Cassandra McEwen grew up in Fort Worth, Texas, where learning to ride horses was pretty much obligatory. She expanded on her skills while in the Army, riding and taking lessons in each place she was stationed.  Cassandra moved to Haines in April of 2009, and was mystified by the lack of riders in an area that once had the largest horse shows in Southeast Alaska and Yukon, Canada.  She decided then that she needed to remedy the situation and re-introduce the art and joy of horsemanship to the local youth.

Cassandra's philosophy on teaching people how to ride is based on a combination of Sally's Swift's Centered Riding© and classical techniques by  the old Masters of Equitation (Pluvinel, Francois Robichon de la Gueriniere, Baucher).  She is a huge fan of J.P. Giacomini  and Jane Savoie and has learned a lot about teaching from both of them.  Cassandra encourages students to study outside the arena and has a small book and DVD library that students may use.  Cassandra is currently pursuing her degree in Equine Management through UC Davis Extended Learning.

In addition to lessons, Cassandra volunteers her time and horses to helping those with emotional, mental, or physical limitations through hippotherapy.

Shelly Turner is a lifelong Haines resident, who grew up with the local 4-H program. When the 4-H program closed, Shelly volunteered her time and Cricket for children play dates, birthday parties, and other activities.  Shelly specializes in Western Pleasure, including pole-bending and reining.  She also rides English and loves to jump.