Professional Western Horsemanship
on Long Island
For experienced riders ready to deepen their horsemanship, refine their communication, and build a stronger partnership with their horse.
Although this Program is...
Adult Focused
Horsemanship First
Cow Work Opportunities
English Riders
Welcome
Personalized
Coaching
This Program Is Designed For...
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Riders with an independent seat and hands
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English riders transitioning into western
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Returning western riders
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Horse owners wanting better communication
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Riders committed to long-term improvement
This program is intentionally designed for riders who already have a riding foundation and are looking to refine their horsemanship through personalized coaching.
*We are not currently offering beginner riding instruction*
Instead of simply teaching riders how to steer through patterns, Kayla focuses on building horsemen.
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Every rider learns differently.
That's why every session is built around demonstration, explanation, and practical application; not simply riding circles while being called directions from the rail.
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You'll see concepts demonstrated, work through them alongside your horse, and leave understanding why each exercise matters.
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Groundwork and mounted work are integrated together to create lasting progress.
the western horsemanship
Framework
Foundation
Position
Balance
Timing
Feel
Communication
Pressure & Release
Softness
Responsiveness
Trust
Partnership
Groundwork
Problem Solving
Confidence
Consistency
Performance
Ranch Riding
Cow Work
Sorting
Cutting Foundations
Meet RIDERS
Where they are..
Returning to Horses
Rediscover confidence and reconnect with the western discipline you've always loved.
Grew Up Riding English
Translate your existing riding skills into western horsemanship with coaching that respects your experience.
Horse Owners
Develop a stronger partnership by improving both horse and rider together.
MORE THAN RIDING
Every Lesson Includes...
Groundwork
Mounted coaching
Live demonstrations
Individual feedback
Exercises customized to your horse
Progress tracking
Not a cookie-cutter lesson plan.
A Program Built on Committment
Meaningful progress doesn't happen through occasional lessons.
To provide consistency for every rider, the Western Program operates through consultation and package enrollment rather than individual drop-in lessons.
Each rider receives a personalized plan designed around their goals, schedule, and horse.
*Limited Enrollment*
"My goal isn't simply to teach riders what to do—it's to help them understand why it works, so they leave every session more confident, more capable, and better connected with their horse."
Meet Kayla!
A Lifetime Dedicated to Horses. A Coaching Style Built Around Partnership.
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For more than 30 years, horses have been at the center of Kayla's life. Her experience spans multiple disciplines and every stage of a horse's development, giving her a well-rounded perspective that shapes the way she teaches today.
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Her journey has taken her from working on farms in Florida and New York-including a small breeding operation where she handled young horses and gained invaluable hands-on experience-to competing in both Western Pleasure and English Hunter/Jumper. She later continued her education in dressage, training under internationally recognized judges and Grand Prix riders while competing both locally and on the rated circuit.
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Today, Kayla continues to expand her education through cow sorting, team penning, and cutting, regularly attending clinics, training opportunities, and competitions throughout the Northeast. That commitment to lifelong learning allows her to bring a thoughtful, modern approach to western horsemanship while remaining grounded in strong fundamentals.
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Her coaching philosophy is simple: every horse and rider partnership is unique.
Rather than teaching a one-size-fits-all system, Kayla works with each rider individually- demonstrating concepts, explaining the "why" behind every exercise, and helping riders develop the feel, timing, and communication that create lasting results. Whether working from the ground or in the saddle, every lesson is designed to build confidence, clarity, and a stronger partnership between horse and rider.
In addition to the Western Horsemanship Program, Kayla also offers training rides for horses boarded at Island Hopper Farm, providing consistent development both in and out of the saddle.
EXPERIENCE WORKING CATTLE
Whether your goal is becoming more confident on the ranch, learning to sort cattle, or simply developing a more responsive horse, cow work introduces riders to timing, feel, and decision-making unlike any other discipline.
Program Overview
Built on Trust. Refined Through Feel.​
Where Better Partnerships Begin.
Private Lessons
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1:1 Lessons, give yourself between 1-2 hours for these lessons
Semi-Private Lessons
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If there is someone else working on the same level and training as you semi-private lessons are available.
Horse & Rider Coaching
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Skills are not just built in the saddle they are built from the moment you get on the farm.
Groundwork Sessions
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Groundwork is the foundation of all riding skills, and everything you learn on the ground translates to the saddle.
Cow Work Clinics
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There are opportunities to haul off the island or go to a local clinic for cow work.
Adult Development Program
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Adults of all ages are welcome in the program to grow their skills in and out of the saddle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need my own horse?
No, we have horses we use in our program
Do you offer lesson packages?
Yes, we prefer to work with lesson packages for our programs to help you achieve your goals with consistency.
Do you teach beginners?
We have a beginner program, but try to work with riders that already have been on a horse. But reach out and we can discuss your goals.
What should I expect at my consultation?
We will discuss your goals, ideas, and aspirations during the consultation to see if the program is the right fit.
How do consultations work?
We do free phone consultations and a meet and greet. We want to make sure the fit is right for both us and you.
Are helmets required?
Yes, helmets are suggested and required for riding.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
This program begins with a consultation to determine if it's the right fit for both horse and rider.