Amy Gangstad

Amy has been riding since elementary school in the Austin area. After graduating from West Lake High School in 2003, she attended St. Edwards University and graduated with a degree in Spanish and a minor in Environmental Science. What began as horseback riding classes at a lesson barn over 25 years ago evolved into the position of assistant trainer and barn manager at a large Hunter/Jumper barn in Austin. In this role for a over a decade, Amy oversaw the care of nearly 130 horses and taught 50 lessons per week for riders of all levels. In addition to teaching at home, Amy has extensive experience coaching riders of all ages in the hunter, jumper, and equitation rings at shows, and has won many year-end awards as a rider for clients.

To continue her education, Amy has attended clinics with George Morris, Bernie Traurig, and Ragan Roberts. In addition to extensive experience riding and competing in the hunter ring, Amy has also found a soft spot for the ponies and excels at the process of developing a pony from green to kid-safe and showing. With a focus on balance between improving skills and having fun, Amy’s riding and teaching style allows each horse and rider to find his or her potential in their own time. In her lessons, Amy emphasizes positivity and feels that horses and riders perform their best when they feel good about themselves and develop confidence in the ring. Whether coaching a young rider on the lunge line or instructing advanced students at shows, Amy enjoys helping riders understand their horses so they can communicate better and achieve their goals.