TRACY TORWICK
Self
Kempner
1
Certification
2027
years of professional experience
Equine science educator, curriculum developer, and horse trainer with over 30 years of experience in the equine industry and college-level teaching experience. Skilled in designing and teaching lecture and laboratory courses in equine science, equine behavior and training, and western horsemanship, incorporating key topics such as anatomy, biomechanics, nutrition, and welfare. Having competed and trained across multiple equestrian disciplines, I emphasize foundational principles that translate across riding styles and develop thoughtful, adaptable horsemen. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that great horsemanship begins with understanding the horse, but exceptional horsemanship also requires understanding ourselves. By integrating evidence-based science, practical experience, rider biomechanics, and body awareness, I strive to help students become skilled, compassionate, and lifelong learners.
Work History
Equine Science Instructor
2 Years 6 Months- Develop and teach college-level courses in Equine Science, Equine Behavior & Training, Western Horsemanship, and related equine subjects.
- Design complete lecture and laboratory curricula, including syllabi, assessments, grading rubrics, research projects, and experiential learning activities.
- Integrate equine anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, nutrition, behavior, learning theory, and welfare into classroom and hands-on instruction.
- Create authentic learning experiences that bridge scientific concepts with practical horsemanship.
- Coordinate guest speakers, field experiences, and industry partnerships to enhance student learning.
- Mentor students pursuing careers in the equine industry.
- Develop Blackboard course content and instructional resources to support student engagement and success.
- Foster a student-centered learning environment emphasizing critical thinking, professionalism, and lifelong learning.
Private Horse Trainer & Riding Instructor
26 Years 6 Months- Over 30 years of experience training horses and coaching riders across multiple equestrian disciplines.
- Develop individualized training programs emphasizing horse behavior, communication, biomechanics, confidence, and welfare.
- Instruct riders of all ages and experience levels using evidence-based teaching strategies and clear progression of skills.
- Evaluate horse and rider partnerships to develop practical, horse-centered training solutions.
- Designed and taught riding lessons for children with autism using individualized instruction and adaptive teaching strategies.
- Fostered confidence, communication, and horsemanship skills within a safe and supportive learning environment.
Group Facilitator/ Yoga & Somatic Specialist
2 Years 3 Months- Facilitate virtual group therapy sessions for adolescents and young adults presenting with a wide range of mental health conditions, including trauma‑related disorders, anxiety, depression, and emotional dysregulation.
- Deliver safe, evidence‑informed somatic, mindfulness, and nervous‑system regulation practices to support healing, emotional resilience, coping skills, and progress toward individualized treatment goals.
- Create a supportive, trauma‑aware group environment that fosters psychological safety, peer connection, and skill development.
- Collaborate with clinical teams to reinforce therapeutic objectives and ensure continuity of care across treatment modalities.
- Complete timely and accurate clinical documentation for each client session in accordance with organizational and behavioral health standards.
Yoga Therapy Provider
2 Years 1 Month- Delivered virtual yoga therapy and somatic regulation sessions for veterans referred through the Houston VA Headache Clinic, supporting individuals experiencing chronic headaches, migraine disorders, stress‑related pain, and functional impairment.
- Provided evidence‑informed mind‑body interventions including breathwork, gentle movement, nervous‑system regulation techniques, and pain‑management strategies tailored to individual symptom presentations.
- Offered specialized prenatal yoga therapy for pregnant veterans, integrating safe, trimester‑appropriate movement, breathwork, and somatic practices to support comfort, stress reduction, and overall well‑being.
- Adapted all interventions for telehealth delivery, ensuring accessibility, safety, and therapeutic alignment within remote care protocols.
- Collaborated with VA clinical staff to reinforce treatment goals and integrate somatic practices into broader pain‑management and wellness plans.
- Completed accurate and timely clinical documentation for each session in accordance with VA and Synergy Federal Services standards.
Co-Founder & Developer of Yoga Teacher Training
2 Years- Co‑founded and co‑developed a comprehensive 200‑hour Yoga Teacher Training program integrating yoga philosophy, anatomy, somatic principles, trauma‑aware practices, and evidence‑informed teaching methodology.
- Designed full curriculum structure including lecture modules, practicum requirements, sequencing labs, somatic education, and competency‑based assessments.
- Delivered live virtual instruction via Zoom, adapting content for accessible, interactive, and developmentally appropriate online learning.
- Created training materials, manuals, and structured learning pathways to support student progression toward safe, effective, and embodied teaching practices.
- Collaborated with co‑founders to refine program goals, ensure pedagogical consistency, and maintain alignment with Yoga Alliance standards.
Yoga & Somatic Therapy Facilitator
5 Months- Facilitated trauma‑sensitive yoga and somatic therapy groups for children, adolescents, and adults (ages 5+), supporting individuals with a wide range of mental health and behavioral disorders.
- Delivered safe, evidence‑informed sessions focused on nervous‑system regulation, emotional resilience, coping skills, and mind‑body practices that promote healing, growth, and overall well‑being.
- Adapted somatic and yoga‑based interventions to meet developmental needs across age groups, ensuring accessibility, psychological safety, and therapeutic alignment.
- Collaborated with clinical and residential staff to reinforce treatment goals and support continuity of care within a multidisciplinary environment.
- Completed accurate and timely clinical documentation for each session in accordance with organizational and behavioral‑health standards.
Instructor
- Plan and instruct summer theatre camps for youth and teens, providing training in acting, performance skills, ensemble work, and creative expression.
- Direct and choreograph camp productions, guiding students through rehearsal processes, staging, character development, and performance readiness.
- Teach skill‑building workshops focused on foundational theatre techniques, movement, voice, and collaborative creation.
- Develop age‑appropriate curriculum and camp structures that support artistic growth, confidence, and teamwork.
Substitute Teacher, K-12
- Implemented lesson plans to ensure student engagement and learning continuity during teacher absences.
- Adapted instructional materials to meet diverse learning needs across grade levels K-12.
- Managed classroom behavior and maintained a positive learning environment for students.
- Collaborated with school staff to support student development and academic progress.
Groom
- Provided advanced show‑horse preparation including grooming, bitting, tacking, untacking, cooling out, and maintaining horses in polished, discipline‑specific presentation condition.
- Responsible for conditioning multiple horses, supporting fitness, suppleness, and readiness for training and competition through structured exercise routines and warm‑up/cool‑down protocols.
- Managed horses during training sessions and show prep, ensuring smooth transitions, safety, and effective communication with trainers.
- Executed specialized grooming techniques for show presentation, including mane/tail care, coat enhancement, and discipline‑appropriate turnout.
- Monitored horse comfort, behavior, and physical readiness, adjusting handling and communicating observations to trainers to support optimal performance.
- Assisted with show‑day logistics such as horse rotation, timing, equipment organization, and rider support in a fast‑paced competitive environment.
Substitute Teacher
- Implemented lesson plans to engage students and facilitate learning in diverse classrooms.
- Adapted teaching methods to accommodate various learning styles and student needs.
- Maintained classroom management to ensure a positive and productive learning environment.
- Collaborated with teachers to support curriculum delivery and student assessment processes.
- Frequently requested by Upland High School’s theatre department due to specialized expertise in performance, acting, and creative arts education.
- Stepped in for the theatre teacher during the first two weeks of the 2014 school year, ensuring smooth program continuity and student engagement.
High School Theatre Teacher
- Served as a long‑term substitute responsible for teaching the full‑year High School Drama course, including lesson planning, instruction, classroom management, grading, and progress reporting.
- Directed two full school productions and led the after‑school drama club, providing students with performance coaching, creative development, and structured rehearsal processes.
- Designed and delivered theatre curriculum aligned with departmental goals, supporting student engagement, artistic expression, and skill development throughout the academic year.
- Maintained continuity of instruction and program leadership during the drama teacher’s extended absence.
Horsemanship Lecturer & Student Riding Coach
2 Years- Taught undergraduate horsemanship lecture and laboratory courses within a nationally recognized university equine program.
- Coached collegiate riders while emphasizing rider effectiveness, horse welfare, and sound horsemanship principles.
- Trained, conditioned, and managed university horses used in instructional and educational programs.
- Supervised and mentored student assistants and volunteers in daily horse care and handling.
- Assisted with educational demonstrations, public outreach events, and equine program activities.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to maintain high standards of horse care, instruction, and student learning.
Horse Camp Founder & Director
2 Months- Designed and operated a youth horsemanship program.
- Taught foundational riding, horse care, and safety.
- Created age-appropriate curriculum and activities.
- Managed horses, facilities, scheduling, and parent communication.
- Fostered confidence, emotional regulation, and safe horse handling for young riders.
Horsemanship & Riding Instructor
1 Year- Instructed horseback riding and horsemanship for at-risk teenage girls in a nonprofit equine education program.
- Fostered confidence, leadership, responsibility, and resilience through structured equine learning experiences.
- Taught safe horse handling, grooming, groundwork, and riding skills while emphasizing horse welfare and effective communication.
- Built supportive relationships with participants, encouraging personal growth, self-awareness, and teamwork through horsemanship.
- Collaborated with staff and volunteers to provide a safe, positive, and engaging learning environment.
Assistant & Groom
9 Years- Provided daily care and management of performance horses, including feeding, grooming, conditioning, turnout, and health monitoring.
- Assisted trainer with horse preparation, exercise, and facility operations.
- Developed strong foundations in professional horse management, stable organization, and equine health.
Education
MS - Domestic Animal Biology
MS Domestic Animal Biology
MS - Yoga Therapy
Single Subject Teaching Credential - English
BA - Theatre Arts
Skills
34 years of hands-on equine experience across riding
training
care
and behavior
Somatic horsemanship expertise
integrating nervous-system literacy into equine training and rider development
Multi-discipline and multi-breed proficiency
including English
Western
and specialized horsemanship approaches
Comprehensive animal-care knowledge across a wide range of species
Experienced educator skilled in teaching riders of all ages and experience levels
Curriculum developer for college-level equine behavior and training courses
Clear
empathetic communicator with a talent for breaking down complex concepts
Farm and livestock management skills
including daily operations
safety
and animal well-being
Interdisciplinary expertise blending equine behavior
somatic nervous‑system work
performance training
and educational design
Problem-solving abilities
Adaptability and flexibility
Accomplishments
Certificate of Appreciation, America’s First Corps — Awarded by the Corps Command Sergeant Major for exceptional support and dedication to the United States Army through transformative service in the Connected Warrior Yoga Program, significantly contributing to trauma rehabilitation for service members.
Certification
- Ayurveda Foundations Training- Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH)
- Health and Wellness Coaching Training- MUIH
- C‑IAYT (Certified Yoga Therapist)
- Yoga Alliance 500‑Hour E‑RYT
- Trauma‑Sensitive Yoga Coursework
- Somatic Movement & Breathwork Training
Equine Experience
- 34 years of riding, training, and horsemanship experience across English and Western disciplines
- Extensive competitive background in Western Horsemanship, Western Pleasure, Hunter Pleasure, Hunt Seat Equitation, Country Pleasure, Side Saddle, Showmanship, Jumping, and Arabian Native Costume
- Lifelong training under multiple professional instructors, with experience starting young horses and developing safe, responsive equines through groundwork, liberty work, and behavior‑focused handling
- Experience with Arabians, Half‑Arabians, Quarter Horses, Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods, minis, donkeys, and other equine breeds
- Numerous national, regional, and A‑rated show wins and placings across multiple disciplines
- Former youth horse judging team member with strong evaluation, assessment, and conformation analysis skills
- Experienced in teaching riders of all ages, including youth, adults, and neurodivergent learners, with emphasis on biomechanics, confidence building, and somatic awareness
Timeline
Equine Science Instructor
Central Texas College
01.2024 - CurrentRead More
Yoga Therapy Provider
Synergy Federal Services, LLC
03.2022 - 04.2024Read More
Group Facilitator/ Yoga & Somatic Specialist
Charlie Health
02.2022 - 05.2024Read More
Yoga & Somatic Therapy Facilitator
Cedar Crest Residential Treatment Center
09.2021 - 02.2022Read More
Co-Founder & Developer of Yoga Teacher Training
Peace Through Strength Yoga Academy
10.2020 - 10.2022Read More
Horse Camp Founder & Director
Self
06.2011 - 08.2011Read More
Horsemanship Lecturer & Student Riding Coach
Cal Poly Pomona/Kellogg Arabian horse Center
01.2010 - 01.2012Read More
Horsemanship & Riding Instructor
Taking the Reins
01.2009 - 01.2010Read More
Private Horse Trainer & Riding Instructor
Self
01.2000 - CurrentRead More
Assistant & Groom
Priceless Arabians/Debbie Price
01.2000 - 01.2009Read More
Instructor
Lakewood Institute of Theatre
2015 - 2019Read More
Substitute Teacher, K-12
Tacoma and North Thurston School District
2015 - 2018Read More
Groom
Copple Show Horses Inc.
2015 - 2018Read More
Substitute Teacher
Upland Unified School District
2010 - 2014Read More
High School Theatre Teacher
Chaffey Joint Union High School District
2012 - 2013Read More
New Mexico State University
MS from Domestic Animal Biology
Read More
Maryland University of Integrative Health
MS from Yoga Therapy
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California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Single Subject Teaching Credential from English
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California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
BA from Theatre Arts
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