CHA Certified Instructor Kathy Richardson Offers Lessons on a Mechanical Horse
How and why did you get started in business? When my husband and I moved to our location in Roy, WA in 2003, a brand-new covered arena had just been built on the property. I finally had a place to ride in winter.
I was still working outside jobs when we began getting inquiries for boarding. Having boarded my own horse, I knew of the pitfalls involved in the business, but with my equine knowledge and accounting background we decide to go for it.
At the same time, I was getting requests for lessons. I found the Certified Horsemanship Association, went through their program, purchased insurance, and began teaching lessons. When people learned I had teaching credentials it wasn’t long before my schedule was booked. Customers were looking for quality instruction at a safe, clean facility with well-mannered horses, so I quit my full-time job and began teaching full time.
What is your history with horses? I began riding horses at Woodbrook Stables in Lakewood, WA at four and stayed for years, focusing on hunters and jumpers. I’ve shown English, Western, gamed, competed in trail competitions, and horse agility. I’m an Equine Trail Sports carded judge as well as a Horse Agility Accredited Trainer and Judge.
Have you received any special recognition? I was the 2021 Certified Horsemanship Association Instructor of the Year. My miniature horse, Ghost, was runner up for Lesson Horse of the Year in 2021—the first miniature ever nominated. I have other horses who are international grand champions in horse agility. Ghost was chosen as Purina Horse of the Month in June 2022 and has headlined at the Washington State Fair.
What sets your business apart? I’m licensed, insured, and a certified instructor with teaching credentials to back it up. I believe in customer service and do my best to give my all, including undivided attention to each student/client who comes to the ranch.
I own the only fully interactive riding simulator on the West Coast. “Sheena” does all the dressage movements through 4th level. She does everything a real horse does, except buck, bolt, bite, kick, and rear. I’ve used her to help riders from multiple disciplines.
My horses are well trained, well-mannered, and happy. I have a proven safety record with no incidents in the 16 years I have been a CHA instructor. My husband and I strive to keep the ranch clean and maintained. Our ranch is as mud free as possible for western WA, and we continue to upgrade and improve our facilities.
Contact:
Rusty Bar Ranch
Kathy Richardson
Phone: (425) 422-2225
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.rustybarranch.com
See this article in the December 2024 Online Digital Edition:
December 2024
The Northwest Horse Source is an independently owned and operated print and online magazine for horse owners and enthusiasts of all breeds and disciplines in the Pacific Northwest. Our contemporary editorial columns are predominantly written by experts in the region, covering the care, training, keeping and enjoyment of horses, with an eye to the specific concerns in our region.
