For anybody who has ever dreamed of having their own horse, Select Show Horses in Sheridan is a good place to take the first step in that direction.
“We do everything from beginners that haven’t been on a horse before … to people who want to take it to the next level,” said instructor Cheryl Wendling.
For beginners who just want to learn how to ride, owning a horse isn’t a requirement. The beginner level courses at Select Show Horses usually involve riding once a week for 10 weeks, and they often take place on trails at state parks, Wendling said.
If students demonstrate the interest and commitment necessary to work on showing horses in competition, they can advance to the academy show program. These riders typically practice twice a week in order to compete in showcases conducted in surrounding states during the spring, Wendling said.
After two seasons in the show program, students can choose to pursue advanced training for Class A, regional and national competitions. At this point in training students are required to purchase their own show horse – which usually costs about $10,000, Wendling said.
Students at Select Show Horses start as young as 5½ years old, but there is no upper age limit.
“You’re never too old,” Wendling said.
And lessons last through most of the year except when the high for the day is expected to not reach at least 25 degrees.
Horses are kept at the school and are hand-walked and trained everyday by the school’s three trainers.
Select Show Horses has been in business for eight years in Sheridan, and maintains a 38-stall barn and a large indoor arena, but Wendling said it is considering expanding.
“We are always looking for people who are excited about this,” Wendling said.
