About Us

Our Story: Empowered Equestrian LLC

Empowered Equestrian LLC was founded with a passion for horses and a commitment to helping riders grow in confidence, skill, and connection. What started as a dream to create a welcoming equestrian community has become a place where riders of all levels thrive.

We believe riding is more than a sport—it’s a partnership built on trust, discipline, and care. Our experienced instructors provide expert guidance, fostering growth, proper horsemanship, and a lifelong love for riding.

Our experienced instructors provide expert guidance, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for both horse and rider. Whether you're taking your first ride or advancing your training, we believe in fostering a love for horsemanship that lasts a lifetime. Join us and become part of our ever-growing equestrian family.

🏇 Our Vision

Our vision at Empowered Equestrian LLC is to create a supportive, inspiring environment where riders of all levels develop confidence, skill, and a deep bond with their horses, fostering a lifelong passion for horsemanship and personal growth in the equestrian world.

🐴 Our Mission

Our mission at Empowered Equestrian LLC is to provide expert training, personalized instruction, and a welcoming atmosphere where riders build confidence, master horsemanship, and develop lasting connections with horses while promoting safety, growth, and a deep appreciation for the equestrian lifestyle.

Katie Rice

Founder / Head Instructor

With over 35 years of experience in riding, training, and equine education, Katie Rice is passionate about developing confident, well-rounded equestrians. Growing up in Richmond, VA, she competed extensively on local, regional, and national hunter/jumper circuits, including the HITS winter circuit. While attending Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, she rode on the equestrian team and won the prestigious Oak Ridge Medal Equitation Finals.

After earning her bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Katie became the Riding Director at Camp Friendship, where she managed a herd of 75 horses and oversaw 54 campers each summer. She later transitioned into the veterinary technology field, working as a sales representative and marketing director for PulseVet, further deepening her knowledge of equine health and rehabilitation.

In 2019, Katie founded Empowered Equestrian with a mission to help riders of all ages develop confidence, responsibility, and resilience through horsemanship. She believes in fostering a deep connection between horse and rider, inspiring personal growth and a lifelong love of learning.

Katie is a United States Hunter Jumper Association Certified Instructor. She lives with her husband, three children, and their chocolate lab, Ruger.

Ainsley Hanson

Assistant Instructor / Barn Staff

Ainsley Hanson is an experienced equestrian with a strong background in hunter seat riding and horse care. She earned her degree in Environmental Studies from Hollins University, where she competed on the IHSA team for two years. Prior to college, she gained valuable competitive experience riding on a local IEA team during high school.

With over a decade of riding experience, Ainsley has developed a deep understanding of both the sport and the daily care of horses. She has worked in various barns across the U.S. and Ireland, honing her skills in horse management, training, and stable operations. Her international experience has given her a well-rounded perspective on horsemanship and equine care.

Passionate about teaching and fostering strong horse-rider relationships, Ainsley enjoys sharing her knowledge with riders of all levels. Whether in the saddle or in the barn, she is committed to providing quality instruction and care, ensuring both horses and riders thrive.