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Over 60 Instructors from across the United States and Canada met in Nashville, Tennessee, January 14–16 for 3 days of networking and learning, organized and hosted by Equine Sports Council. The workshop started with a welcome reception at Teddy’s Tavern, sponsored by ESC and the Monarch Championship Horse Show. Attendees enjoyed food, drink, live entertainment and icebreaker games. On Monday morning, seminar topics included Marketing, Legal and Insurance, followed by interactive group discussions that afternoon. Tuesday morning featured an invigorating keynote address by Drew Epperson of Epperson Coaching, which was followed by a trip to Milestone Stables for a hands-on demonstration of teaching techniques and tips for both riders and horses.

Organizers included Betsy Boone, Christy Parker, and Pam Roush, in addition to hosts Jackie Hale and Shane Darnell of ESC. Tamara Tucker, also a founding director of ESC, led the Legal discussion, and Stacey Halloran, owner of Equidae Insurance, delivered the Insurance address. Sara Gove of Taylor River Farm in New Hampshire joined us at Milestone for a demonstration and education about the Hunter division. Todd, Lesley and Macey Miles were gracious hosts, flanked by several of their top riders who took part in lesson demonstrations. Todd demonstrated the proper way to present a horse for sale and the group had an opportunity to “Ask Todd Anything” about the horse business. Macey taught a rigorous lunge lesson, and Lesley offered suit fitting tips and tricks.

“Our goal was to provide a forum that was exciting, collaborative, educational and offered a fun-filled networking opportunity for professional riding instructors from across the country,” said Jackie Hale. “We could not have accomplished this goal without the support of everyone who helped us make it a success.” The “Class of 2024” received an embossed binder for conference materials, an engraved nametag, and a personalized acrylic plaque. “We really wanted to lift these instructors up and make them feel special and important – because they are! The growth and future of our show horse industry depends on them,” added Jackie. Equine Sports Council will host another Instructor’s Workshop in January, 2026. They will likely limit the attendance again to ensure they can provide the same quality experience, interactive small group discussions, and networking opportunities. For more information about ESC, and to be put on the mailing list for information about joining the Class of 2026, visit EquineSportsCouncil.org.

--via Equine Sports Council