Western EC Instructors
Allie Stones
Allie started her equine career as a wrangler, working to evaluate and pair up guests with appropriate mounts for their riding vacations while taking them out for safe and exhilarating rides. Throughout the week she would check in with the rider to see if they were satisfied and change horses out based on their needs when possible.
From there she moved into working for and eventually managing equine rescues and therapeutic riding centers. Her time spent at the rescues focused heavily on evaluating horses during intake to assess their nutritional, medical, and behavioral needs and concerns, training levels and limitations, and develop their transformative plans to become adoptable. Once adoptable, she began her matchmaking process that would set riders and horses up for the most successful, long term partnership possible, while offering support and realistic, honest advice along the way.
She later moved away from the rescue world to work for top level trainers and clinicians.
There she gained an even deeper insight into:
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common holes in horse training
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breed specific traits, movements, and behaviors
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a wide spectrum of behavioral issues
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rider fears and skill levels
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problem solving techniques for under saddle and on the ground
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tack and saddle design and fit
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horse and horse/rider evaluation
Speckled throughout her horse career she ran a small boarding and training facility, competed in the Extreme Mustang Makeover (did not show due to non-horse related injury) and trail horse competitions, seasonally wrangled for a world class ranch, and has operated as a beginner- advanced intermediate instructor for arena and trail lessons.
Throughout Allie's experiences she's formed a unique perspective of how incredibly fun horse ownership and riding should be. In regards to the purchasing world, she has seen first hand what the horse selling and buying industry is really like and knows the tips and tricks necessary to successfully navigate through horse flippers, backyard trainers, and casual owners. She works hard to bring all the unknowns to light for you, the buyer.
In regards to lessons, she has developed a flexible method of instructing riders that targets fun and encouragement in a judgement free zone to help her riders find their confidence and break through blocks they are having in the saddle and on the ground.
She currently resides in Durango, CO where she offers her horse-related services both locally and nationally. She focuses on helping western riders of all ages and riding levels grow their skill set, or find and purchase their perfect match, while also helping them gain any knowledge needed to become comfortable and confident horse owners.
Lauryn Lewis
Lauryn Lewis is the owner of Double L Equine, a company focused on providing PEMF therapy for horses and we are beyond excited to have her partner with Western EC!
Born and raised in Durango, CO, Lauryn developed an insatiable love for horses by
spending her free time at the local fairgrounds at the age of 12. She has years of experience
working at multiple barns, owning her own horses, teaching lessons, and training horses, which
has given her an excellent work ethic and the ability to both ride and train a large variety of
horses.
Many of her summer days were spent helping her trainer start young horses and
pushing cows up the mountains for pasture changes. Although she enjoyed playing with cows
and riding in the mountains her true passion is Barrel Racing and rodeo events. Her passion for
barrel racing and rodeo events led her to compete at 4 H Equine events along with junior rodeo
competitions in barrels, poles, and breakaway.
Lauryn then went on to spend multiple years in Texas managing multiple ranches, working at
feed stores, and completing her Equine Sports Massage certificate through Equissage. She
then moved to Georgia to work for a barrel horse trainer and helped manage a Dressage barn
to gain even more knowledge in the equine industry.
Lauryn specializes in novice and nervous riders and will take as long as necessary to reach each riders goal. Her focus is the creation of safe, effective, and confident riders. Whether you want
to develop your skills toward competition, learn a new style or skill, or simply improve your and your horses riding, Lauryn can work out the most appropriate program for you!
Lauryn looks forward to teaching and growing the next generation of cowboys and cowgirls, no matter the age!