joyride values
*1. We value the Safety, including mental and physical health of our riders:
- We are COVID-safe -- staff are vaccinated, and we appreciate our outdoor environment and fresh air! No fees for COVID-related lesson cancellations.
- Instruction fosters a positive attitude, building self-esteem and confidence along with riding skills.
- Riders are started on the lunge line until skills advance enough to ride independently.
*2. We value our Patient, encouraging instruction style:
- We believe in creating a learning environment where riders feel comfortable to be themselves and pursue their interests and goals.
*3. We value our Supportive and inclusive barn community:
- People of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities are welcome.
- Our team of young professionals serve as role models for many students, especially in the areas of hard work, dedication, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and horse care.
- Everyone helps each other as needed.
*4. We value Excellent horsemanship:
- We teach groundwork and riding that focuses on the details of body language, balance, and behavior, in order to build a healthy relationship between horse and rider.
- All horses receive excellent care; they have a schedule, turnout routine, and feeding program suited to their individual needs.
- We believe happy, healthy horses are willing partners and are committed to keeping them happy and healthy.
*5. We value an Organized schedule and responsive communication
- Schedule emails are sent weekly and Google calendar kept updated at all times; emails and texts are answered promptly.
- We are COVID-safe -- staff are vaccinated, and we appreciate our outdoor environment and fresh air! No fees for COVID-related lesson cancellations.
- Instruction fosters a positive attitude, building self-esteem and confidence along with riding skills.
- Riders are started on the lunge line until skills advance enough to ride independently.
*2. We value our Patient, encouraging instruction style:
- We believe in creating a learning environment where riders feel comfortable to be themselves and pursue their interests and goals.
*3. We value our Supportive and inclusive barn community:
- People of all ages, genders, ethnicities, and abilities are welcome.
- Our team of young professionals serve as role models for many students, especially in the areas of hard work, dedication, entrepreneurship, teamwork, and horse care.
- Everyone helps each other as needed.
*4. We value Excellent horsemanship:
- We teach groundwork and riding that focuses on the details of body language, balance, and behavior, in order to build a healthy relationship between horse and rider.
- All horses receive excellent care; they have a schedule, turnout routine, and feeding program suited to their individual needs.
- We believe happy, healthy horses are willing partners and are committed to keeping them happy and healthy.
*5. We value an Organized schedule and responsive communication
- Schedule emails are sent weekly and Google calendar kept updated at all times; emails and texts are answered promptly.
- staff -
Elle kimsey - owner, head instructor
JoyRide Equestrian, LLC is owned and operated by Elle Kimsey (formerly Goertzen). Elle has a Master of Science in Equine Nutrition, Bachelor of Science in Horse Science, and is a certified Registered Therapeutic Riding Instructor with PATH Int'l. A native of the Triangle, Elle has also lived and worked in Michigan, Tennessee, Mississippi, and Louisiana. Her major teachers include her first instructor Vernell Falgout, legendary AQHA coach Anne Brzezicki, Julie Arkison of Synchrony Farm, and Cindy and Eliza Sydnor of Braeburn Farm. Elle has also participated in and audited clinics with Maryal Barnett, Brooke Doss, Deb Bowman, Bettina Drummond, and JJ Tate. Because of such a varied background and a commitment to skillfulness in horsemanship, Elle brings an eclectic mix of knowledge and expertise, and an ever-flexible approach to her teaching and management style.
Elle achieved her USDF Bronze Medal, as well as her Rider Awards at Training and First Level, in June 2024!
Elle teaches at and manages the JoyRide lesson and boarding operations full time.
Elle achieved her USDF Bronze Medal, as well as her Rider Awards at Training and First Level, in June 2024!
Elle teaches at and manages the JoyRide lesson and boarding operations full time.
alyssa wiertsema - instructor
Alyssa joined the JoyRide team in summer 2022. She has experience in several different disciplines, including jumping, Dressage, western, driving and liberty. She truly enjoys encouraging riders to improve their relationship with their horse from the ground and in the saddle. Alyssa has a degree in equine science and management and a special interest in functional anatomy; this background enables her to teach from a perspective of rider biomechanics, focusing on proper position and movement. She loves exploring how the rider's position affects the horse and vice versa.
Her main focus during lessons is safety, fun, and improving rider-horse communication through rider position.
Alyssa's greatest strength is her never-ending love of learning. She is a Certified Equine Myo-Manipulative Functional Therapist in the Angel's Animals Technique. She is also is studying to be a Physical Therapist for humans!
Her main focus during lessons is safety, fun, and improving rider-horse communication through rider position.
Alyssa's greatest strength is her never-ending love of learning. She is a Certified Equine Myo-Manipulative Functional Therapist in the Angel's Animals Technique. She is also is studying to be a Physical Therapist for humans!
emma mounsey - instructor
Emma is our newest instructor, but she is not new to teaching. Emma brings 25 years of riding experience and 15 years teaching. She is currently retraining her off the track thoroughbred Secret in low level eventing and dressage, while continuing her own education as a rider and horse person at Quail Roost Farm in Rougemont. Her teaching style focuses on a building a solid foundation and learning good horsemanship while having fun!
ashton thorne - instructor
Ashton has been riding horses for 15 years and started teaching in the last 3. His riding experience is mostly within the hunter-jumper and equitation realm, as well as being a frequent trail rider and exerciser of "naughty" ponies! They hold a BA in philosophy and psychology from UNC, and they enjoy incorporating their knowledge of humans and horses to encourage confident, balanced riding. He loves working with neurodivergent people, beginners, and anyone interested in building a reciprocal, loving relationship with horses. He also loves learning about and teaching horse care, health, and behavior!
Alexa Clegg - instructor
Alexa is originally from Winston Salem, NC, where she grew up riding dressage and eventing at her local Pony Club Riding Center, Hidden K Stables. Now a USDF Bronze and Silver medalist, Alexa relocated to Durham after graduating college and most recently has been a working student for Eliza Sydnor Dressage at Ardenwood Farm. Alexa has experience as a beginning instructor from teaching summer horse camp and volunteering at Riverwood Therapeutic Riding Center all the way up to coaching riders at recognized dressage and eventing shows. She is fortunate to ride and compete her own horse, Bubbles.
lisa coates - horse care
Lisa is an incredibly valued member of our horse care team and always goes the extra mile to make sure all members of the herd have top quality care - she has two horses of her own at home and we are grateful she spends her time taking care of our herd as well!
taylor paige hall - horse care
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Taylor has been a member of our horse care team for 3 years. Taylor is incredibly hard working, loyal, and kind. She has several horses of her own. She has a farm-sitting business and we are lucky to be one of her farms!
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rachel bittner - horse care
Rachel joined the horse care team in 2023 and she and her daughter ride in our program, too. We appreciate her attention to detail and joyful presence!