The horses behind every lesson.
Patient teachers, trusted partners, the occasional mascot.
Every horse here has a job.
Some teach beginners how a horse feels in the first place. Some carry intermediate riders into their first jump course. One is officially retired and unofficially in charge of the barn. Every horse at Flying W is matched to its rider — never the other way around.
Below are six of the horses you'll get to know if you ride here. The herd is bigger than what's pictured — Kate brought nine over from Texas in late 2025, and it's grown since.
Rosie
The first horse most students ever ride.
Rosie is the chestnut Quarter Horse mare that introduces a lot of riders to what it actually feels like up there. She's the partner you meet on a quiet weekday morning, the one who lets you take your time tacking up before a single foot goes in the stirrup.
She's calm enough to work on the lunge line for first-timers and steady enough that her riders relax into the saddle by the end of the hour. If your first lesson is at Flying W, there's a good chance it's with Rosie.
Joy
The one who teaches the finer details with confidence.
Joy has the long résumé. Years in the show ring, time with Pony Club, and the kind of arena composure that comes from a horse who's been there before. Riders graduate to Joy when they're ready to start asking sharper questions — about position, about timing, about how to actually communicate with the animal underneath them.
She's patient with every step her rider takes toward growth. The wide bald face and flaxen mane are unmistakable; spend a lesson with her and you'll understand why she's the one who unlocks the next level.
Ms. Cardi
Polo, trails, playdays — and a sweet personality to match.
Ms. Cardi has done a little bit of everything before showing up at Flying W — polo strings, trail work, playday events. She's not a jumper, and she'll be the first to tell you. But on the flat she's a wonderful partner, and the kids who bathe and groom her on barn days will line up for it.
She's the horse you want when the goal is feel: balance, transitions, learning to ride with a horse instead of just on top of one.
Cloud
Officially: "On Cloud Nine." Unofficially: a handful, in the best way.
Cloud's brass nameplate reads On Cloud Nine — show name energy, small-pony delivery. He's eight, around 12 hands, and full of the kind of energy that intermediate riders pick when they want a ride that keeps things interesting.
He loves to jump, he loves a paint day, and he keeps his rider honest. If you're past the lunge line and ready to feel a horse react to you, Cloud is the one.
Dash
Officially retired. Unofficially everywhere.
Dash is Kate's miniature pony of the last decade. He's been retired from giving rides for a while now — and he's used the time off to step fully into mascot duties. Treats. Mischief. Cameos at every barn event.
If you bring kids to a lesson, they will find Dash. He'll be wearing something — a poinsettia wreath at Christmas, a rubber-duck-print blanket on a cold afternoon — and he'll act like he was expecting you.
Sammy
Twenty-three years on this farm and going strong.
Sammy is the bay Quarter Horse gelding who has called Flying W home for most of his life. Twenty-three years old and still showing up. He'll happily pop over a small jump for an experienced rider, then turn around the next hour and carry a beginner with the same calm focus.
He's the kind of horse you don't appreciate fully until you've ridden a few — then you realize how rare a Sammy actually is.
A second herd, a second career.
Kate's personal riding horses are predominantly retired racehorses she's retraining for life after the track. Some are ridden by Kate, some are coming along for sale as they develop. They live and work alongside the school horses — and they have their own page.
Book a lesson — Kate will pick the right horse for you.
Lessons run Tuesday through Sunday, 8am to 6pm. New riders always start with an evaluation, so we can match you to the right horse from day one.
Reach Out
Use the contact form or call and text. Tell Kate your age and any experience you have.
Pick a Time
Any day Tuesday through Sunday, 8am to 6pm. No lengthy process — just a time that works.
Meet the Herd
Every new student starts with grooming and tacking up. You meet the horse before you ride.