Rancher and Horseman - Leader
With a rich background in guiding youth through empowering equestrian experiences, Robert Barnard brings his expertise in managing equine programs to Desert Dreams Riding Academy. For the past five years, he has passionately harnessed the power of horse interactions to cultivate emotional intelligence and resilience. Through these impactful programs, Robert continues to inspire young individuals, enabling them to stride confidently into their future.
Retired Chaplain Colonel | Mentor | Advisor
A retired Chaplain Colonel from the US Army, brings a wealth of experience in mentorship and support to Desert Dreams Riding Academy. His unwavering dedication to personal development compliments the academy's mission, ensuring a nurturing environment for young learners. Stephen's unique background enriches the team's ability to guide students towards personal strength and emotional resilience, paving the path for youth to flourish in all aspects of life.
Initially Jessica started her education journey as a means of being competitive for promotion in the Air Force. She chose Organizational Leadership. By the time she finished her bachelor’s she was hooked, and when she finished her masters, she had a few of her own ideas which brought her to the doctorate. She found that she really enjoyed the quantitative and statistical analysis functions of research, which fuels the trend analysis and process improvement efforts of this organization.
Born and raised in the city streets of Oregon, I’ve always felt a quiet pull toward horses. Every year, when the rodeo rolled into town, I’d watch with my family and imagine what it would feel like to be out there in the arena. I didn’t know it then, but that spark would stay with me.
Life took me far from home and eventually stationed me in New Mexico, where that childhood dream finally started to take shape. That’s where I met Robert — the man who opened the door to the world of riding and taught me everything I know so far. Switching from the steering wheel of a car to the back of a horse wasn’t easy, but every challenge has been worth it.
I’ll be honest: a gallop still scares me, and I’ve come close to falling more than once. But that’s part of the journey. Horses demand respect, and they can feel the difference between confidence and doubt. Learning that balance — being calm, being in charge, and honoring their power — is something I carry with me every time I ride.
I’m still learning, still growing, and still chasing that feeling I imagined as a kid.