STARS Sporthorses

01/11/2025

A few snow pictures from today. We got about 4 inches of snow. All the horses have been handling the weather just fine & have plenty of hay for munching.

01/10/2025

Winter Weather Update ❄️

No need to fear! I feel like I go way above & beyond what most farms will do during inclement weather. Your babies will be well taken care of!

It’s 9:30pm and I am just now leaving the farm. It looks like the weather will start early morning, so I am planning on going back at 3am to give more hay, top off water in the barn (we have heated buckets) and break up and pull the ice out of the troughs.

I have 4x4 and I have gotten to the farm in worse weather before. Unfortunately I was not able to go and buy any salt before stores closed.

Please please please stay home and don’t try to drive. Everyone will be ok. I also don’t want anyone to slip at the barn since I don’t have salt. I’m sorry… I’ve just been too busy.

Please see the attached video of all the “fun” we had in the ice storm last January. 🤣

38 likes, 3 comments. “Flashback to the ice storm in TN in January 2024. It was horrible! There were people stranded at home for 2 weeks.”

01/06/2025

Are you looking for a HIGHLY recommended coach with over 25 years of professional equine experience? We have MANY amazing reviews, but having a shining recommendation from a former coach of the UNITED STATES EQUESTRIAN TEAM is a BIG deal!

We have some openings remaining in our Riding Academy. If you have never ridden a horse before or are feeling STUCK & want to progress your skills we can definitely help you reach your GOALS!

Contact us today for more information & to book your introductory lesson! (423)596-8286

01/03/2025

It is such a beautiful day for lessons! 👉🏼 We still have availability for beginner lessons on the weekend. Contact us for more information.

(423)596-8286

01/03/2025

This is an 𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗭𝗜𝗡𝗚 testimonial that I received from a client after working with a "dangerous" horse. 👉 www.starssporthorses.com/training The horse had so many issues going on, but the "𝗗𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗦" behavior was all caused by humans prior to Nahanni, who has given her the most loving home. Force & fear tactics that so many trainers utilize do not work on horses like this. Horses like this have been very misunderstood & not 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗗. Little issues turn into 𝗛𝗨𝗚𝗘 issues that can seriously injure or even kill people. I was 𝗛𝗢𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗘𝗗 & humbled to be trusted to work with such a lovely horse. So many humans tried & failed.

I truly 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗡 to & understand the horse. I take the time & take in everything that they show me. It's all about building 𝗧𝗥𝗨𝗦𝗧, establishing a relationship & teaching the horse to find a 𝗦𝗢𝗙𝗧𝗡𝗘𝗦𝗦 in their own body. Do you have a horse that is difficult or 𝗠𝗜𝗦𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗢𝗗? Maybe you have a horse that you want started under saddle with 𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗗 & humane training methods. I would love to help you out!

My training spots typically book far in advance, but I would love to meet with you & see what we can work out. I work with 𝗔𝗟𝗟 breeds & disciplines. All horses deserve kindness, softness & to be 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗢𝗗! 👉 www.starssporthorses.com/training

12/31/2024

Horses are flight animals & are extremely sensitive to their surroundings. They are able to pick up on your heart rate, breathing & can even smell the changes in your body when you are having a stress response. Some horses are a lot more sensitive than others, and there are some breeds that also tend to be more sensitive than others. 👉 It's always a good practice to draw attention to how you are feeling before you approach & work with your horse. Horses will often mirror to you how you are feeling.

I like to tell my clients that once they reach the front gate going towards the barn they need to imagine leaving a bag by that gate that is filled with all the anxiety, negative emotions, stress, to-do lists, etc... and then as they are walking to the barn to start working on their breathing and focus.
👉 Sometimes it is even wonderful to unplug a bit and put your phone away so that you can truly focus on being in the moment with your horse & enjoying your time at the barn.

I guarantee that once you can learn to do this, slow yourself down & truly become present you will have a much more positive and fulfilling experience with your horse. Everything else can wait! I would love to help you achieve a more mindful approach to your horse handling & riding. Contact us to schedule your appointment today 👉 www.starssporthorses.com/services

12/26/2024

Funny video of Q to let you know that lessons will be going on as usually tomorrow. I do have some people to get rescheduled from the holiday. I will be in touch with everyone tomorrow about working out a schedule.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! ❤️

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas to everyone! 🎄

12/14/2024

🎄GIVE THE GIFT OF HORSES THIS CHRISTMAS🎄

WHY ARE RIDING LESSONS THE PERFECT GIFT?

🌟Horses are amazing animals to be around & learn to bond with.
🌟Horseback riding is a fun activity that all ages can enjoy
🌟Working with horses teaches responsibility, patience, empathy & many more important character traits & life skills

Don't miss out on this extraordinary opportunity to give the gift of horses.🐴 Purchase your gift certificate today and watch their eyes light up with joy! 💕

Riding lessons are taught by a certified instructor with over 25 years of professional equestrian experience. 🐎We will teach you all aspects of horse care & riding so that you can become a well-rounded and knowledgeable equestrian that can become the best partner for their horse.🐴 Don't own a horse?!? No worries! We have a herd of safe lesson horses for all levels of riders!

We are located in Ooltewah, TN.

https://www.chattanoogaridinglessons.com/giftcertificate

12/10/2024

🔥 Training Tip Tuesday 🔥

When you are working with your horse it's always 𝗕𝗘𝗦𝗧 to throw your timeline and intentions out the window. Any sort of training timeline is up to each individual horse. They are all very different.
👉 www.starssporthorses.com/services 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 rushed or forced is ever any good. It might work in the short-term like a bandaid, but the results won't last.

When a horse is trained by force it places them into their sympathetic nervous system (fight or flight) where it has been 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗡 that learning cannot take place. The horse might do what you want them to do but you will be sacrificing quality as well as your horse's trust & emotional well-being. 👉 They will not remember what they have just been 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗖𝗘𝗗 to do because they were made to do it by fear tactics & intimidation.

When the horse is starting to lose their rhythm & tempo while working that is not the horse being naughty. 👉 That is the horse letting you know that what you are working on is 𝗗𝗜𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧 to them for some reason. It could be due to balance, lack of fitness for the exercise or maybe even a possible injury. 👉 It's very 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗧 to pay attention to what your horse is communicating to you!

My training system has been 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗡 time & time again with many different breeds of horses as well as many different riding disciplines. 👉 The reason why it works is because I use a systematic approach that is backed by science & has proven 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗦. Without having a system for your training it is much more difficult to get the results you want from your horse & you end up feeling 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗖𝗞 & frustrated.

If you have been feeling stuck or frustrated with your own riding or while working with your horse I would 𝗟𝗢𝗩𝗘 to help you out so that you can achieve your training & riding goals! There is 𝗛𝗢𝗣𝗘 & I have the knowledge & tools to help you out! Contact us today to see how we can help you!
👉 www.starssporthorses.com/services

12/05/2024

Who can relate? What's the most expensive thing you have bought your horse?

12/05/2024

Horseback Riding Lessons in Ooltewah…. We have evening & weekend availability!

Have you always wanted to learn to ride a horse? 🐎 Maybe you have a horse-crazy child who is so excited to learn to ride! ❤️

We currently have some RARE openings in our riding academy for new students! 👉🏼 We teach ages 5 & up. You don’t have to own a horse.

We teach beginner through advanced & use a safe & PROVEN curriculum. ⭐️ We have a herd of safe lesson horses for all levels of riders. 🐎 Lessons are taught by certified instructors with over 25 years of professional experience.

It’s easy to find a time that works with your schedule since we have morning, evening & weekend availability. 🐴

We are located in Ooltewah, TN just 25 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. 👉🏼 Contact us to schedule your introductory riding lesson. (423)596-8286

You can view our website for more information: www.starssporthorses.com

12/04/2024

Have you reached a point in your riding where things just aren’t 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 like they should? You just aren’t progressing and your horse isn’t either? 👉 This means that there are some holes in the 𝗙𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 of your training. So many riders and trainers skip over the very 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗧 fundamentals to get to the fun & exciting stuff like lateral work and jumping. You might be ok for awhile and then you will start having issues. 👉 www.starssporthorses.com/services

If your training is not built on a good solid foundation that progresses 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗟𝗬 through the steps then everything will start to fall apart. 👉 When the 𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧 fundamentals are there anything else you do will be much easier.

Have you been 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗖𝗞 in 1st level dressage or have issues when the jumps get over 2’9”?

I have found that even with advanced riders that come to me they have not had many of these 𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗖𝗦 installed. Lately I have been working with all riders on 𝗖𝗢𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗧 use of aids and timing of the aids. We have some that have gone back to the very 𝗕𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 to work on rhythm, as so many issues can be addressed at this very first stage of training. Focus on the "boring" fundamentals first so that you don't have to go completely 𝗕𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦 later.

👉 If you are looking to improve yourself or your horse and take your riding to the 𝗡𝗘𝗫𝗧 𝗟𝗘𝗩𝗘𝗟, please contact us! We have the skills, education and experience to help you achieve your goals! 👉 www.starssporthorses.com/services

11/21/2024

Do you leave your riding lessons 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗙𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗗 & 𝗙𝗥𝗨𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗗? 👉 Do you have a hard time 𝗨𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗡𝗚 what your instructor is trying to tell you? Are they constantly nagging you or overly 𝗡𝗘𝗚𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗩𝗘? Are they able to give you clear answers when you ask for them to break it down for you more or explain it differently? 👉 www.starssporthorses.com/services

Maybe you have been told that your horse isn't 𝗙𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗬 enough & that he would never amount to anything? 👉 I have a 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗡 system that WORKS no matter your skill level or natural talent, if you have a $500 kill pen pony with 1 eye or an $80,000 warmblood. My system is easy to follow & has 𝗚𝗨𝗔𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗘𝗗 results!

I will never tell you to get a new horse or an expensive saddle in order to reach your goals! I work with you & your horse where you are currently at. 👉 It really is 𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗦𝗜𝗕𝗟𝗘 to reach your goals with the horse you have right now! I can help you!

I have helped adult amateurs & young professionals both locally & around the world (thanks to our amazing technology) 𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗘𝗩𝗘 their riding goals with the current horse. 👉If you are tired of doing the same thing the same way & getting little or no results I would love to help you out! I offer both in-person & virtual lessons, so I can help you no matter where you are!

Contact me today to schedule an introductory lesson! Let's get started!

👉 www.starssporthorses.com/services

11/19/2024

Does this look familiar?

11/18/2024

Do you know how people say “life is short, buy the horse!” I disagree.

Maybe don’t buy any horse. Instead take more lessons, or lease one.

So often students lock themselves into one horse way too early. Badger is one of our safest lesson horses. He’s a great guy and I feel good putting just about anyone on him…. But of those who ride him regularly, I don’t know that any of them could own him and him still be the horse he is now!!! It doesn’t take long for him to turn into a bully. He is hard to motivate and if riders don’t have a good timing with their aids, if they don’t follow through, or worse, if they never let up and just keep squeezing and nudging and kicking at him, he will get quite belligerent very quickly!
We do a lot to help riders be successful, and to keep badger happy in his work. The timid or green riders we put on him do not yet have the skill set to do that on their own.  even though they can write him in a lesson doesn’t mean they would be successful outside of lessons. And if badger was not schooled regularly by more advanced riders, then he wouldn’t be so lovely for the beginners.

The point being, even if you buy a badger, he’s not gonna be a badger for long if he’s not overseen by professionals, the way badger is here.

11/18/2024

Have you always wanted to learn to ride a horse? 🐎 Maybe you have a horse-crazy child who is so excited to learn to ride! ❤️

We currently have some RARE openings in our riding academy for new students! 👉🏼 We teach ages 5 & up. You don’t have to own a horse.

We teach beginner through advanced & use a safe & PROVEN curriculum. ⭐️ We have a herd of safe lesson horses for all levels of riders. 🐎

It’s easy to find a time that works with your schedule since we have morning, evening & weekend availability. 🐴

We are located in Ooltewah, TN just 25 minutes from downtown Chattanooga. 👉🏼 Contact us to schedule your introductory riding lesson. (423)596-8286

11/15/2024

Any horse can be trained to be a 𝗚𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗧 horse! My 𝗣𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗡 training system can help 𝗔𝗡𝗬 horse learn to be happy & relaxed no matter their breed, temperament or riding discipline. 👉 www.starssporthorses.com/training

𝗘𝗡𝗝𝗢𝗬 riding your horse again & achieve all your equestrian dreams! I have a rare opening in my training program.

I am able to start horses, teach groundwork, fix behavioral issues, develop a rehabilitaion program & 𝗠𝗨𝗖𝗛 𝗠𝗢𝗥𝗘!

I use 𝗘𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗟 training practices with force free/fear free tactics that ensure the physical & emotional well-being of the horse. All horses in my training program also receive regular MagnaWave & cold laser sessions. I have over 25 years of professional equestrian experience.

Contact us for your training needs 👉 www.starssporthorses.com/training