Written by

Beth Farrah, SMT Writer

Essex, Missouri – Winston Churchill once said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.”

Something about this quote seems to sum up everything there is to being a horseback rider. Horses have been called gentle giants and the sport of horseback riding is quickly growing and is taking America by storm. It is attracting people of all ages from all different parts of the country in more ways than one. Although horseback riding is known as an outdoor recreational sport and activity, it is much more than that.

Kayla Uhles, a senior at Richland High School and a local rodeo star, has spent her summer offering beginner horseback riding lessons to students and local kids. She is offering beginner horseback riding lessons, barrel racing, and pole bending lessons (both beginner and intermediate). Uhles has taken many, many lessons from various accomplished trainers and currently competes in multiple rodeo events. She has been around horses from a very early age and fell in love with every aspect of the sport; and now she is willing to pass it on to others.

These lessons include learning multiple things that are crucial for beginner riders. These lessons will include: safety, tacking up, riding, unsaddling, and general horse knowledge and care. As the teacher, Uhles created ways to work on balance and confidence with her students by playing all sorts of games and other fun activities.

Horseback riding has been proved to help the riders in more ways than one. Even though it is thought as a “passive activity”, horseback riding is actually a great way to exercise and helps with cardiovascular movements as well as muscle conditioning. There have also been multiple studies and the interaction with the horse helps in both mental and psychological ways and benefits the rider in numerous ways.

Aside from the beginner lessons, Uhles will also be offering rodeo event lessons which will include arena time with the teacher’s well trained horses. During this time, the students will learn about position, horsemanship, mental preparedness, pattern work, and various types of drills.

Uhles owns both a large sand round pen, a small and large pasture, a tilled arena, and many trails to work on with her students. She also provides all equipment that will be needed during their lesson time, which includes: tack, helmet, and the horse.

The young rodeo star has well trained horses that are perfect for both very beginner riders who are fresh to the saddle and riders who may need a more advanced horse for their lessons. Both horses that are used are very well mannered and experienced and have competed in many, many rodeo competitions.

Lessons with Kayla Uhles and her horses are $25 per hour. If the student wishes to use their own horse, it is only $20 per hour. Uhles is available Wednesday through Saturday until mid August and then will be available throughout the entire week. If you wish to sign up for lessons or ask questions, feel free to call 1-573-258-1162.