By Gene Galin
Pittsboro, NC – JoyRide Equestrian, established by Elle Kimsey in 2017, has become a welcoming space in North Carolina for riders of all ages and backgrounds. What started as a small, adaptive program has grown into a supportive community where horses and humans form deep, therapeutic connections. Kimsey, with her experience in adaptive riding and equine care, is passionate about providing a safe, inclusive environment where everyone, from young children to adults in their 70s, can find peace, confidence, and joy on horseback.
The Beginnings of JoyRide Equestrian
Elle Kimsey founded JoyRide Equestrian in North Carolina after gaining her therapeutic riding certification in Michigan. Kimsey was inspired to create a program that reflected her vision of inclusivity and support. Moving to North Carolina for her husband’s job, she soon found an opportunity with the North Carolina Therapeutic Riding Center, where she was introduced to adaptive riding—a term Kimsey believes better reflects her inclusive approach.
“I wanted a space where a diverse range of people could come together and experience the joy of riding in a safe, nurturing environment,” Kimsey explained. Starting with only a few horses and students, her passion for providing tailored lessons for riders of all abilities quickly grew into a full-fledged operation.
Adaptive Riding and Its Impact
Although originally focused on therapeutic riding, JoyRide Equestrian has expanded to serve riders of all backgrounds, from children with disabilities to adults looking for a peaceful escape from daily stresses. Kimsey shared that adaptive riding emphasizes each rider’s unique needs and abilities, creating an environment where everyone can feel accomplished and connected to the horses.
“I’ve been teaching for years, but when I found adaptive riding, it really spoke to me,” she said. “There’s so much to gain from creating a space where people who might not typically feel comfortable can experience the empowerment of being on a horse.”
While JoyRide no longer focuses exclusively on riders with disabilities, Kimsey still utilizes her adaptive riding expertise. Her approach is deeply rooted in the belief that equestrianism can be therapeutic, and her students often find a sense of calm and self-confidence in the process.
A Community for All Ages
JoyRide Equestrian caters to a wide range of riders. Some, like Kimsey’s youngest student—her own 2-year-old daughter—are just beginning, while others, like her oldest student at 79, are returning to riding after years away.
Kimsey describes her older riders as particularly inspiring. “One of my riders in her 70s told me, ‘If I don’t start now, I may never get the chance.’ For her, coming here is about peace and connection. She rides with her sister, and for them, it’s a bonding experience as much as a physical activity.”
This diverse age range brings a unique sense of community to JoyRide. “Everyone looks out for each other,” Kimsey noted. “I’ve seen my students helping one another, adjusting stirrups, or guiding each other through challenges. It’s a space of mutual support.”
Horses and Riders: A Mutual Bond
At JoyRide, it’s not only the riders who benefit from the connection. The horses themselves seem to thrive in the environment, too. “When we go out to the pasture, our horses come right over,” Kimsey said. “They genuinely enjoy their work here, and that’s a testament to how we care for them.”
Kimsey’s horses each have their own personalities, preferences, and quirks. For instance, she noted that one particular pony is “selective” about who she allows to ride her, sometimes signaling her displeasure when paired with a rider she doesn’t connect with. Another horse, Gabriel, is known for his calm demeanor, making him the ideal companion for nervous riders.
“The horses are our partners,” Kimsey said. “We don’t force them into situations. They’re willing participants, and that makes all the difference for our students.”
The Daily Routine at JoyRide
A day at JoyRide is thoughtfully structured to cater to both riders and horses. While the barn houses nine stalls, the facility cares for 16 horses, so Kimsey and her team rotate the animals throughout the day based on scheduled lessons and weather conditions. Her goal is to ensure the horses are outside as much as possible, preserving their natural lifestyle.
The horses’ nutrition is carefully managed, thanks to Kimsey’s background in equine nutrition. “We mix a balance of grass hay, locally grown feed, and supplements as needed,” she explained. Her attention to detail in their care ensures that each horse remains healthy, comfortable, and prepared for their unique roles in the program.
Building Skills, Confidence, and Character
Kimsey’s approach to lessons at JoyRide varies based on each rider’s skill level and comfort. Beginner riders start with basic balance and body language training, often with the assistance of a lead line, while more advanced students learn to steer independently in the larger arena. Kimsey highlights the importance of building foundational skills for younger riders, noting that confidence and leadership emerge as riders progress.
One of her favorite transformations, she shared, comes from riders who initially arrive feeling nervous or overwhelmed. “It’s amazing to see them grow,” she said. “They go from being uncertain to blossoming into confident riders, connecting with the horses in ways that leave them—and the horses—better for it.”
Groundwork: The Foundation of Equestrianism
Kimsey also emphasizes groundwork, teaching students essential skills such as leading horses, lunging (directing horses in a circle for exercise), and understanding herd dynamics. She explained that even a horse’s social interactions play a role in determining compatibility with riders.
“Take Poppy, for example,” she said, referring to one of the herd leaders. “She’s the first to get food and always stands at the gate to assert her role in the group. Learning to recognize these behaviors is crucial in creating a balanced relationship with the horse.”
Fostering Connections Through Events and Art
At JoyRide, the community isn’t only built through riding. Kimsey offers creative outlets, too, such as a Halloween-themed event where riders decorated their horses with safe, temporary paint. The festive atmosphere, Kimsey said, brought out a different side of the horses, and the riders loved seeing their equine partners in playful costumes.
“We had one horse, Winona, painted with an intricate skeletal design,” Kimsey laughed. “It’s fun and educational, too, allowing the riders to bond with their horses in new ways.”
The Joys and Challenges of Running an Equestrian Program
Kimsey admits that managing JoyRide’s diverse needs—from maintaining the property to caring for horses and coordinating lessons—requires dedication and resilience. But for her, the rewards far outweigh the challenges.
“Seeing the joy on a rider’s face, or the peace a horse brings to someone’s life, makes it all worth it,” she said. “Each day, I get to witness the mutual benefit that horses and humans bring to each other.”
JoyRide as a Place of Connection and Growth
As JoyRide Equestrian enters its eighth year, Kimsey remains committed to her mission of fostering an inclusive, supportive community for riders of all ages. “Horseback riding isn’t just a sport. It’s about creating connections, building confidence, and finding peace. Whether you’re 3 or 79, there’s something here for you.”
JoyRide’s impact on riders and horses alike speaks to Kimsey’s belief that equestrianism can be transformative. For those seeking more than just a lesson, JoyRide offers a unique blend of skill-building, community, and a deep-rooted connection to nature.
Watch our conversation on YouTube at Elle Kimsey of JoyRide Equestrian – 10.26.24
Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Equestrian Program for All – Converation with Elle Kimsey of JoyRide Equestrian – 10.26.24
00:19 Elle Kimsey started Joy Ride Equestrian in 2017 to create an inclusive horseback riding program
- Elle wanted to make a program tailored to her vision of a welcoming and safe space for a wide range of people.
- She began the program in North Carolina after teaching therapeutic writing and meeting key people at the North Carolina Therapeutic Writing Center.
03:05 Finding peace and connection through horseback riding
- Started riding at 9, found peace in countryside setting and connection with horses
- Provides peaceful and calming experience for anxious or busy individuals
05:52 Horses have distinct personalities
- Each horse has a very distinct personality and some can be very particular about their riders.
- The barn is an old dairy farm with nine stalls for 16 horses, and they rotate horses in and out as needed for lessons and other reasons.
08:27 Horses wear fly gear for comfort and protection
- Fly gear includes masks, boots, and jackets
- Protection from flies prevents stomping and discomfort for the horses
11:06 JoyRide Equestrian offers different arenas for different rider levels.
- Large arena for advanced riders to maneuver independently.
- Small arena for beginner riders who need guidance.
13:36 Discussion on female lead horses and male horses’ behavior
- Most of the horses are female, with a few male horses being more goofy
- Male horses retain playful energy despite being castrated, acting sillier than females
16:17 JoyRide Equestrian’s impact on kids and horses
- Elle Kimsey shares her proudest moment at the horse show where her students cared for each other
- Addressing the challenges of pairing 1000-1400 lb horses with kids and beginners
18:46 Joy and confidence in riders’ transformations
- Kids who start off feeling frustrated or scared gradually gain skills and confidence.
- Groundwork lessons involve leading, lunging, and preparing horses for trail riding.
21:14 Process of joining equestrian program and options available
- Opportunities to join program based on scheduling and availability
- Different options to engage with horses such as leasing, half leasing, and buying
23:40 Riding is inclusive and therapeutic for all
- Elle Kimsey values inclusivity in riding, believing it’s not limited to a specific type of person.
- Horse and rider costumes add fun to JoyRide Equestrian events, reflecting the joy and creativity in the community.