“Sharyn’s approach to Life Lessons through Horses is one of those ideas where people agree on yet it is not always emphasized at other barns. I have seen my daughter grow under Sharyn’s leadership not just as an equestrian, but as a young tween to be more patient with different learning styles of horses and people. Most barns can teach a child to ride a horse, and if the child has a bad ride or makes a mistake, blame is quickly assessed to the child or the horse. Unfortunately, then the child doesn’t want to ride a certain horse, because it is labeled as “bad”. How often do we do that with people, instead of trying to work things out? Sharyn’s training approach helps the child learn how to read a horse and then build on skills to work through a problem. My daughter’s confidence soars with Sharyn’s approach because as a rider she learns to personalize her skills for different horses with unique personalities. I’ve noticed she is applying this approach to her friends as she embraces their differences along with their mutual love for horses.”
“My love for horses has been strong and powerful my whole life. When I started to ride with Sharyn a couple of years ago, it made me realize I can do anything I set my mind to. Through her encouraging and positive coaching style I fulfilled my lifelong dream to own my own horse. I truly cherish and value Sharyn’s friendship and her genuine ways of coaching.”
“Our 12 year old daughter has been riding horses with Sharyn Henry at Red Hat Cowgirl for about three years, and has absolutely blossomed as a result. Sharyn has a remarkable talent for pairing horse and rider to bring out the best in both.It is heartwarming to watch the smiles of pure joy on her young riders’ faces after they master a particular facet of riding! Sharyn’s ability to teach, coach, mentor, encourage and work with young ladies individually, and in group settings, is impressive. She operates in as safe a physical environment as possible, given the unpredictable nature of horses, and she safeguards her students’ emotions as well. Her stable of horses provides ample opportunity for beginners through experienced riders. Sharyn equips her riders with the knowledge and experiences that they will need to eventually own their own horses, which will serve them well even if that eventuality does not occur. Our daughter is learning responsibility, leadership, teamwork, groundwork, showmanship, horsemanship, speed events, as well as sportsmanship, and she has just begun to participate in horse shows with progressively successful results. Our daughter’s self confidence in her skills, both in and out of the riding ring, has grown as a result, and at a time in her life when that becomes increasingly important. An experienced and accomplished rider herself, Sharyn operates her barn with utmost integrity, honesty and fairness, and her generous nature also teaches her students about giving to others and helping those less fortunate. We feel as though we have become a part of Sharyn’s family since she genuinely cares deeply about each of her students, past and present, and we are very blessed to have her in our lives!”
“I have known Sharyn Henry for almost 2 years. Sharyn was recommended to me because I was looking for an activity dealing with animals to bring my daughter Chloe’s girl scout troop to. Sharyn was wonderful with the girls she taught them all about how to care for a horse and then let each one ride a horse. I think this was the best outing of the year for those girls.
My daughter has always been very timid and unsure about new experience and she has never been very attracted to outside physical activity. She also struggles with some anxiety, it is not debilitating but it is still present. On the other hand I think she has a good sense of herself but she has never had a passion for any activity. We put her in dance, gymnastics, tennis, art etc., and she liked all of them but never really cared to continue beyond the basic beginning classes. Horses and working with Sharyn has been the only activity that she has really loved.
My daughter has made such a huge change since she has been working with Sharyn. She was confident at home and with her friends but now I think the confidence spreads to all areas of her life. She loves being at the barn, not just because she can ride but she is also happy to muck the stalls, feed the horses and whatever else she can do. She has also made some good friends with the other girls who ride at the barn. Sharyn has created a whole community for the people who ride with her. Sharyn creates a sense of safety but also expects everyone to pull their own weight. When my daughter goes to ride, her duties are to get her own horse, saddle/bridle brush and clean off. Doing this has given her the opportunity to know her horse and have to learn how to deal with a 1000lb animal as well as the ability to make that animal do what she wants it to do even when the horse would rather not. She has learned to be strong and kind without having to apologize for what she wants her horse to do. As women I have always felt that we need to be very strategic about how we express our power so we don’t offend anyone. With horses you can’t be apologetic or they will take advantage of you. It is a power lesson and I am glad my daughter is getting this lesson.
My daughter has also been competing in horse shows and events and for such a new rider she is doing very well. This is a whole new level of having to be strong in the world that my daughter is experiencing. I am so grateful that Sharyn Henry has come into our life.”