Testimonials
What they're saying about Texas Equine...
Jeremy S.
Hannah S.
I found the Stars & Stirrups program for my wife, and it is wonderful for her. She has found a hobby that allows her to de-stress from long days and weird hours. Through the program sponsorship, she is able to participate without it putting strain on our limited finances. I’d recommend this program to anyone - Shelby is absolutely great. Thanks for taking care of us first responders!
Theresa F.
Shelby is truly a special person, and her business is one of care and kindness. I have seen the immense work and attention that she pays each of her horses and the consideration she puts into which of her students rides or interacts with the horse that matches their needs. Her patience, empathy, and knowledge made me very at ease with learning how to interact with the horses which can be intimidating for someone with little knowledge. If you didn’t know, horses are big and not always willing to be controlled! However, learning how the nuances of my attitudes and energies can subtly affect theirs, has taught me life lessons about interactions with other people, family and friends as well. Shelby’s program is enriching and can serve as a great haven for officers and veterans.
From the first time I met Shelby, I knew I was at home. Her friendly nature is very inviting. Shelby's knowledge and experience with equines became quickly obvious, and she does all in a joyful, patient, generous way. I have been a member of Texas Equine for several months now, and it is like having a second home. There is something special about time spent there, with the horses, with Shelby, on the land, learning all it takes to be proficient with riding, but also with the proper care required equines and to bond with them. I find it very therapeutic for my body, mind, and spirit, while it challenges me to grow in all areas. I highly recommend Texas Equine Education & Horsemanship for any horse enthusiast, if you are in need of a physical challenge, or a therapeutic experience, all while being with caring folk with lots of love. I appreciate the connection with the animals, being able to work land and stall, education on what it takes to tend to horses, and how it makes me feel to
be there. Texas Equine is family.
David F.
I would not be the physically able and confident person that I am without Shelby’s help. I know that there are other veterans and first responders that are in the same situation I am in, and worse. Suicide rates among first responders is rising. Veterans are returning from the battlefield with physical and mental wounds. These men and women need help. With the proper funding, Shelby could provide that help. I am eternally grateful for Shelby and her generosity in giving of herself to my recovery.
Jen P.
My favorite part of lessons at Texas Equine has been learning Dressage. I had heard of it but didn’t really know anything more about it. Now I am competing in horse shows and winning ribbons, thanks to Shelby’s encouragement and teaching competence.For me, the benefits of riding lessons at Texas Equine are:1. Physical benefits from correct posture, correct leg position and, of course, leg exercise due to posting!2. Joy of interacting with horses, the most amazing creatures on the planet3. Memory benefits of having to memorize several Dressage patterns and then recall and execute them in the arena.4. Ability to compete in horse shows, both physical and online ones. In addition to Shelby’s comments, you receive a score sheet from the horse show judge, with comments and ways to improve.5. The ability to ride a selection of horses, each giving a different experience.
Donna S.
"She truly believes in the healing power of the horse and rider relationship..."
By learning how to develop a relationship with a horse and learning a new communication style, lessons offer a time to slow down and focus on maintaining a calm sense of well-being. The horses can sense that and reaffirm to the rider that all is well. Being a first responder parent, watching my daughter take lessons has helped me deal with the fact that I can't keep my kids in a bubble and protect them from every bad thing I see at work. I have had to learn to trust the trainer and horse to teach my daughter. I've seen her self-confidence soar and I'm no longer anxious about her getting hurt. We've been able to carry the confidence we've both gained outside of the barn/arena and it has a positive impact in our school/work and at home. The Stars and Stirrups program is a great way to boost confidence in families and take a step away from the chaos of being a first responder.
Bryce P.
It has been rewarding to have a front row seat, being able to experience what the Stars & Stirrups program has to offer. Being part of a first responder family can be hectic, especially for the kids. With both parents working rotating shifts and not consistently home every day, this program gives our kids much needed routine and something they can look forward to every week. Our daughter has been able to learn many aspects of horsemanship. Watching her learn how to care for the horses and the relationship that is built between her and the horses has developed her overall sense of self-confidence and responsibility. The Stars and Stirrups program is a well-rounded program that is built on respect between both the trainers and
My sister-in-law had worked with Shelby when they were both therapeutic riding instructors. She put us in contact, and Shelby not only saved our horse's life, but she touched our lives in ways we could have never imagined. With no horse transportation or stables to keep the injured filly, she was in danger of her injury turning into infection and having additional damage to her leg that would have been life-ending. In addition to being our hero in this desperate situation, over the next year Shelby patiently trained us, encouraged us, and helped us to start down the road of becoming educated horse owners. My personal experience with Shelby has been both educational and emotionally strengthening. Without judgement,
Carmen M.
horses involved and the families
that interact with the program. I am proud to be part of this great organization that gives back to their community.
she encouraged me to do what I could and to not judge myself too harshly. Although I am not a rider, she helped me understand there were all kinds of activities I could do with our horses that did not involve riding but could help me connect to our horses and enrich all over lives.
Florence B.
Being a Veteran and having a program like Stars and Stirrups in the local area to attend Equine Therapy is extremely helpful. Texas Equine and Horsemanship is a one stop shop for Veterans, Active Duty and also Police and Fireman. I have attended Equine Therapy sessions and it allowed me to be one on one with the horse and to communicate through the lead rope.
Kevin W.
Shelby created a program for veterans there, and I had never heard of it before. I myself am a disabled vet and deal with it daily. Some days good, some days not so much. Well, It was more interesting than I had anticipated. I learned how to guide riders around on the horses, learned the basic handlings and maintenance required to keep the horses healthy and more. It was a great experience considering I knew nothing about horses going into it. What I found most interesting was how impactful these rides were for these veterans and the others. The riders always had the best time with endless smiles and laughs.
Tim S.
I recently joined the Texas Equine, Stars and Stirrups organization and look forward to the training and fellowship. I am a longtime believer in Equine Therapy. My personal experience caring for and just being around horses has always provided a very soothing, anxiety reliever. Stars and Stirrups is an excellent organization. It provides an invaluable service to America’s Veterans and First Responders. The Stars and Stirrups Program needs our continued support to continue their invaluable opportunities to those who have given to the country and their respective communities, and also to improve the facilities where the connections and bonds between humans and horses are forged. The Stars and Stirrups Team is very experienced and dedicated and places its service to others first!
Brian M.
We've learned so much from Shelby. Still have plenty to learn, too. I certainly never intended to own horses, but I'm so grateful to have them in my life. We send all of our godchildren, nieces, and nephews to learn from Shelby if they're at all interested. We want them to have at least some experience with horses.