Meet Linda Combes

What prepared you to develop Riding to Success?

Riding to Success is the result of my 21 years of riding experience, an M.A. in Education, a Master’s Degree in Social Work, professional experience as a university instructor, writing center director, and outpatient therapist at the University of Kentucky Department of Psychiatry.

What made you want to do this work?

A powerful teacher inspired me: my first horse, Dude.  What started out as a fun project (my childhood dream come true) evolved into a life-changing experience. In seven years I went from bouncing around on pommel-grabbing trail rides to being interviewed for a nationally-televised show on ESPN (“America’s Horse”) about my experience winning dressage competitions at Training and First Level on a quarterhorse.

This journey with my horse continually forced me to overcome psychological barriers and manmade obstacles.  Working with Dude became a study for me of living in the moment, striving for balance, listening deeply, and cultivating courage and confidence.  I developed Riding to Success because I wanted to invite others to experience the empowering journeys that horses can best provide.

Who influences your teaching?

Many trainers, professors, and colleagues have helped shape my work, but Terry Church of Petaluma, California, has had the most significant impact on my horsemanship and teaching.  Terry was "classically trained" through the FEI (international) levels of dressage in the U.S. and Germany.  However, she became disillusioned with traditional dressage methods when her horse's resistances increased as he went up the levels. She came back to the U.S. and began studing with legendary horseman Tom Dorrance.  His quiet, gentle ways showed her that impulsion imbued with true relaxation allows the horse to develop its capacity for collection in a way that increases its athleticism while fostering a positive connection between horse and rider.  Her book, Finding Pegasus, is the story of this life-changing time.  More about Terry can be found at www.naturalsporthorse.com 

I also learn from my students regularly.  Their questions, insights, and discoveries profoundly shape my teaching, horsemanship, and life.

What inspires your teaching the most?

I'm inspired most by my students' growth.  The cognitive, physical, and emotional work that students do to create a harmonious partnership with a horse fosters strides in confidence, self-esteem, happiness, self-control, and motivation, to name a few.  I'm always honored to be a part of that process.

What sets your program apart from other riding programs?

People find the peaceful atmosphere of our private farm a welcome retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.  Unlike boarding facilities or show barns, our farm provides an opportunity to relax, focus, and tap into the nurturing power of nature.

Our horses and ponies are not your typical "school horses."  Curious and responsive, our equine approach students with great interest.  When you learn how to engage them, they begin to follow your leadership and become trusted working partners.

My family helps create the supportive atmosphere necessary for this unique home-based practice.  My husband, Chuck, and sons, Phillip and Scott, sister, Mary, and brother, Bob, inspire and encourage me, maintain the farm, help with the horses, and enthusiastically support my work.