JAKS Stables

01/07/2025

Help us celebrate our 10 year anniversary! To kick it off, we are doing $10 intro lessons all month long! Message us to schedule.

01/06/2025

We are so thankful to this community for allowing us to make it to our 10 year anniversary! We couldn’t be here without your support.

Be on the lookout for some fun events and celebrations this year! We are so excited! 🤩

01/04/2025

2025 Sponsorship Season has begun! Don’t forget to get your name in for a Banner sponsor or a Gold Level Sponsor! Banner sponsors enjoy many perks including listing on our website, announcement at events and banner display year round. Gold sponsors include all of that plus shoutouts on socials (73k followers) and specific mentions/shares throughout the year online and at events. This is just a summary of benefits. Message us for a full list of info!

Thank you to those who’ve already joined us for the 2025 season already!

traciesboots Tracie's Boots & Buckles
Vink Signs & Designs
tarriverlife Tar River Life
The Vollmer Farm
TwoEyed Options Farm NC
North Star Transport

01/01/2025

Happy New Years!

12/27/2024

How you know the 2yo is gonna be a good cow pony.

12/18/2024

As a coach, one of the most rewarding things to see is when a rider starts showing more interest in the sport. Whether it’s spending extra time at the barn, asking thoughtful questions about training, or simply showing up more frequently, these moments are signs that they’re developing a deeper connection with both the horse and the discipline. But here’s something to keep in mind: how we respond to these efforts matters.

Imagine this: a rider who’s typically more reserved starts coming to the barn more often, spending time brushing their horse, watching others train, or just hanging out and soaking in the atmosphere. This is a huge win. Yet, if the first thing we say when we see them is something like, “Oh, nice of you to finally step it up,” we risk undermining that progress.

That comment, even if meant playfully, can make them feel like their effort isn’t valued. I’ve been guilty of it. Instead of encouraging them to keep engaging and showing more interest, we might inadvertently make them feel like they don’t belong unless they’re constantly involved in the “main action.”

As coaches, we need to be mindful of the message we send when we see our riders starting to take a more active role. Positive reinforcement goes a long way. When a rider begins to show more interest—whether it's staying after class to help clean tack, watching lessons, or simply spending more time at the barn—it’s a clear sign they’re invested. Instead of downplaying it, celebrate it. A simple, “I’m really glad you’re spending more time here,” or “It’s great to see you getting involved,” can reinforce the positive behavior and keep them coming back with even more enthusiasm. It’s also important to not be overly negative if they *stop* showing interest or back off their involvement at the barn some. Sometimes people need a break! Let them know they’re welcome anytime and encourage them when they do show up.

Much like our horses, riders need consistency, trust, and encouragement. If we want them to engage more with the sport, to show up and put in the extra effort, we have to create an environment where those actions are celebrated. By acknowledging their growing interest and reinforcing their presence, we’re not just teaching them riding skills—we’re teaching them the value of commitment, teamwork, and passion for the sport.

Let’s make sure we’re encouraging the behaviors we want to see by supporting their efforts and creating a space where they feel welcome and motivated to grow. After all, when they invest more in the sport, we all grow stronger together—both as riders and as a community

Stop negatively reinforcing things you *want* to see!

Likewise: If your child spends all their time in their room, and they finally come to sit with the family, don’t discourage it. If your child comes home with a B, when they have been struggling in school, don’t berate them cause it isn’t an A. These ideas transfer to all areas of life.

12/07/2024

12/03/2024

It’s a cold morning in Western North Carolina! We are still out here working to rebuild this community. Currently working with Operation Anchor. The top concerns here now are trees and debris still crowding waterways. Even small amounts of rainfall pose flood risks. They are also deeply concerned with wildfire risks due to trees and debris down everywhere still, and personal bridges out meaning fire trucks can’t make it to many homes. Let’s keep these folks at the front of our minds as it gets cold. Many trees still trying to fall and power going out poses hypothermia risk to many. This giving Tuesday, consider donating to Operationanchor.org to help get these homes repaired and rebuilt.

12/03/2024

Consider giving to this organization that we are out here partnering with!

This Giving Tuesday, please remember the people in Western North Carolina affected by Hurricane Helene. This community still has tremendous needs, and Operation Anchor is here for the long haul, getting these communities back to a sense of normalcy. Our goal is to repair, rebuild, and rehome as many people as possible. With your help, we can get families into safe, warm homes this winter!

Donate and learn more today at www.operationanchor.org or visit our donation site directly at :
https://www.zeffy.com/donation-form/3bf27503-e22c-4720-a87a-7ee9171181da

11/25/2024