One-hour private riding lessons are offered at $65. Semi-private (3-5 students) are offered at $45 per hour.

Doubling Gap Ranch provides the lesson horse and tack.

Clients are also welcome to trailer-in their own equine partner.

Students that demonstrate riding proficiency will have opportunities to lease a Doubling Gap Ranch horse. Our riding instructor will assist you in finding a perfect match.

Cindy grew up in a military family where moving frequently was a reality. In Germany she started taking riding lessons. When her family moved back to the states she purchased her first horse at age 15. He was a big appendix quarter horse that needed a good bit of training. The pair worked hard and Cindy went on to win many titles in Gymkhana events such as barrel racing and pole-bending.

Cindy continued to take lessons in horsemanship, attend clinics, apprenticeships and schools to continue her education. At Wilson college she majored in equestrian studies. The program involved equine psychology, anatomy, training philosophies, and teaching principles for instructing lessons. She started Whoa Nellie Equine Services during an entrepreneurship class in college.

Cindy holds a Bachelors of Science in Equine Management and a minor in small business and Entrepreneurship. In addition, she also has a Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate and a master’s degree in special education.

Since 2003, Cindy has been training riders and horses on a professional level. Accolades include numerous East Coast wins and top fives, Champion Western Pleasure at the 2018 Egyptian Event and Region 15 USEF Horse of the Year Western pleasure Champion. She continues to show Arabian horses at USEF shows as well as teach riding lessons.

Riders participate in fun shows, trail rides, clinics and breed shows. Cindy has extensive experience instructing all ages of riders, as well as working different breeds and problem horses.

Whether in the classroom or on horseback, the opportunity has been very rewarding for Cindy to mentor so many people.

The benefits of riding don't stop at the physical improvements, study after study show an immense increase in mental health, social skills and problem-solving skills. Cindy's extensive training in both andragogy and pedagogy make her an ideal candidate to engage the rider and break concepts into easily understood techniques. Riders start their lessons with a series of isometric exercises to improve balance, coordination and connection to their horse. 

Riders learn to ride in a balanced seat, which can be enhanced to meet the needs for various riding styles. Horsemanship and safety are a central focus. Riders have opportunities to ride hunter, western pleasure, ranch riding, western dressage, or casual trail riding. Riders must wear a helmet, boots, and pants that allow movement. Horses are provided by Doubling Gap Ranch and include both Arabian horses and Quarter horses. Riders that demonstrate proficiency have the opportunity to lease a horse part or full-time. Details and contracts are individualized to meet the needs of the rider.