Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracie Stark.

Hi Gracie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Since a very young age, I have always had an interest in horses. The first time I sat on a horse, I was 8 weeks old and I have been hooked ever since. I eventually saved enough money to buy my own horse at the age of 13. His name was Charlie, and he was the best first horse I could have asked for. I bought my second horse at 15 and continued to ride and show both of them. Then, after I graduated high school and started college, I started to consider the reality of life and what career I should pursue. In my mind at the time, riding horses was not a successful career. Then, I found Awake Ranch and Retreat Center as well as Megan Pugh, head trainer. I have worked with Megan now for over a year, and she readily took me under her wing and made me her Assistant Trainer. I saw that a career in training and riding horses was a possibility, as well as how happy it truly made me. Now, I have the most wonderful team and horses at my side as I continue to pursue my riding career.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My journey to get to my career was not a smooth road. I had to overcome many mental and physical challenges, many of which I still battle today. Horse riding is a physically challenging sport, and it is not always the safest. I have endured a few horse accidents, and overcoming those was challenging not only for my body, but for my mind as well.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a dressage rider and trainer, who trains both horses and riders. I also assist in hosting our Retreats at Awake Ranch. Retreats are where we teach the herd mentality of horses and show how to apply it to your own life. Being able to assist in this amazing work and watching how healing horses are, even for people not familiar with them, is so touching. I do my best to incorporate these aspects into my every day life and my dressage.

So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
What matters most to me is my family, my team, and my horses. My family has shown unconditional love and support through my career endeavors, and without them I would not have achieved what I have today. My team at Awake Ranch is so important to me as well. Having amazing partners to grow and work with is immeasurably valuable. My horses matter so much to me as well. The bond and trust I have with these amazing animals goes beyond words. It is a connection I feel so blessed to be able to share.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Gracieestark