From Ten Years Old
to Twenty-Three Years Teaching
Canter didn't start as a business. It started as a girl who couldn't stay off horses.
Margaret on Dusty, her first pony. She fell off three times that summer and got back on every single time.
The First Pony
A ten-year-old girl stood at a paddock gate in Wellington boots two sizes too big, staring at a grey Welsh cob who stared right back. That girl was me. Dusty wasn't fast or fancy — he was patient, and patient was exactly what I needed.
First Competition Ribbon
Eight years later, a red ribbon. Not first — third. But it felt like gold. I'd learned that riding isn't about winning; it's about the conversation between you and a 500-kilogram animal who chose to trust you.
Regional Junior Cross-Country, 2001. Third place. She cried the whole drive home (happy tears).
Lily, age 7. Now she teaches here on weekends.
First Student
My first student was Lily Chen, seven years old, terrified of the size of horses and in love with them anyway. I watched her face the day she trotted solo for the first time. I knew then — this was the work.
First Barn Expansion
The waitlist hit 60 families. We scraped together savings, borrowed a bit, and broke ground on a new block of stalls. The day we opened, every box was full by noon.
We outgrew our original four stalls. Added eight more. Still not enough.
Every weekend, 40+ riders. Every summer, a camp that sells out in 72 hours.
The Bustling Yard
Today Canter is 14 horses, 6 instructors, and a yard that smells like hay and ambition. We've watched babies become teenagers, beginners become competitors, and everyone find something they didn't expect: themselves.
Pick Your Block.
Show Up Every Week.
All packages run in 4–6 week blocks. Same horse, same instructor, same time — consistency is how riders improve.
Tiny Trotter
First steps in the saddle
- ✦Max 3 riders per session
- ✦Patient Welsh Cob ponies
- ✦Grooming & tacking up
- ✦Walk & intro trot
- ✦Safety certificate included
Young Rider
Trot, canter, confidence
- ✦Max 4 riders per session
- ✦Trot & canter technique
- ✦Pole work & small jumps
- ✦Stable management basics
- ✦Progress report card
Teen Track
Cross-country & jumping
- ✦Max 5 riders per session
- ✦Cross-country schooling
- ✦Grid & course jumping
- ✦Competition preparation
- ✦Yard duties & horse care
Adult Beginner
You promised yourself. Now go.
- ✦Dedicated adult sessions
- ✦Zero judgment, pure joy
- ✦Balance & seat work
- ✦Walk, trot & first canter
- ✦Flexible scheduling
All prices in USD · 48-hour cancellation policy · Helmets & basic equipment provided · Questions? hello@canter.horse
Pinned from the
Canter Noticeboard
"My daughter Emma has been here six months and I genuinely cannot get her to leave on Sunday afternoons. She talks about her horse Biscuit like a best friend. Worth every penny."
Patricia Nguyen
Emma's mom, age 9
"I'm 34 years old and I finally did it. Margaret never made me feel behind or silly. First canter last Saturday. I actually cried. My husband thought something was wrong."
David Okafor
Adult Beginner, 6 weeks in
"Theo came home from camp and immediately started researching horse breeds. He wants a pony for Christmas now. Thanks, Canter. Really."
Jennifer Walsh
Theo's mom, summer camp 2024
"Nia's been riding competitively for two years now. Margaret spotted her potential before we did. She just placed second at regionals. We're stunned."
Marcus & Keisha Thompson
Nia's parents, Teen Track
"I was terrified of horses. Genuinely. My daughter dragged me to a parent session and now I'm booked for the adult beginner block. Life is strange and good."
Raj Patel
Reluctant convert, Priya's dad
Five Days.
A Lifetime of Stories.
Our summer intensive camps run Mon–Fri for ages 8–16. Riders spend 5 hours a day with horses — morning stables, arena schooling, trail rides, jump courses, and an awards evening on Friday.
Duration
Mon–Fri, 5 days
Ages
8–16 years
Price
$595 per week
Spots
12 riders max
2026 Camp Dates
