Welcome to Garnet Spur Equestrian

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Kate has been in the horse industry for over 45 years. She sat on her first horse at the tender age of  five in Palos Verdes, California and was hooked, She wrote up business plans complete with who would train her how much it cost and even a mileage chart for rides to and from the barn. This was no easy task in the 1980's with no internet to assist. 

By the time she was 9 her parents folded and she was well on her way to an impressive riding career. Kate progressed through the local show system to the "AA" show circuit becoming one of the top ranked juniors in the mid 1980's. 

Moving to Park City, Utah in the late 80's brought her to many local barns to help ride and train green and troublesome horses. 

Life took a turn and she spent many years being a Wife, Mother and building her Business Consulting Company. She always had in the back of her mind she would come back to this world at some point. 

She loves to nurture riders in this sport, and empower them with an uplifting kind coaching program. 

Whitney has loved horses since before she was born and was lucky to grow up with parents who supported that passion. She began her riding journey in Michigan, showing hunter-jumpers, competing in 4H and high school equestrian team, and later playing polo for Michigan State University. She has taught lessons throughout the years, enjoys skijoring in the winter, and has a special passion for retraining ex-racehorses—starting with Turbo, her first, who stayed with her for 20 years.

In addition to her work with horses, Whitney is a full-time firefighter/paramedic and part-time ski patroller. She loves hiking and backpacking, and brings that same adventurous spirit to her teaching. Her instruction style is encouraging and empowering, designed to help riders build the same confidence and joy that horses have given her.

Claudia began riding at the age of eight, discovering her passion for the sport after attending a riding lesson with a close friend. From that moment on, she was hooked. For the first two years, she rode lesson horses and ponies, but it was during this time that Claudia formed a special bond with my coach’s mule, Captain. A classic mule—stubborn yet incredibly intelligent—Captain became her primary teacher. He helped Claudia refine her riding skills, from mastering leads and diagonals to learning how to ride a course and put a horse in frame. Captain was also her partner for her first show, where he demonstrated the dedication and skill required to excel in this sport.

Over the past two years, Claudia has competed in several local shows, achieving notable success, including a Reserve Champion title at the Southern Nevada Hunter Jumper Association competition. She also had the opportunity to ride in California at Paso Robles Horse Park, where she earned several third-place finishes with a green pony.

As a coach, Claudia strives to maintain a positive, supportive environment, focusing on helping riders develop effective body control and use of aids. Claudias  lessons are engaging, motivational, and designed to make the learning process enjoyable for all riders.

Beyond the barn, she is committed to maintaining strong academic performance, particularly in my favorite subjects, math and history. When not studying or riding, she is  enjoying spending time with family and friends, exploring her community, traveling, and relaxing with her cats.