About Pratical Riders

At Practical Riders, our mission is to make the horse world less intimidating and more accessible for riders, families, and professionals alike. We believe safety, education, and enjoyment should guide every experience, and we’re here to provide clear, unbiased guidance that helps people navigate an often complicated industry.

We’re equally committed to supporting trainers and barn professionals, who sometimes face a lonely and high-pressure world without a trusted third party to lean on. By offering resources, perspective, and community, we aim to empower both new riders and seasoned professionals to make smart choices, reduce stress, and focus on what truly matters - enjoying the ride.

Our Mission

About Us

Hi, I’m Sarah, the founder of Practical Riders. My background in the horse world is wide-ranging. I’ve started young horses from the ground up, retrained challenging ones, and worked across disciplines including dressage, jumping, eventing, hunters, and equitation. I’ve taught hundreds of students for their first ride and have trained them through mid-level competition. I’ve also had the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level and later coach collegiate riders, which gave me a unique perspective on what riders need at every stage of their journey.

Through all those experiences, one thing became clear: the horse world can be overwhelming for riders, parents, and even professionals. That’s why I created Practical Riders—to share clear, unbiased guidance rooted in real-world experience. Whether you’re learning how to tack up for the first time, navigating barn culture, or trying to balance the demands of teaching and training, my goal is to provide resources and support that make the process less stressful and more rewarding for both riders and professionals.

Experience:

United States Dressage Federation - Bronze Medalist
Former United States Hunter Jumper Association Certified Trainer
Preliminary Level Eventing Rider
IHSA Rider & Coach
IEA Coach
Maplewood Stables Young Horse Development Clinics
Maplewood Stables Conformation Clinic

Specialities

  • A good foundation is priceless. It creates confident and consequently successful relationships. Our passion is to make horses as easy to understand as possible.

  • We can do a recap on zoom, review a 5 minute video clip, or do real-time zoom lessons.

  • Business consulting for equestrian professionals.

  • Make sure you and your horses are covered with an insurance audit.

Book