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 teaches at and manages the JoyRide lesson and boarding operations full time.
**Elle is taking a break from regular teaching Fall 2022 to spend time with her new [human] baby, expected August 2022!!**
Elle teaches at and manages the JoyRide lesson and boarding operations full time.
**Elle is taking a break from regular teaching Fall 2022 to spend time with her new [human] baby, expected August 2022!!**
tess sevelow-lee - instructor
Tess joined the JoyRide team September 2019. Tess is a certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor through PATH Int'l, and is also a certified instructor through the Israeli Equestrian Federation. Tess worked under dressage rider Tomer Tutsch and trained with Asaf Shturman, a nationally ranked show jumper is Israel, along with plenty of other training and working experience. She lives in Durham with her husband Asaf, their dog, and several cats.
Along with all that knowledge, Tess brings to the barn a contagiously joyful energy that just doesn't stop. She specializes currently in teaching beginning riders correct fundamentals in a super fun and engaging way.
Along with all that knowledge, Tess brings to the barn a contagiously joyful energy that just doesn't stop. She specializes currently in teaching beginning riders correct fundamentals in a super fun and engaging way.
chrissie schalkoff - instructor, horse care
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Chrissie is a native of upstate South Carolina, and joined the JoyRide community after moving to the Triangle to pursue a PhD in public health at UNC. She brings with her over 20 years of experience in riding and working with horses, as well as a love for teaching and education in both the scientific and equine worlds. Her primary background is in eventing, where she competed through the Novice level with her horse Rio--and the two of them still enjoy a good cross-country day more than anything! Chrissie also has extensive interest in and experience with a variety of natural horsemanship techniques, as she believes that safe and happy horse and rider partnerships begin with an understanding of horse behavior and communication on the ground.
Chrissie recently completed her Doctorate in Public Health from UNC - congrats!! She is now working on a Master's in Clinical Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling at UNC. |
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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 certification in equine massage; 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.
Her main focus during lessons is safety, fun, and improving rider-horse communication.
elizabeth moore - barn manager
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Elizabeth has been taking care of horses at JoyRide since before it was JoyRide. She is extremely knowledgeable and skilled in handling a variety of horses, a wealth of information, and a delight to be around.
Elizabeth recently completed her PhD in Biology at UNC, studying host-parasitoid interactions. She has a BA in Biology and a Master's from University of Cambridge. Among being "the bug expert" (as Elle says), she is a true animal lover, an avid learner of all things horse behavior. |
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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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 - her bio is coming soon!
