The Full Story
About
Kelsey's passion for horses began at an early age when her mother signed her up for a riding day camp. From that week on, her love for horses grew rapidly. After years of riding and competing through childhood, Kelsey attended college with intentions to follow her dream of becoming a horse trainer. After graduating from A&M, she returned to Dallas and jumped into the world of business while horses just remained a hobby. It wasn't until she met Amy, who owned a small barn right outside of Dallas, that her dream turned into a reality. After teaching Amy, her 2 daughters, and a few boarders, Kelsey began teaching and training more as word got out. From a few students in 2013 to a full barn of horses, students, and a busy show team, Kelsey's passion quickly became a full time job. In 2024, Kelsey, along with her 2 fantastic assistants, Ariel & Alyssa, decided to relocate the growing business to a bigger facility across the metroplex. The team is incredibly excited for a new chapter at their beautiful new facility in Blue Ridge, TX.
Kelsey Marcus
Kelsey has been riding horses since she was little, competing in the local hunter jumper circuits, "A" circuit, and showing horses at AQHA shows throughout Texas. After graduating from Texas A&M with a Bachelor's in Agricultural Business, she began training riders and horses, instilling in them a dressage background as a foundation for successful jumping.
Kelsey has extensive experience training a multitude of horses and has developed a passion for "complicated rides." She has coached many riders, instilling in them a sense of confidence and love of horses, and led them to win countless awards in competition. More than anything, Kelsey loves sharing her passion with others and passing on her extensive knowledge to future generations of riders.
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Ariel Tokar
Ariel has enjoyed being part of the Equine industry for more than 20 years. She grew up competing in the local Hunter jumper circuits, and enjoyed every minute spent with horses and the people who love them.
Starting with a foundation formed in Pony Club, Ariel has had the opportunity to participate in many different disciplines of the industry, including: H/J, dressage, eventing, foxhunting, Polo, and Stock horse events.
Ariel graduated from Texas A&M with an Agriculture Leadership and Development bachelor of science with an equine emphasis. She furthered her hands-on education by traveling to the East Coast to train under multiple trainers.
Ariel returned to Texas in 2014 to begin her training career and become the host of an equine TV show, Wild About Barns. Care for the animal, rider safety, and proper training are important elements of her teaching style. She believes attention to detail, along with having fun, should be part of her students’ enjoyment of these amazing animals and sport.
Alyssa Mathis
Alyssa started her riding career as a hunter rider in her hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. While receiving her degree in Equine General Studies from William Woods University, she fell in love with jumpers and even crossed into the eventing world.
Also while in college, Alyssa participated twice in the Retired Racehorse Project Makeover which gave her the passion for retraining off the track thoroughbreds.
Alyssa enjoys teaching both children and adults and loves to incorporate dressage fundamentals into her lessons to create more well rounded and confident riders.