Owner/Certified Instructor- Susan Borders

SUSAN BORDERS

Formal Education  (USA) - 

* APU Foundation in Equine Therapy Certification (Mar 2026) Accredited by IPHM (International Professional Holistic Health Management) & ICAHP (International Compliance Assurance for Holisitic Practitioners)

* Equine Therapy Practitioner Certification (Jan 2026) Accredited by CPD Center of Excellence, CMA, NCCAP, IPHM (International Professional Holistic Health Management), ICAHP (International Compliance Assurance for Holistic Practitioners)

* Positive Psychology Coach Certification (Feb 2026) Accredited by CPD Center of Excellence, CMA, NCCAP, IPHM (International Professional Holistic Health Management), ICAHP (International Compliance Assurance for Holistic Practitioners)

* Strides to Success Equine Assisted Learning for People with Cerebral Palsy Course Completion Certification (2023)

* Strides to Success Introduction to Equine Assisted Learning and Therapy Course Completion Certification (2022)

Formal Education (UK) -

* Association of British Riding Schools Certified Riding Instructor (2000)

* British Horse Society Stage 1 Riding Ability & Knowledge Certificate (1999)

*British Horse Society Stage 1 Horse Knowledge & Care Certificate (1999)

* New College Swindon, Wiltshire - 

Psychology

Information Technology

Sports Massage

* International Institute Of Holistic Therapies -

Body Massage Diploma

How it all started - Susan started weekly lessons at the local British Horse Society approved Riding School when she was just 8 years old, after spending many months practising posting the trot on a kitchen chair with string for reins and stirrups. Susan progressed quickly to riding the younger, green horses at the riding school and became a confident and effective rider with a talent for jumping without reins or stirrups!  Susan purchased her own horse at the young age of 14 years and realised then how much she still had to learn!  Susan's second horse was a much better match, and she trained that horse from slaughter house rescue to local show jumping winner, often flying over fences of 4ft high, without any help from instructor or trainer.  At 16 years old, Susan started working at the Imperial Arabian Stud in Purton, Wiltshire, and learned that life with horses was hard work and long hours.  Invaluable experience was gained working with the majestic Arabians, despite a lowly weekly wage of just 25 UK Pounds and only one weekend off per month.  From that early experience in the equine industry, Susan began volunteering at local Riding Schools, helping with lessons, training and horse care, and was soon employed by Summerhouse Farm Equestrian Center and then Hulbert's Green Riding as an Instructor.  Susan also worked at Courtown Stud, breaking and training 2 yr old Thoroughbreds for racing.  Susan worked with many breeds of horses and gave lessons to all ages and levels of riders, and assisted with Riding for the Disabled Association lessons.  After many years teaching and training horses, Susan studied for her teaching examinations, successfully passed the exams and was awarded the following certifications - 

* Assocation of British Riding Schools Teaching Certificate (2000)

* British Horse Society Riding Ability & Knowledge Certificate (1999)

* British Horse Society Horse Knowledge and Care Certificate (1999)

Susan completed school and then attended college in the UK, studying Information Technology, and then went on to study Massage, receiving her Diploma in Body Massage from the International Institute of Health and Holistic Therapies.  Despite horses and riding being her main focus, Susan competed successfully at Mountain Bike Races and played Basketball, eventually becoming a Certified Basketball Referee.

Life changes brought Susan to the United States in the Spring of 2001 and Susan continued learning about horses and diversified into riding Western.  Riding and showing Western was a whole new world but with hard work and dedication Susan mastered the art of riding one handed and soon became successful in the show ring in both English and Western disciplines with blue ribbon victories at the National Western Stock Show APHA shows and the Colorado State Fair APHA shows with her personal horse, Clearly Slammin.  Susan then progressed to Western Dressage and was one of the first local instructors to 'show' Western Dressage, on her horse, Clearly Slammin.  Some years later the Western Dressage Association of Colorado was formed and Susan was the highest placed, highest division, highest level Champion in their inaugural year of the WDACO Awards Programme.

Susan's philosophy is to put the horses welfare first, and educate the rider to help the horse, while always keeping safety of the horse and rider paramount and working systematically to build the horse-human relationship.

Susan has been teaching and training horses and riders in the UK and USA since 1984

Susan has been competing Since 1975 in Dressage, Western Dressage, Show Jumping, Cross Country, Equitation, and many Western Disciplines

Susan has officiated as a judge in both the UK and USA; (UK) Dressage, Show Jumping, Cross Country, One-Day Events, Hunter Trials, Working Hunter, (USA) Open and Schooling Shows, Dressage (through 2nd Level) Hunter/Jumper, Western Pleasure, Western Horsemanship and Showmanship, and at 2018 Teller County Fair (Horse Show/4H Show Judge)

Further Education and Experience: Susan has attended USDF Continuing Education Seminars with internationally accredited USEF/USDF Judges, and attended clinics with world renowned trainers such as Clinton Anderson, and Chris Cox, and has participated in lessons and clinics with USDF Certified Instructors and trainers. Susan was elected and served as President of the Pikes Peak Dressage Society in 2014.  Susan is a PATH International Professional Member.