offers hands-on activities with horses, exciting mounted activities, and plenty of fun under the sun. ☀️

Don't miss this chance to get your kids away from the screens and into nature, creating memories that will last a lifetime. 🐴 Sign up now before these limited spots are gone!

https://www.starssporthorses.com/horsecamp

06/06/2024

The ribbons keep multiplying! So proud of the A+ Show Team! 🙌

06/06/2024

Our campers ended the week earning their 🌈 Rainbow riding level certificates along with horseshoe pictures frames we made for them with pictures with their camp horse. 🐴

We keep our camping groups small so that we can give campers a lot of time on the horses and give them lots of personal instruction! ☀️ Our campers learned a lot and had SO MUCH FUN! 🌻

Everyone ended the week learning how to canter! 🐴

We have some last-minute camp spots available. Message us for more information or you can find all information & register directly online here 👉🏼 https://www.starssporthorses.com/horsecamp

06/05/2024

Romeo helped us learn all about horse parts today!!! Our campers have been riding daily & working through our Rainbow 🌈 level curriculum. This is the same curriculum that we use in our riding lesson program!

You can find out all about our horse camp here 👉🏼 https://www.starssporthorses.com/horsecamp

We have certified instructors that are also certified in First Aid/CPR ⛑️ and have been background checked. We have over 25 years of professional equestrian experience. 🐴 Our program has been endorsed by an Olympic level coach. Our program is very safe & has proven results!

06/05/2024

Molly is a brand new rider that has been attending our ☀️ summer horse camp this week! She trotted all by herself for the 1st time EVER!!!!

It’s been such a fun & exciting week at horse camp! We have a couple of last minute spots remaining!!! 🏕️ You can book directly online here 👉🏼 https://www.starssporthorses.com/horsecamp

06/04/2024

Horse Camp is under way & we have been having SO MUCH FUN!!!! ☀️ Don’t let your kids miss out on the amazing experience of learning to ride & connect with horses this summer! It’s also a great way to meet new friends! We have the sweetest and most patient lesson horses!

You can find more information about our camps here 👉🏼 https://www.starssporthorses.com/horsecamp

05/30/2024

Do you frequently work on your horse’s headset? Do you use gadgets, harsh bits, tight flashes and nosebands and other contraptions to keep their head down and nose tucked in?

𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗣! 🛑

This is not only incorrect, but is extremely 𝗛𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗙𝗨𝗟 to the horse. The poll should always be the highest point, and not the 3rd vertebrae. The nose should be just slightly in front of the vertical. This hyperflexion causes physical 𝗣𝗔𝗜𝗡, wear and tear, as well as psychological damage to the horse. 👉🏼 www.starssporthorses.com/services

It’s not about a headset! I don’t even use that word. The horse should be in a frame.... a beautiful overall outline. A headset implies that you are only fixing the head and neck.... riding front to back. 👉🏼 The horse 𝗖𝗔𝗡𝗡𝗢𝗧 physically work through their body, engage their abdominal muscles and lift their back like this.

👉🏼I urge you all to look at how you are riding and training. 𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 get rid of your draw reins, pulleys, tie downs, harsh bits, and any other contraption you are using. Learn to ride without inflicting pain or emotional trauma. Look after your horse!!!! They are your 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗥!
If you would like to learn to ride in harmony without force and pain, please contact me! I would love to help you!

I work with all breeds and disciplines & have over 25 years of professional equestrian experience. 👉🏼 www.starssporthorses.com/services

05/28/2024

🌟🐎 Discover the Adventure of a Lifetime at our SUMMER HORSE CAMP! 🐎🌟

📣 Calling all parents! Are you ready to ignite your child's passion for horses this summer? LOOK NO FURTHER! STARS Summer Horse Camp is here to make this summer unforgettable for your young equestrian enthusiast!

🎉 Enroll now at www.starssporthorses.com/horsecamp to reserve your child's spot! We only have a couple of spots remaining. NO WAITLIST!🎉 We are conveniently located in the heart of Ooltewah.

Why Choose STARS Summer Horse Camp?
🌟 English & Western Riding: Whether your child has some horse experience or just starting out, we cater to all levels and disciplines!
🌟 Mounted & Unmounted Sessions: From saddle to stable, our comprehensive program teaches horsemanship both on and off the horse!
🌟 Exciting Activities: Patterns, games on horseback- every day is a new adventure!
🌟 Creative Projects: Let your child's imagination soar with pony projects, crafts, and more!
🌟 Certified Instructors: Our team of adult instructors are not only certified but also accomplished equestrians, ensuring the highest quality instruction and supervision for your child! Our head instructor is also a licensed Paramedic. All our staff has also been background-checked
🌟 Safe lesson horses: Our horses and ponies are well-trained, proven confidence builders!

Give your child the gift of a summer they'll never forget! Sign up for STARS Summer Horse Camp today and watch them thrive in a supportive, safe, and exciting environment!

Spaces are filling up fast - reserve your child's spot now! Visit https://www.starssporthorses.com/horsecamp or call (423)596-8286. Don't miss out on the adventure of a lifetime! 🌟🐎

05/27/2024

One of our campers giving Miss Scarlett a well-deserved hug!

☀️We have only a couple of spots remaining in our summer horse camp! DON’T WAIT!!! ☀️

You can find all the information about our Horse Camps & register directly online. 🐴 https://www.starssporthorses.com/horsecamp

Address

8500 Rancho Drive
Ooltewah, TN

Telephone

+14235968286

Website

http://www.starssporthorses.com/

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The 1st session of horse camp was a huge success & all the campers learned to canter & also earned their Rainbow 🌈 Rider certificates! Axl was the ⭐️ of horse camp! The girls loved when he started singing with the monthly siren test & the horses couldn’t have cared less! We have such patient & amazing horses! #summer #summerfun #summercamp #horsecamp #equestrian #equestrianlife #horsebackriding #chattanooga

It’s not just his looks…this guy is the total package! Drop dead gorgeous, a fun & super sweet personality & the best work ethic! 👉🏼He is safe & amateur-friendly. He loves to please and does not test his rider. He has been restarted correctly with a strong classical foundation. 👉🏼More whoa than go. He has 3 smooth gaits with the most fabulous walk & a canter stride that can get down the huge lines at the hunter shows. Excellent ground manners, ground ties, clips, loads, stands well for vet & farrier. 👉🏼No vices, no maintenance & currently barefoot. It almost sounds too good to be true, but it’s not! Unicorns really do exist & this is your guy! I’m not sure how I still have him. He would love to be under your Christmas tree this year! Located near Chattanooga, TN

💥BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL - 50% Off 2024 Stud Fee & No Booking Fee💥 November 20- 26, 2023 Locutus AV (Lotus T x Heart’s Dazzle x State of the Art x Art Deco) is an exciting young stallion that offers an amazing temperament & rideability with plenty of power & scope. 👉🏼Locutus AV has a wonderful & easy-going temperament that should calm down even the hottest mare. He stands over 17 hands with an uphill build, beautiful neck & powerful shoulder. He has a short topline with strong & powerful hindquarters. Locutus AV is a refining stallion that should lighten up even the heaviest mare. 👉🏼He has beautiful elastic gaits that are fancy enough for the dressage arena. Locutus AV has started his show career in showjumping and will also debut in dressage & the hunter ring. His offspring are noted for being heavily influenced by him with their excellent temperament, harmonious conformation, ground covering movement and athleticism. 👉🏼Excellent quality collections that can even settle the hardest to catch mares. Fresh cooled semen shipped throughout North America & Canada. Offspring are eligible for Westphalen papers (white) WFFS N/N 3 year Live Foal Guarantee Please contact us for more information & for his breeding contract. [email protected] (423)596-8286

This is a short clip from a clinic I gave at Southern Equine Expo called "Is Your Horse Ready to Learn?" This was a very well-attended lecture, which surprised me since this was early on a Friday morning. 👉 This is a bit of a controversial topic, but is also the backbone of my entire training system & philosophy. I discuss the 3 different nervous systems and their effects on the horse. (Yes, there are actually 3 nervous systems and not just 2 like nearly everyone has been taught.) This is one of my very favorite topics to speak about. I am hoping to be able to share a lot more about my training philosophy and what I do. 👉 It's made a HUGE difference in all the horses that I have been working with. If you meet any of the horses that I have worked with, they will tell you everything that you need to know about my training methods. I have very limited space available for training horses, and I am already booking training horses for 2024. If you are interested in training for your horse contact us for more information 👉 www.starssporthorses.com/services

An explanation of some jumping position basics & biomechanics to one of my adult beginner students. With all my biomechanics knowledge, training & certifications I can help you quickly & easily turn your unbalanced position with a swinging lower leg into a very stable & secure jumping position! The best part???? You don't have to ride around without stirrups! Contact us to book your lessons 👉 www.starssporthorses.com/services

One of my students worked on some groundwork lessons today with Romeo. He is the sweetest boy! He was so relaxed and being a little bit cute & silly. ☺️ Unmounted lessons are a very important part of any lesson program & make you a much better horseman & rider.

A fun little balance exercise on this rainy day! ☔️

It’s crazy to think that this little piece of paradise is right in the middle of Ooltewah. 💕 (Sound on)

I do a lot of bodywork on my horses, and it helps their bodies be more responsive. They also feel more comfortable in their body, and teaches them to be able to find softness & relaxation within their own bodies. Bodywork paired with classical training using behavioral based & force free/fear free approaches = a happy & relaxed horse! 💕 Shooter was really enjoying his grooming session after his ride during a lesson. I love that I have been able to teach my students not to breeze through this very important and often overlooked process. 👉🏼This is a wonderful time to really get to know your horse, see how they respond and notice if they are uncomfortable anywhere in their body. 👉🏼This is also great for you as a rider, as you can take this time to mentally prepare yourself to be more present in the moment with your horse. The majority of what we do in riding is mental. Take the time to work on & enjoy the small things! At the end of the day you will never say… oh, I wish I had ridden more 15 meter circles… you will say… I wish I had spent more time connecting with my horse & building the trust & relationship. 💕

Mama Twist is getting spoiled & enjoying every minute. Such a content & sweet late-term pregnant mare. 💕 The countdown is on!!!! I can’t wait for this foal! Locutus AV- Pinto Westphalen Stallion

This is a tiny little excerpt from my lecture “What is Fear Costing You?” this afternoon. I’ve had a ton of requests to speak about fear-related issues, and I think I am going to make an online course dealing with fear issues & horses. This was a very well-attended lecture, and I opened the floor up for Q&A also. 👉🏼I appreciate everyone being so open, honest & vulnerable here. It’s not always easy admitting our fears & shortcomings, but that is a very important 1st step in addressing our fears! 👉🏼 Taking ownership of your fear is one thing that we have to do if we want to become stronger than our fears! I am available for video coaching/lessons, clinics, expos, lessons days at your farm or mine! 👉🏼Contact me for more info (423)596-8286 #biomechanics #riderbiomechanics #jumpingbiomechanics #showjumping #hunterjumper #ushja #certifiedinstructor #ridinglessons #horsebackriding #equestrian #equine #mythbuster #balance #confidence #equinavia #albertofasciani #johnsonhoofsolution #reactivewellness #virtualequestrianacademy #kimmiescocktail #magnawave #horse #gamechanger #wdaa #westerndressage #dressage #fear #fearless #fearfull #fearful #psychology #neurology #sportspsychology

Shooter (JC name: Worth a Shot) is super thrilled about his new do! 😂 He is learning some patience and ground tying. He dropped a little bit of weight with the change he’s had in the past week, but it’s really not that bad and to be expected. I’m pretty good at making everything chonky! ☺️

It’s always an amazing day when a client rides their horse for the first time! 💥 This horse has been in training with me for awhile now. I remember telling his owner that this would be more of a long term project because of everything he has been through in the past. He was a super reactive and fearful horse. 💫 He would react before thinking and processing. He would blow up at the littlest things. He was very spooky, and had some bad experiences with the saddle. This all took a lot of patience and time. I’m so thankful for such a wonderful and understanding owner who truly wants the best for her horse. 💕 Could he have done this quicker? I’m sure he could, but we would not have the same horse and the same attitude. He is willing, thinking and he is trying. This was a huge day & I am so proud! 💫 This is the kind of day trainers live for!

Teaching my 6 year old OTTB how to clip while ground-tied 💥

Solomon the Friesian is enjoying a MagnaWave session at the beautiful Trinity Sanctuary. PEMF therapy is useful for the control of pain and inflammation. It can help with muscles soreness and tightness, anxiety, stress, chronic pain issues, nerve damage, fractures, arthritis, colic, healing wounds, improving abscesses and so much more! I am happy to provide MagnaWave therapy to all the horses in my training program free of charge! Clients at my facility receive a discount on MagnaWave services. Myself or my assistant are available to travel to your home or farm. I am also able to offer gait analysis as part of my MagnaWave sessions.