Shiner Equestrian Center offers lessons, competitions

  • Samantha Starkey poses with her horse, Diva, at the Starkey Ranch. Photo courtesy of Samantha Starkey.
    Samantha Starkey poses with her horse, Diva, at the Starkey Ranch. Photo courtesy of Samantha Starkey.
  • Pictured are students who attended this year’s Intermediate Camp Session. Photo courtesy of Samantha Starkey.
    Pictured are students who attended this year’s Intermediate Camp Session. Photo courtesy of Samantha Starkey.

Those interested in learning the ropes of horse riding or honing in on their skills for competitions can do so at Shiner’s own equestrian center, the Starkey Ranch. 
The ranch was founded by Sam Starkey, an experienced equestrian with a background in hunter/jumper riding and equine studies.
It first opened its gates to the public right when Covid was hitting Texas.
“Given the rise in outdoor activities around that time, community interest was high,” Starkey said.
Starkey’s overall goal for the ranch is to emphasize safety, education, and fun.
“We’re aiming to foster a love for horses in a supportive environment,” Starkey said. “I enjoy bringing equine education to any venue. From ‘Christmas in the Park’ and the ‘Half Moon Holidays,’ we have offered pony rides. We also have taught hands on classes to the Shiner Girl Scouts and the Equine Science classes at the Shiner High School.”
Starkey, alongside ranch manager Liz Koonz and horse trainer Janessa Kabela, brings a wealth of expertise and passion to the ranch. 
Koonz manages the ranch operations and is a former Shiner Animal Control Officer with extensive experience in animal husbandry and welfare. 
Kabela, a former Army cavalry unit member, applies her training skills to the horses enrolled in the training program.
Starkey Ranch offers a variety of services including:
• Pony Encounters: Designed for all ages to interact with ponies and horses in a safe and supervised setting to encourage all experience levels.
• Lessons: Riding lessons are tailored to individual needs from casual beginner to advanced competitive athlete.
• Camps: Seasonal camps that provide safe, fun and educational equestrian experiences.
• Boarding: Full-care boarding services with access to high-quality facilities.
• Training: Professional horse training services to improve and maintain horse behavior and performance.
• Show Team: Training and support for riders interested in competitive horse showing.
The ranch’s show team offers riders the opportunity to engage in competitive horse showing under the coaching of Starkey.
With a focus on both skill development and sportsmanship, the team trains in various disciplines, preparing for various competitions throughout the state. 
Last season, the team competed in the CTSSA series based out of Austin. Currently the team is competing in the GHHJA series based out of Houston with aspirations of competing at USEF shows in the fall. 
Those wanting to learn more about the ranch can do so at linktr.ee/starkeyranchllc.