Horse training is tough business, but something that must be done here, as Wyoming has a long and storied history with horses. Our statewide mascot is Steamboat, the bucking bronco, and we’re known throughout the nation for our cowboy culture, and Wyoming, despite having the smallest population out of any state, has the highest number of horses per person out of any state in the union. The horse training business has been here since the state’s inception, and it’s here to stay. But what’s the life of a modern Colt starter like?
Anna Stark is one of these trainers keeping the tradition alive, and she, along with her business partner and co-owner Seth Burke, operate Windy Valley Ranch Horses. Located just outside of town on Snowy Range Road, the business provides both horse training services and lessons to any who wish to learn to ride. When Stark was asked about how she got into the industry, she responded, “Well, there’s a joke in the horse industry about how you’re just born with the horse bug, and I definitely was. I’ve been riding since I was four years old . . . But when I moved up to Wyoming, I got an opportunity to do it full time, and I couldn’t say no to an offer like that.”
Stark has been training colts for over a year now and loves the job. In addition to training the horses, she also trains the riders. When asked how she liked teaching lessons, Stark stated, “As a horse trainer, my favorite part will always be riding. But teaching lessons has really grown on me. It’s really cool to be able to bring new people into this unique sport . . . to be able to watch a person’s passion for it grow, and watch the way that they connect with these magnificent animals.” When asked how she got into the training aspect of the business, Stark responded, “I meet lots of people who want to learn how to train horses, and it can be difficult to get your foot in the door. When I got started I trained a couple of my personal horses by myself or with some assistance and got some experience that way, and then when I moved up here I was offered a mentorship to start training them full time. You just gotta be persistent.”
Stark gives lessons to a wide variety of clients, including casual riders and even civil war reenactors. When asked what she might say to someone on the fence about whether or not to take a riding lesson, Stark said, “Definitely go find somebody to try a lesson with! It’s not something I’d advise someone try to get into along with only internet resources. There are a lot of really great trainers around that would be more than happy to get you on a horse a few times just to see if you like it . . . Taking lessons is definitely the best way to get into it, it’s low commitment, and honestly the only way to dip your toes in the water here.”
Windy Valley Ranch Horses will be offering both riding lessons and horse training all summer. You can contact them on their Facebook, or by calling (307)-760-9084. Having been able to get on a horse out there a couple of times myself, I can confirm; it’s a blast! And a great new thing to try this summer, especially if you’re here from another state and want to get more in touch with the culture.
