Meet Our Staff
Instructor & Camp Leader
Connie
Connie is a mother to 4, grandmother, caretaker, and Hospital Manager of VCA PineRidge Animal Hospital. She has owned horses for over 40 years.
Connie is the founder of 3 Hearts Equine Rescue, a 501c3 Non-Profit Organization, which is also located at the same facility as Hearts & Horses Equine Center. It brings Connie joy to be able to see some of the rescue horses being used in the lesson and camp program.
In her free time, Connie enjoys showing her horses, especially Morocco, at WSCA game shows and going on trail rides in the woods across the street. She enjoys spending time with her children, grandchildren, and friends.
Connie helps with the horse camps and teaches lessons. She enjoys being able to share her passion with others.
Teaching Style: Focuses on clear communication and building strong basics. She emphasizes using light hands and leg aids to connect gently with the horse. Additionally, she teaches proper body posture to help riders stay balanced and in control. Connie's approach is patient and encouraging, helping students gain confidence while improving their skills.
Mark
Camp Leader
Certified in youth horsemanship training, Mark brings over two decades of hands-on experience developing riders and horses. As the owner and operator of a successful training facility for 24 years, he specialized in building strong foundations for young riders, emphasizing safety, confidence, and proper technique.
After a brief time away from the industry, Mark is returning to training with a renewed focus on individualized instruction and practical horsemanship skills. His approach combines patience, consistency, and real-world experience to help riders grow both in and out of the saddle.
Mark is passionate about working with youth and creating a positive, structured environment where riders and horses can succeed together.
Meet Our Horses
Dandy
Dandy is a 3-year-old Quarter Horse cross gelding, but don’t let his young age fool you—he behaves like a seasoned lesson horse. Rescued as an unhandled weanling and trained here at our barn, Dandy has developed into a confident, reliable mount. He is a fantastic addition to our lesson program for intermediate and advanced students, with great potential to grow into a beginner-level horse as he gains experience.
Ruger
Ruger is a 27-year-old paint gelding. He is 15 hh, making him a perfect height for anyone. With his age, he is only a walk/ light trot lesson horse for beginners. He is a super sweet boy and can quickly steal hearts. He is a barn favorite by many.
Morocco
Morocco is a mustang gelding. He is 13.3hh, but his thick build makes it so that adults can ride him. He knows the WSCA patterns and travels with us to shows. He is also an excellent trail riding mount. He makes an excellent addition to our lesson program to help people gain confidence.
Mac
Mac is a 14-year-old quarter horse gelding. He is 15.1 hh. He is a favorite at Hearts & Horses by many people. He knows all of the WSCA events and has been to the Champ Show. At shows, he does best with an experenced rider as he is fast. At home, he is an angel and makes a great horse for all out in the arena or on the trails.
Willow
Willow is a 5-year-old paint pony mare. She is 14 hh, making her a good height for shorter adults and kids. Willow is used in both our lesson and show program. She is definitely a favorite of many around here. Fun fact, Willow was born at Connie's and she also still owns her mom, Shayla.
Gem
Gem is a 17-year-old Quarter Horse/Paint gelding. We rescued him in the fall of 2023, and he was the most emaciated horse we had ever seen. After nursing him back to health, we discovered that he loves kids and truly lives up to his name. Gem is a wonderful addition to our program and is well suited for all riders.
Cruiser
Cruiser is a paint gelding in his 20s, standing 15 hh. He loves to go fast and has a canter as smooth as a rocking horse! Cruiser is a wonderful addition to our lesson program and is best suited for our experienced riders because of his liking to go fast.
Grant
Grant is a 3-year-old Quarter Horse cross gelding. Rescued as an unhandled weanling and trained here at our barn, Grant has developed into a confident, reliable mount. He is a fantastic addition to our lesson program for intermediate and advanced students, with great potential to grow into a beginner-level horse as he gains experience.
Scooby
Scooby is a 26-year-old Belgian cross horse. He is 16.2 hh, but do not let his size scare you as he is a gentle giant. He used to be an Amish horse and is trained to pull a wagon. Scooby is a great addition to our program and enjoys doing lessons, camps, and horse shows.
Buster
Buster is a shetland pony gelding in his mid 20s. He is the gray on the right. Buster is mainly used for lead-line lessons for the younger kiddos. He is a rescue pony!
Belle
Belle is a shetland pony mare in her mid 20s. She loves kids and being brushed for hours. She is mainly used for lead-line lessons for the younger kiddos.
Tuff
Tuff is a 12-year-old Quarter Horse gelding who was born at Connie’s and has been owned by her his entire life. He earned his name as a foal after running straight into a fence while figuring out his legs—only to hop right back up like nothing happened. Someone remarked, “That’s one tough foal,” and the name stuck. Today, Tuff lives up to it and is a wonderful addition to our lesson program.
Red
Red is a 12-year-old Quarter Horse gelding and is a newer addition to our lesson program. He was rescued from a kill pen and will undergo a training evaluation before being introduced into lessons. Red is an absolute sweetheart, and we’re excited to see him grow into his new role.
Dusty
Dusty is a middle-teens Quarter Horse gelding. He has been diagnosed with navicular and wears special shoes to help keep him comfortable. Dusty was previously Connie’s granddaughter’s show horse before coming to Connie’s to enjoy a well-deserved semi-retirement. He is used only for beginner lessons and pony camps to ensure his comfort. Dusty is truly the sweetest boy!
Lady
Lady is a mid-teen mare standing at 14.1 hands. She is our newest addition, and after a thorough evaluation, we hope to welcome her into our lesson program. We purchased Lady just before she was sent to an auction, where her future was uncertain. She is an exceptionally sweet mare, and with her excellent manners, she truly lives up to her name.
In Loving Memory
Tucker
Connie owned and loved Tucker for 21.5 years, and he lived a long, wonderful life of 27.5 years, bringing joy, comfort, and confidence to countless children and families.
Tucker truly had a heart of gold. Gentle, patient, and full of love, he brightened every rider’s day and sometimes showed a spark of spunk that made him unforgettable. He cared for riders of all ages, even the youngest taking their first lessons.
He loved his best buddy, Buster, and had a daily routine of trotting freely into the barn for his grain — a little moment that always brought smiles to everyone.
Tucker will forever hold a special place in our hearts, and there will never be another pony like him. He will be deeply missed by all of us.
If you have any photos or memories with Tucker, please share them in the comments so we can celebrate the special moments he gave us.
Tiny Tim
Tiny Tim came into Connie’s life in March 2022. When our program started, he quickly became a favorite in lessons, horse camps, and pony camps. He carried some of our students in their first shows and helped them earn their very first ribbons. He touched more hearts than we could ever count.
Tiny Tim’s small size disguised the big, loving heart and feisty spirit that made him who he was. He gave so much to the children who adored him and his presence brought comfort and smiles to everyone around him. And of course, he will always be remembered for his signature “head bumps”… the sweet little nudges he’d give if you walked in front of him or stood by his side, as if asking for attention or reminding you he was there.
Tiny Tim will be deeply missed by so many. He lived a long and happy life, making it well into his 20s. If you have photos or special memories with him, please share them as well so we can honor the joy he brought to our program.