Professional Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline

Shekinah Newkirk

SkylarSportHorses
Brooksville,FL
2027
years of professional experience

Dynamic equestrian instructor with a proven track record at Winding Oaks Equestrian, excelling in lesson planning and student engagement. Adept at fostering skill development through tailored instruction and strong communication. Committed to maintaining safety standards while enhancing rider performance, resulting in increased client satisfaction and repeat business.

My goal is always to promote real learning of skills that my students are able to repeat on their own.

Work History

Instructor/Teacher

Winding Oaks Equestrian/Blue Sky Farm | 2024 - Current
  • Instructed riders in mounted and unmounted horsemanship, emphasizing safety, balance, and proper equine handling.
  • Developed lesson plans tailored to rider skill levels, goals, and confidence building.
  • Supervised arena activities to maintain controlled sessions and enforce barn safety protocols.
  • Coached students on grooming, tack adjustment, and horse care fundamentals.
  • Assessed rider progress and adjusted instruction to support steady skill development.
  • Communicated clearly with parents and clients regarding lesson scheduling, expectations, and progress.
  • Maintained organized lesson flow, preparing horses, equipment, and riding areas before sessions.
  • Tracked student progress, frequently checking in with struggling students and identifying root causes of problems.

Owner/Trainer/instructor

4 Years 9 Months
SkylarSportHorses | 02.2022 - Current
  • Directed daily operations for equine training, care, and client service.
  • Oversaw horse handling, scheduling, and facility coordination for smooth workflow.
  • Managed sales inquiries, client relationships, and service agreements.
  • Implemented safety standards across barn, riding, and transport activities.
  • Evaluated horse performance and matched training plans to client goals.
  • Developed and maintained strong relationships with clients, resulting in repeat business and referrals.
  • Instruct/teach various levels and ages in a positive but challenging environment
  • Set boundaries for all students on property maintaining safety and productivity

Manager/Trainer/Instructor

11 Years 2 Months
Cross Creek Equestrian | 04.2011 - 06.2022
  • Trained equestrian staff on barn routines, horse handling, and client service standards
  • Developed onboarding materials covering safety protocols, tack care, and facility procedures
  • Monitored lesson operations to reinforce consistent training methods and horse welfare practices
  • Coached team members on grooming, feeding, and stall-cleaning expectations for daily readiness
  • Reinforced compliance with stable safety rules, equipment handling, and animal care standards
  • Supported cross-training across riding instruction, barn maintenance, and customer-facing responsibilities

Education

Bachelor of Science - Equestrian Studies

Wilson College | Chambersburg, PA | 06-2000

Liberal Arts degree that encompassed all areas of academics.

Focus on instructor/teacher and equine management.

Minor in educational psychology

Skills

Strong communication
Lesson planning
Group and individual instruction
Continuous professional development
Engaging presentation style
Time management
Instructional techniques
Student engagement
Adaptable teaching approach
Student evaluation
Interactive teaching and learning
Public speaking

Timeline

Owner/Trainer/instructor

SkylarSportHorses
02.2022 - CurrentRead More

Manager/Trainer/Instructor

Cross Creek Equestrian
04.2011 - 06.2022Read More

Instructor/Teacher

Winding Oaks Equestrian/Blue Sky Farm
2024 - CurrentRead More

Wilson College

Bachelor of Science from Equestrian Studies
Read More
Shekinah Newkirk