Connected Horsemanship
At Pecan Creek Ranch, we believe horsemanship is more than just riding—it’s about connection, trust, and mutual understanding between you and your horse. Our Connected Horsemanship Lessons are designed for those who want to go beyond technique and cultivate a truly meaningful relationshipwith horses.
Meet Your Instructor – Carly
With over twenty years of experience as an equine professional, Carly brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and heart to every lesson. Her journey began at the age of eight in Georgia, where her very first ride didn’t go as planned—but taught her a lifelong lesson in resilience. Since then, Carly has dedicated her career to helping both horses and humans grow through connection.
A former collegiate equestrian champion, Carly rode on the University of South Carolina’s three-time National Championship-winning hunt seat team and captained the 2007 National Championship Equestrian Team. She later built a career in Austin, guiding students and their equine partners to success at the local, national, and collegiate levels. More than just riding, Carly teaches horsemanship as a way of life, helping her students develop patience, persistence, empathy, and authenticity—skills that extend beyond the barn.
Carly is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and a certified Equine Specialist (ES) through EAGALA. She is also trained in Natural Lifemanship and is working toward her certification. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Counseling, she blends her expertise in horsemanship with an understanding of personal growth and mental well-being.
When she’s not at the ranch, you might find her enjoying Austin’s live music scene—or stealing the spotlight at a karaoke night!
What Makes Our Approach Different?
Instead of focusing solely on perfecting cues and maneuvers, we help you develop:
✔️ Mutual Trust & Respect – Learn how to create a partnership where both you and the horse feel seen, heard, and valued.
✔️ Clear Communication – Understand how to communicate in a way that honors both your needs and the horse’s needs.
✔️ Emotional & Psychological Safety – Feel safe, effective, and confident—whether on the ground or in the saddle.
✔️ Personal Growth & Resilience – Lessons here don’t just teach you about horses; they teach you about yourself.
Why Choose Pecan Creek Ranch?
Our horses are specially trained to respond to who you are in the moment—not just how well you execute a task. Through these lessons, you’ll gain skills that extend beyond the arena, helping you build stronger connections in all areas of your life, including with yourself.
Who Are These Lessons For?
✔️ Beginners to experienced riders who want a more relational approach.
✔️ Kids who love horses and also need guidance in building strong, healthy friendships.
✔️ Anyone who has felt unseen or unheard in traditional riding lessons.
✔️ Riders who value the horse’s well-being and want to respect their physical, social, and emotional needs.
✔️ People looking for a slower, more peaceful pace in a welcoming, down-to-earth environment.
Who This Isn’t For
✖️ If you’re only interested in learning to ride and aren’t concerned about relationship-building.
✖️ If you prefer a high-end show barn with top-tier amenities.
✖️ If you want to push for results at the expense of a strong foundation of trust and connection.
✖️ If you expect horses to simply obey without regard for their own experience.