Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaitlyn King.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started riding horses at just six years old, and like many riders, my journey began with both excitement and a little fear. Early on, I had an accident where I jumped off a horse that suddenly ran toward his feed bucket. It shook my confidence, but with my mom’s encouragement, I got back on—and by the time I was eight, I had found my confidence again.
That same year, my parents gifted my sister and me a pony for Christmas. He quickly introduced us to the reality of ponies—he bucked us off almost immediately! But that experience shaped us. We grew tougher, more determined, and learned how to truly connect with a horse. Ponies have a way of teaching resilience, and he was no exception.
At twelve, I received my first mare, Summer. She wasn’t highly trained, but she was kind, forgiving, and willing. I took on the role of training her myself, and together we progressed to First Level dressage. She taught me so much about patience and partnership. When I eventually outgrew her, I sold her to a loving family with young children. Hearing updates about her being pampered with things like aromatherapy (she apparently loved lavender!) reassured me that she found the perfect home.
With the money from her sale, I purchased an Andalusian Lusitano gelding named Maximus. He was powerful, expressive, and incredibly talented. Together, with consistent guidance from my trainers, we advanced all the way to Prix St. Georges. Those years were some of the most challenging and rewarding of my life—they shaped my work ethic, discipline, and understanding of what both horse and rider are truly capable of.
At sixteen, I took a leap and opened my first riding program. While it started small, it was incredibly meaningful. I fell in love with teaching—helping others experience the joy of horses and watching that connection grow. Over time, the program expanded to around 15 horses, offering lessons, training, trail rides, and summer camps. I also trained another Andalusian, Bravio, who became a standout in my program.
In my early twenties, I stepped away from the horse industry to help my family run a business in St. Augustine Beach. During that time, I rode occasionally, but my focus shifted. Eventually, the barn where I had been operating also transitioned, and that season of life came to a close.
At 27, I married my husband, Scotty, who has been incredibly supportive of my passion for horses. Not long after, I had the opportunity to return to the industry as a trainer at an established lesson barn. I spent nearly four years there, working with wonderful horses, students, and an amazing barn owner who made the experience truly special. Watching students grow—some even progressing to jumping bareback—was incredibly rewarding.
As my students advanced, many began transitioning to show barns, which inspired me to expand again. I partnered with a friend to start a riding club, where we hosted successful lesson programs and summer camps. During that time, I also trained a previously wild mustang mare named Willow for our lesson program.
Eventually, we both felt called to pursue our own paths. I spent time praying and seeking direction for what was next. After visiting several facilities and still not feeling settled, I had a clear prompting: “Call Linda’s guy.” Linda, a former student of mine, had been thriving at a nearby farm.
When I reached out, the owner—Perry Hopper—immediately recognized my name and shared how impressed he was with Linda’s riding. He then offered me the opportunity to start my own lesson program at his beautiful facility. It was a moment of confirmation that I truly believe was God opening the right door.
Today, I run King’s Riding Academy at Great Grace Farms. We are proud to be direct providers for the Step Up Scholarship program, making lessons more accessible for families without the burden of reimbursement delays. We’ve also developed a young riders competition team and continue to grow a strong, supportive community.
Beyond riding, the farm hosts Cowboy Church twice a month, bringing together faith, fellowship, and a love for the western way of life.
It’s been an incredible journey—from a young rider overcoming fear to building a program centered on growth, skill, and community. I’m grateful every day to share this passion with others and to watch both riders and horses thrive together.
Today, at King’s Riding Academy, our program continues to grow in both size and opportunity. We currently have 13 horses on the property, each bringing something unique to our riders’ experience. From our stunning Gypsy Vanner, who is developing in dressage, to our incredible endurance horses that compete in 50-mile races, to my mustang mare Willow—each horse plays a special role in shaping well-rounded, confident riders.
We believe in giving our students real, hands-on experiences beyond weekly lessons. Our riders have the opportunity to participate in horse shows, attend endurance events, and enjoy special experiences like beach rides and fun days that build both skill and unforgettable memories.
Looking ahead, we are especially excited to host our very first Family Horse Camp this June, where students and their families will join us at a beautiful horse resort in Ocala. It’s just one of the many ways we are working to create a strong, connected community centered around a shared love for horses.
There is so much growth, learning, and joy happening within our program, and we would truly love to invite you to be a part of the journey.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road. Like most journeys worth pursuing, there have been many challenges along the way that have shaped both my character and my business.
Starting in the horse industry at a young age meant learning a lot through experience—building confidence after setbacks, working through difficult horses, and navigating the emotional side of growth and letting go, especially when selling horses I had poured so much into.
As I stepped into owning and running my own program, I quickly realized that being an entrepreneur comes with its own set of challenges. It’s not just about riding and teaching—it’s about wearing many hats every single day. I’ve had to learn how to manage finances, handle client intake, market and grow the business, oversee daily operations, and essentially act as my own HR department. Balancing all of that while maintaining a high standard of care for both horses and clients can be demanding.
There have also been seasons of transition—stepping away from horses to support my family’s business, rebuilding programs, losing and gaining clients, and making big decisions about partnerships and direction. Each phase required faith, resilience, and a willingness to adapt.
One of the biggest ongoing challenges is balance—being fully present in my business while also making time for my marriage, family, and personal life. That’s something I continue to grow in every day.
Through it all, those challenges have strengthened me. They’ve taught me perseverance, leadership, and trust in God’s timing. Looking back, I can see that every obstacle played a role in preparing me for where I am today.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
King’s Riding Academy is a faith-based horseback riding program focused on building confident, well-rounded riders in a positive and encouraging environment. We offer lessons for beginners through even more advanced riders, with a strong foundation in horsemanship, safety, and correct riding—primarily through dressage-based principles that carry over into all disciplines.
What makes our program unique is the variety and quality of horses our students have access to. With 13 horses on the property—including a Gypsy Vanner developing in dressage, experienced endurance horses that compete in 50-mile races, and a previously wild mustang that has been trained into our lesson program—our riders gain exposure to different riding styles, temperaments, and disciplines. This creates adaptable, confident riders rather than riders who only know one horse or one way of riding.
We also go beyond traditional lessons. Our students have opportunities to participate in horse shows, endurance events, beach rides, and community-based activities that create lasting memories and deeper connections with both horses and other riders. We are proud to be direct providers for the Step Up Scholarship program, which allows families to access our services more easily without the stress of waiting for reimbursement.
What truly sets us apart, though, is the environment we’ve built. We prioritize a supportive, family-like atmosphere where riders feel encouraged, challenged, and valued. Our program is rooted in strong values—integrity, hard work, and faith—and we are intentional about pouring into our students not just as riders, but as individuals.
Brand-wise, I am most proud of the community we’ve created. It’s more than just a lesson program—it’s a place where people grow in confidence, build meaningful relationships, and fall in love with horses in a genuine and lasting way.
For anyone considering joining us, I would want them to know that they’re not just signing up for riding lessons—they’re becoming part of something much bigger.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I believe the equestrian industry is actually entering a really exciting period of growth and change over the next 5–10 years.
One of the biggest shifts is that horseback riding is becoming more accessible and more mainstream. We’re seeing steady growth in participation, especially among younger riders and families, as well as increased interest in both recreational riding and competitive disciplines. This means lesson programs like mine have a huge opportunity to grow, but also a responsibility to provide safe, high-quality instruction and experiences.
Another major trend is the rise of experience-based programs. It’s no longer just about weekly lessons—people are looking for something more meaningful. Things like horse camps, retreats, beach rides, and community events are becoming a huge part of the industry. There’s also a growing interest in the emotional and therapeutic side of horses—connection, confidence-building, and even mental wellness.
Technology is also changing the industry in a big way. From how people find barns (social media, online presence, reviews) to how businesses operate, everything is becoming more digital. Riders are learning through online content, watching training videos, and connecting globally in ways that didn’t exist before.
We’re also seeing a strong shift toward higher standards of care and safety—both for horses and riders. There’s more awareness around proper training, ethical horsemanship, and quality equipment, and clients are becoming more educated about what good care looks like.
Another trend I see continuing is diversification within programs. Riders don’t want to be boxed into just one discipline—they want exposure to dressage, trail riding, endurance, and even unique experiences. Programs that offer variety and well-rounded education will stand out the most.
At the same time, I think the industry will continue to face challenges—especially around affordability and accessibility. Horses are expensive, and that can limit who gets involved. Programs that can bridge that gap—through scholarships, community-focused models, or creative offerings—will play a really important role in the future.
Overall, I see the industry moving toward something more connected, more experience-driven, and more intentional. Less about just riding, and more about building relationships—with horses, with people, and with the lifestyle as a whole.
And honestly, that’s exactly the direction I’m passionate about being part of.
Pricing:
- Lessons are $82.50
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Kingsridingacademy.com
- Instagram: @kingsridingacademy
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kingsridingacademyfb
- Other: TikTok: Kings.Riding.acad
