Young Entrepreneur Teaches Horsemanship

Young Entrepreneur Teaches Horsemanship

By Marla Ballard

Reporter

DAWSON, ALA. -- Lynley Reinert is an extraordinary seventeen-year-old, at age sixteen she started up her own business. She teaches horsemanship, her schedule is flexible since she is homeschooled. Her love of horses began when she was just seven years of age.

Reinert said, “Right after I rode a horse for the first time, I told my parents I was going to start saving money for a horse of my own.” She did just that and contributed what she had saved to her parents when they purchased her first horse. “Dad rode when he was younger and encouraged me to learn horsemanship,” said Reinert.

After taking lessons on horsemanship Reinert decided to share her passion and education with others. She trains fellow horse lovers in a round-pen on the forty acre farm her family owns. Students may bring their own horse or use one of Reinert’s. “I especially like it when a student brings their own horse because that allows me to teach them how to handle their horse,” said Reinert. “The worst mistake a rider makes is letting their horse get away with a bad behavior. If a horse knows it can get away with something it will become a habit. Teaching a student to fix the bad behaviors of their horse is just as important as teaching them to ride.”

When Reinert purchased her first horse, Dolly, the horse had what Reinert calls “bad manners.”  “She said she liked to bite and it took consistency to retrain her. “The previous owner of Dolly rarely rode her so she was somewhat on the wild side, it took time to make her rideable again,” said Reinert.

The most important lesson Reinert teaches is safety around a horse. She explains to her students how to be aware of harm that could happen to them when they are grooming or putting a saddle on or off of a horse. She also teaches her students about caring for their horse when it comes to feeding and grooming, and some of the medical care a horse require such as worming and vaccinations.

Reinert rides three to four days each week and recommends to her students to not miss a week of riding. “My own education of horsemanship is ongoing,” said Reinert. “My plan is to go to college and take up employment in some type of agricultural field. No matter what employment I take up in the future I see myself riding horses for the rest of my life.”

The fee for a lesson is $25 per hour (typically one hour each week) and Reinert has her students pay for a month at a time. She does allow students to reschedule their days when it is necessary. For more information call: 256-601-4231.

Leave a comment