safe. bold. confident. partners.
Unlock the potential of a safe, bold, and confident partnership with your equine partner. Through a personalized coaching approach, you will transform your unique equestrian journey, unlocking new levels of performance and joy. This philosophy emphasizes intuitive riding and communication, enabling riders to harness their instincts to foster trust and respect between horse and rider. As you develop essential horsemanship skills, you’ll experience a profound connection that deepens your understanding and enhances both your technique and your horse’s responsiveness. Embrace a journey that not only challenges but also rewards, as you discover the true potential of a harmonious equestrian partnership.
words of praise
“I could write volumes praising talents; honesty, loyalty, and integrity. Suffice it to say that I have trusted her with my child, my horses, and in the future I intend to trust her with my grandchildren."
Rita Mulder
Candlewood Arabians
Las Vegas, NV
“Barbara has been a trusted and efficient supplier of equestrian services. She has helped make my horse riding and western dreams come true."
Al Bernstein
ESPN Sportscaster
Las Vegas, NV
"My daughter remained under Barbara's supervision for eight years. This experience was not only rewarded with winnings and ribbons in equitation, it also spread to building a responsible young lady. Students under her supervision win constantly – to win a Blue or Red ribbon competing against her, or one of her students is not an easy ride."
Metta Juan Vigna
Majestic Arabians
Las Vegas, NV
Barbara H. Callihan is a third-generation equestrian trainer and instructor, and a fourth-generation Nevadan. As a leading equestrian professional for more than 60 years, her business office has been managed from a saddle whether in the arena, in corrals, on desert trails or mountain adventures, or earning state, regional, and national awards and recognition in numerous competitive disciplines. Barbara’s diverse skills and experience, her commitment to excellence in training and horsemanship, and her ‘safety-first’ philosophy provide the insight to help you develop the leadership required to meet your horsemanship goals..
pleasure riding
Trail Riding
Youth Riders
Novice Riders
Ground Work
Lounging
Trailer & Hauling
competitive riding
Western Seat
Hunt Seat
Saddle Seat
Hunter Jumper
Cross Country
Dressage
trail horse disciplines
Extreme Mountain Trail
Equine Trail Sports
Working Equitation
Arena Trail
In-Hand Trail
Endurance
words of praise
“Barbara is by far the best equestrian instructor I have come across. She takes the time to truly understand me and my horse’s strengths, weaknesses, learning styles, and goals.”
Dailyn Burgess
Lacy
“Amos and I have come so far as a result of Barbara's coaching. We are speaking the same language. Amos is really responding my leadership. He is calm and willing, and my heart is full knowing that I can recognize and be considerate of his needs. We are true partners now. A dream come true.”
Sheryl Schmalz
Amos
“After a few bad falls, I developed a severe fear of riding, nearly leading me to give up horses altogether. I was devastated. Through her patience, guidance, and vast knowledge Barbara helped me overcome my fears. She understood my mindset, worked with me at my own pace, and supported me every step of the way.”
Brenda Hrubetz
Oregon
think it. feel it. ask it.
Horsemanship is a deeply intuitive sport that fully engages both the rider’s body and mind, requiring a precise blend of thought, feeling, and communication. Riders are encouraged to use their instincts and understanding of the horse’s mind to strategically guide and shape behavior by replacing unwanted actions with preferred responses. By skillfully anticipating the horse’s movements and tapping into its natural instincts, riders can deliver well-timed, precise cues that elicit the desired actions. This method not only establishes a foundation of trust and respect but also fosters a bold and enduring partnership between horse and rider.
equestrian
coaching
sessions
your personal journey
Whether you aim to be a fierce competitor or simply want to develop the confidence needed to safely enjoy horseback riding, Barbara Callihan will create a personalized program designed specifically with your goals in mind. Horsemanship coaching is offered to equestrian enthusiasts of all ages, at all skill levels, and across various disciplines. With more than 60 years of experience, Barbara possesses the knowledge, skills, and insight to gently guide you and transform your equestrian journey.
Private Coaching Sessions*
$85
One Hour Session
Group Coaching Sessions*
$170
Two Person Groups
90 Minute Session
$255
Three Person Groups
Two Hour Session
Auditors
$30
Session
Multi-Session Prepaid
Coaching Packages*
6 Sessions $475
12 Sessions $867
equestrian
coaching edge™
clinics
gather. learn. master.
Equestrian Coaching Edge™ clinics are affordable group coaching sessions that offer similarly skilled or otherwise affiliated riders a cooperative learning experience to achieve their horsemanship goals. Each session has a specific curriculum and includes personalized coaching and peer-to-peer activities in a safe and enjoyable environment that fosters fellowship and celebration. These clinics are perfect for equestrian groups, barns, and facilities that want to offer outside curriculum to their activities.
Half-Day Clinics*
Three to Four Hours
$630 per Clinic
6 Participant Maximum
$35 per Auditor
Full-Day Clinics*
Up to Eight Hours
Includes One Hour Lunch Break
$1,200 per Clinic
6 Participant Maximum
$60 per Auditor
Two-Day Clinics*
Up to Eight Hours for Two Days
Includes One Hour Lunch Break
$2,340 per Clinic
6 Participant Maximum
$110 per Auditor
Facilities are required to manage their own registration process, including collecting required liability releases.
equestrian
consulting
services
what you don’t know
Caring for our equine partners is an awesome, rewarding responsibility. Making the wrong choices can be dangerous, expensive, and frustrating. With more than 60 years of experience, Barbara has the knowledge, experience, and resources to guide you through the most important decisions. She can design a personalized consulting package to assess your needs and provide insight and recommendations that help you avoid costly and harmful mistakes, giving you confidence and peace of mind in your choices.
Consulting Packages*
Consulting service packages are based on a $120 per hour consulting fee. A $720 day rate is applicable for some consulting services.
Minimum Consulting
Services Package
$240
Tack, Equipment, Vehicle,
and Trailer Purchase Consulting
Equestrian Property
Development Consulting
Horse Show and Competition
Coaching and Logistics Consulting
Pre-Event - At Event - Post Event
Procurement Services, Equine Evaluation, and Legal Agreement Review Services for Equine Purchase and Leasing
*Travel Fees — Barbara H Callihan is a traveling equestrian coach and provides all coaching, clinician, and consulting services at local and regional equestrian facilities or client’s homes. Travel fees are added to all service fees listed above based on current gas gas prices and miles traveled.
words of praise
“At age 14, I started taking lessons with Barbara, and in just three short years I became a competent and confident horsewoman. Despite having six years of show-jumping experience, my confidence was at an all-time low. Under Barbara's expert coaching, I learned to trust myself and my skills transformed in remarkable ways. By the time I turned 18, I had won several regional and state titles, and at the Arabian Horse Nationals, I achieved Top 10 in Open Jumping and Top 4 in Hunt Seat Equitation over Fences.”
Barry Hogan
Montana
“Barbara deftly guides the student to powerful realizations of how one’s ‘being’ affects the horse. By this, I mean one’s posture, emotional head-space, confidence level, etc. In directing this energy, one navigates the horse.”
Elicia Pettit
Alaska
the seven Essential
Partnership Skills Under Saddle
The seven Essential Trail Horse Partnership Skills under saddle are the building blocks to developing bravery, confidence, and trust between horse and rider by establishing a basic horsemanship competence and readiness. Practice and develop these essential partnership skills with your equestrian coach and take your trail riding to the next level. You may also schedule coaching sessions with Barbara Callihan at Happy Hoof Beats Equestrian Center.
Stop
Whoa' Stop
Forward
Back
Turn on Haunches
Turn on Forehand
Fence Yield or Side Pass