Meet the Team

Stephanie is a multidisciplinary equestrian coach whose experience spans English and Western dressage, eventing, colt starting, and foundation horsemanship. Her work is rooted in a deep respect for the horse–human partnership and a commitment to developing both technical skill and conscious awareness.

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What sets Stephanie apart as a coach is her ability to synchronize structured, fundamental lessons with real-world application. She excels at bridging the gap between what happens in the arena and how those lessons translate into everyday riding, competition environments, and life beyond the horse. Riders working with Stephanie gain not only clarity in their riding, but a deeper understanding of why things work—and how to carry that knowledge forward independently.

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Sessions with Stephanie often move beyond the parameters of a standard riding lesson. Her coaching naturally weaves in themes of personal development, limiting beliefs, presence, and empowerment, supporting riders in developing confidence, self-awareness, and trust in themselves as much as in their horses.

With a keen eye for detail and a strong belief in correct biomechanics for both horse and rider, Stephanie is committed to helping people learn to communicate with horses on a conscious, relational level. Her approach fosters clarity, softness, and mutual understanding—creating partnerships that are grounded, responsive, and adaptable in any setting.

Wyette Antonick is the Head Assistant Coach at Hoof to Heart Horsemanship and brings a thoughtful, encouraging presence to every lesson. She has developed her own horse through the levels to Preliminary eventing, gaining hands-on experience in training, conditioning, and competition across demanding environments.

With experience in both English and Western disciplines, Wyette offers a well-rounded and adaptable coaching style that meets riders where they are. She has a natural talent for working with beginner and developing riders, creating an atmosphere that is engaging, confidence-building, and fun—without losing sight of solid fundamentals and correct horsemanship.

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Wyette’s coaching style emphasizes clarity, encouragement, and enjoyment, helping students feel supported while learning to trust themselves and their horses. She excels at breaking down complex concepts into simple, approachable steps, allowing progress to feel achievable and rewarding. Her ability to keep lessons light, focused, and motivating helps students build skills without unnecessary pressure.

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Currently in the process of completing her coach certification, Wyette is committed to continued growth and professional development. She enjoys supporting riders from beginner through intermediate levels and aspires to further expand her experience working with high-performance riders in the future.

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Wyette’s passion for horses, positive energy, and dedication to thoughtful training make her an invaluable part of the Hoof to Heart Horsemanship team.

Katie Gush is an exceptional up-and-coming rider and a valued Assistant Coach at Hoof to Heart Horsemanship. She plays a vital role in our program as our primary lead line coach, working closely with riders at the very beginning of their horsemanship journey.

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Katie supports our youngest and newest riders—those not yet ready for the reins—by helping them develop body awareness, balance, coordination, and confidence from the ground up. These early experiences are foundational, and Katie brings an incredible level of patience, softness, and care to every lesson, ensuring each rider feels safe, supported, and successful from their very first interaction with a horse.

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While Katie has a naturally shy demeanor, her lessons are anything but quiet. She brings a lighthearted, playful energy that keeps sessions fun, engaging, and full of encouragement. Her ability to meet young riders exactly where they are creates an environment where learning feels joyful, confidence grows naturally, and trust is built—both in themselves and in the horse beneath them.

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Katie’s work is essential to the heart of our program. By laying a strong foundation in balance, coordination, and emotional safety, she helps set our riders up for long-term success as they progress toward independent riding. Her kindness, consistency, and genuine love for teaching make her an irreplaceable part of the Hoof to Heart Horsemanship team.

Age: 6
Height: 16.2 hh
 

Personality:
Elegant, athletic, and nurturing, Neferatari is a true herd matriarch. Intuitive, sensitive, and deeply aware, she reads her riders with remarkable clarity. While bold and powerful, she is forgiving and honest, offering a safe, trustworthy partnership for riders of all levels. Her presence is commanding yet calming—a horse who inspires confidence and respect.

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Favorite Thing:
Keeping guard over the herd and watching over her equine family.

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Best At Teaching:

• Refinement, balance, and advanced movement

• Rider awareness, subtlety, and body mechanics

• Confidence, trust, and precision

• Adaptability across disciplines: trail, jumping, and arena work

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Best Suited For:

• Riders from beginner to advanced

• Those seeking refinement or upper-level work

• Riders who want a bold, athletic, and responsive partner

 

Why We Love Her:
Neferatari is a horse whose presence and power are matched only by her heart and intuition. She combines elegance, athleticism, and a natural sense of leadership, making her a reliable partner in any discipline. Whether carrying a beginner on a trail, guiding a rider through jumping exercises, or offering a taste of upper-level movements, Nefertari teaches clarity, confidence, and grace with every step. Her smooth, elastic movement and steadfast nature make her one of the most talented and admired horses at Hoof to Heart Horsemanship.

Age: 15
Height: 15.2 hh
 

Personality:
Generous, versatile, and incredibly intuitive. Zeppelin is a barn favorite who adapts effortlessly to every rider, from beginner to advanced, and has a quiet, steady presence that makes him approachable for all. He knows how to “level up” with his rider while teaching patience, consistency, and awareness.

Favorite Thing:
Back rubs — he’s happiest when someone takes a moment to scratch his withers or chest.

 

Best At Teaching:

• Riders to be consistent and clear with their aids

• Balance, body awareness, and correct mechanics for both horse and rider

• Relational horsemanship, trust, and conscious connection

• Stepping up for advanced riders while carrying beginners safely

 

Best Suited For:

• Riders of all levels

• Beginners learning confidence and basics

• Advanced riders practicing precision, cross-country, or performance work

 

Why We Love Him:
Zeppelin is the ultimate teacher and partner. His combination of patience, versatility, and honesty creates a safe, supportive environment for riders to grow. He rewards clarity and consistency, challenges riders to rise to their best, and reminds everyone that learning with horses is as much about presence and connection as it is about skill. A true barn favorite, Zeppelin brings joy, trust, and a little bit of magic to every ride.

Age: 6
Height: 14 hh
 

Personality:
In-your-pocket, sensitive, kind, and deeply people-oriented. Hawk loves connection and has a soft, generous nature.

Favorite Thing:
Being very close to his people — especially invading personal space and nibbling on shoelaces.

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Best At Teaching:

• Body awareness and balanced position

• Accurate, thoughtful use of aids

• Ground boundaries and respectful handling

• Developing feel and softness

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Best Suited For:

• Riders on the lunge line

• Intermediate and above riders ready for more accountability

• Confident riders with balance, coordination, and clarity​

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Why We Love Him:
Hawk’s sensitivity and balanced gaits make him an excellent step-up horse for riders who are ready to refine their communication. He rewards calm confidence and thoughtful riding, making him a wonderful teacher both in the saddle and on the ground.

Age: 13
Height: 15.1hh

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Personality:
A sweet and kind spirit with a playful streak, Denali loves a game of “hard to catch.” She’s a thoughtful and willing partner who tries her heart out—sometimes even doing things her rider didn’t mean to ask! Denali is a trail master: unflappable, steady, and confident across any terrain. In the arena, she can be a bit hotter with riders who aren’t self-aware, making her a fantastic teacher for building focus, clarity, and communication.

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Favorite Thing:
A good scratch on the chest — she melts into it every time.

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Best At Teaching:

• Trail riding confidence and sure-footedness

• Rider self-awareness, focus, and clarity

• Trust, patience, and clear communication

• Understanding when to challenge and when to relax

 

Best Suited For:

• Riders ready for a spirited but willing partner

• Intermediate and advanced riders who can stay balanced and aware

• Trail enthusiasts of all levels looking for a safe, confident mount

 

Why We Love Her:
Denali’s quirky personality, steadfast nature, and playful spirit make her unforgettable. She’s loyal, sure-footed, and always willing to rise to the occasion, teaching riders both patience and confidence. On the trail or in the arena, Denali reminds us that horsemanship is as much about joy and connection as it is about skill.

Age: 6
Height: 15 hh
 

Personality:
A fiery, expressive, and adventurous spirit, Rizzo is a true “spicy burrito.” She craves respect, connection, and recognition—and when riders meet her with clarity and confidence, she gives her whole heart. Brave and endlessly willing, Rizzo is always ready to try something new and loves to explore, proving herself to be incredibly versatile.

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Favorite Thing:
Bossing everyone around in the paddock—she definitely runs the show!

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Best At Teaching:​

• Sitting Trot- Smoothest trot EVER!

• Versatility across disciplines and situations

• Emotional awareness: reading and responding to a strong personality

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Best Suited For:

• Beginners on the lunge & riders comfortable at the walk and trot

• Riders looking to develop confidence, timing, and precision

• Adventurous riders who enjoy challenge and versatility

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Why We Love Her:
Rizzo’s heart, courage, and expressive personality make her unforgettable.  She rewards respect with loyalty, effort with joy, and pushes riders to be clear, confident, and present. Her boundless spirit and willingness to try anything make every ride an adventure—and a lesson in trust, courage, and connection.

Age: 3
Height: 16.1hh
 

Personality:
Big-hearted, soft, and deeply affectionate, Deemah is a true people horse. Bred and raised by us, she has been immersed in connection and trust from the very beginning. She is the first to meet you at the gate, follows her people around like a puppy dog, and has an uncanny ability to gently pull you in for hugs. Her generous, loving nature makes her impossible not to fall in love with.

 

Favorite Thing:
Cuddling — and being as close to her people as possible.

 

Best At Teaching:

• Building trust through connection

• Softness, feel, and emotional awareness

• Relationship-first horsemanship

• Early foundations of confidence and curiosity

 

Best Suited For:

• Groundwork and young-horse development

• Riders interested in witnessing and supporting a horse’s foundation journey

• Future athletes seeking a kind, willing partner

 

Why We Love Her:
Deemah represents the heart of our program — connection before performance. As she begins her start under saddle this year, we expect her to develop into a top athlete while carrying forward the softness, generosity, and emotional intelligence that define her. She is a beautiful reflection of what happens when horses are raised with intention, trust, and relationship at the center, and we’re excited to watch her grow into her full potential.