We were lucky to catch up with Angie Hughes recently and have shared our conversation below.

Angie , appreciate you joining us today. Let’s talk legacy – what sort of legacy do you hope to build?

I want to be remembered as a dedicated and passionate educator who helped instill the love of horseback riding to countless individuals.

I believe people will remember me for my unwavering commitment to excellence in teaching and for my ability to connect with my students on a personal level. I hope that they will speak of my innovative teaching strategies that made learning a fun and enjoyable experience.

But more importantly, I hope to be remembered for the relationships I built with my students and the positive impact I had on their lives. I want to be remembered as someone who helped her students build confidence, overcome fears, and achieve their dreams. The memories they will have of riding with me will be bigger than just learning the skills of horse riding.

In essence, I aspire to make a lasting difference in the lives of my students and create a legacy that will inspire them to follow their dreams, just as I did. I believe that the relationships we build and the lives we touch will live on long after we are gone. So, I am committed to being the instructor who sets a positive example and equips students to live their best lives, no matter where the journey takes them.

Angie , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

At Angie Hughes Horsemanship, we prioritize safety and provide a supportive learning environment where riders can make “safe mistakes” and learn to problem solve and read horses. Our approach is to teach foundational skills that create confident and knowledgeable horsemen, who not only excel in the arena but also excel in their daily lives. We firmly believe in producing top riders and functional and educated horsemen who will contribute to the future of the horse industry.

Our Levels of Horsemanship program is a curriculum-based system that helps students build on their skills and develop a well-rounded understanding of horsemanship. We cater to all skill levels, and our program provides an opportunity for riders to excel regardless of their experience level. With our program, riders can pursue their dreams of upper-level competition or merely enjoy the experience of riding and caring for horses.

All our lessons and interactions are based on a positive and supportive approach, respecting the horse and the rider’s capabilities. We aim to promote an environment where our students feel comfortable and confident in their abilities. The positive feedback and encouragement we offer have proven to enhance our students’ personal lives outside of the barn.

We believe that our commitment to excellence has enhanced the lives of riders of all ages as they embrace their passion for horses. Our community at Angie Hughes Horsemanship is a family, where equestrian enthusiasts come together to enjoy the joys of horse ownership, riding, and caring for these magnificent creatures. It is a passion that brings together people from all walks of life and provides a unique bond that only equine enthusiasts can understand.

At Angie Hughes Horsemanship, we pride ourselves on our commitment to excellence, our passion for horses, and our desire to share this passion with riders of all ages. Our Levels of Horsemanship program has proven to be effective in developing confident and knowledgeable horsemen who excel in and out of the arena.

Join our barn family today, and embark on a fulfilling journey towards the mastery of horsemanship.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

My reputation has been built on a foundation of transparency, positivity, and a focus on the client experience. When working with horses, I know constant care and monitoring are key. This means being open and transparent with my clients about my practices and any potential issues that may arise. By being honest and upfront, I have gained their trust and built a strong reputation in the industry. Additionally, I have always prioritized the well-being of our school horses. They are incredible creatures that provide our students with unique learning opportunities but require constant care and attention. Through our positive, encouraging, and animal-focused approach, we provide the best education possible while keeping the needs of our horses front and center.
Overall, my reputation has been built through years of hard work, dedication, and a relentless focus on providing the best possible experience for our clients and animals.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

As a traveling clinician and multi-carded horse show judge, my life was always on the go. I spent most of my time traveling from place to place, holding clinics, and training horses. It was a job I loved, but it was also physically and mentally demanding. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced me to pivot in my career. When the pandemic hit, everything came to a halt. All the events I had scheduled for the year were cancelled, leaving me with a lot of free time. At first, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I was used to being constantly on the move, and suddenly, I was stuck at home like everyone else.
During this time, I realized I had a unique opportunity to reinvent my career. I had always loved teaching horsemanship, but I had never had the time to focus on it. With the pandemic restricting travel and social gatherings, it became clear that relaunching my horsemanship school was the perfect next step.
I started by revamping my website and creating advertising materials for my school. I also used the time to study and learn new techniques that I could teach my students. Thanks to my reputation as a clinician and judge, I quickly built a following of students eager to learn from me.
Since I’ve been working hard to build my school up with excellent horses and a curriculum that gives our students a roadmap to confidence and success with horses, I’m now teaching horsemanship lessons and offering clinics at my barn. It’s been exciting to see how much interest there is in these classes, and I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for horsemanship with my students.
Looking back, I realize that the pandemic was a blessing in disguise for me. Without the disruption it caused to my travel schedule and work life, I might never have had the insight and time to make this pivot in my career. Now, I’m happier than ever, doing work that I love and making a positive impact on the lives of others.

Contact Info:

• Website: AngieHughesHorsemanship.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/frombeginnerstowinnerswithangie

Image Credits
Caitlin Demura Photography