Equestrian Youth Programs
Our riding lessons offer this unique opportunity free of charge, making it accessible for any family. Through our carefully designed ten-week program, limited to just ten students per session, we ensure each child receives focused attention to unlock their potential. Our experienced instructors weave lessons around the principles of the Golden Rule, instilling values of empathy, respect, and cooperation.
Your child's confidence and self-image won't just improve; they'll soar. It's more than riding—it's about growing, understanding, and becoming tomorrow's confident leaders. Your child's journey to personal growth and empowerment starts here, with us. Sign up today!
Improve Self-Image and Self-Respect
We empower students to build confidence and develop a positive sense of self-worth, helping them recognize their strengths and abilities.
Build Self-Control and Patience
Working with horses teaches students to stay calm, patient, and steady, building self-control and perseverance they carry into everyday challenges.
Improve Awareness of Cause and Effect
Through equine interactions, students learn to understand the consequences of their actions, promoting thoughtful decision-making.
Improve Effective Communication
We focus on developing clear, respectful communication skills, encouraging students to express themselves with confidence and understanding.
Improve Social Skills
By working with others in a supportive environment, students enhance their ability to build relationships, collaborate, and engage with peers.
Improve Problem-Solving Skills
Our curriculum encourages students to think critically, analyze situations, and find creative solutions to challenges they face.
Riders of Change
Jessica Gillespie, PhD
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.
Christine M. Corbett, DNP Program Advisor
Dr. Christine Corbett has been a tremendous asset to Desert Dreams Riding Academy since its inception. Drawing upon her extensive background as a Doctor of Nursing Practice, she has played a vital role in shaping the academy's vision, curriculum, and long-term strategy.
Dr. Corbett's experience in youth development and program design provides a strong foundation for the academy's programming. Her passion for education and for equine-based youth activities has helped strengthen program quality and effectiveness. Her leadership approach emphasizes confidence, resilience, and healthy communication — the same qualities young riders build naturally through working with horses, which offer honest, non-verbal feedback and reward patience and trust. She also brings extensive experience managing grant-funded projects, navigating collaborations, and ensuring rigorous program evaluation and outcome assessment.
Her guidance continues to influence future outreach initiatives designed to serve veterans, first responders, and others who benefit from time spent with horses in a supportive community setting.
Robert Barnard
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.
Stephen Heetland
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.
Jacob Andrews
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.