In The Irons Equestrian Center

This week, I get to do something that feels very much like coming home.
I’ll be teaching horse camp.
After all these years, all the horses, all the students, all the shows, all the long days, all the hard seasons, and all the different hats I wear as a barn owner, there is still something incredibly special about teaching kids and horses.
It is where I started. It is what I know. And honestly, it is still one of the things I love most in the world.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching hundreds of children. Some came to the barn confident and fearless. Some came shy, nervous, or unsure of themselves. Some wanted to show. Some just wanted to be near horses. But no matter where they started, the joy for me has always been the same: getting to share the gift that was given to me so many years ago.
And I know I have never done that alone...
Every child who has learned here has been shaped not only by instructors and lessons, but by the wonderful lesson horses who have carried them, taught them, forgiven them, challenged them, and helped them grow.
A good lesson horse is an extraordinary gift and I've been blessed with many over the years.
They carry beginners who are still learning balance. They forgive mistakes. They teach patience. They build confidence one quiet ride at a time. They help children become braver, softer, stronger, and more capable.
Those horses have worked hard for me, for my students, and for In The Irons. They have helped me teach responsibility, courage, humility, work ethic, kindness, and love in a way no lecture ever could.
They have taught all of us that confidence is built slowly. They have taught us that leadership is not about being loud or forceful — it is about being clear, fair, consistent, and trustworthy.
And now, all these years later, I am so grateful to still have the opportunity to pass that on.
There is nothing quite like watching a child walk into the barn unsure of herself and leave standing a little taller. There is nothing like seeing a kid learn to brush a horse carefully, use softer hands, try again after something feels hard, cheer for a friend, or realize that the horse underneath them is not just something to ride — but a partner.
That is the part of this work that never gets old.
In The Irons has never been just a business to me. It is my life’s work. It is the place where I have poured my heart, my time, my energy, my stubbornness, my standards, my love of horses, and my belief in what horses can do for kids.
This week, I am grateful to get back to the roots of that: teaching, encouraging, building confidence, creating horsemen, and helping kids feel brave, capable, and connected to something real.
I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to share horses with children, and to spend the week doing the kind of work that reminds me exactly why I started.
And to the parents who are trusting me and In The Irons with your children this week — thank you.
I know what a privilege that is. I do not take it lightly.
When you send your child to camp, you are trusting us with their safety, their confidence, their feelings, and their experience with horses. That matters deeply to me.
My hope is that every child leaves this week feeling braver, kinder, more capable, and more connected to these wonderful horses than when they arrived.
Here’s to a beautiful week of camp!

Great weekend at the AHJA show! Lots of hard work and determination pays off!! Scarlett, Sydney, Emma and Olivia did an amazing job and so did Miss Ashleigh and Miss Courtney! Teamwork makes the dream work!

And all is right in the world… thank you Brazos Valley Equine Hospital for all your help today with this precious new arrival 🙏🏼 🙏🏼🙏🏼

Your horse story begins here. 🐴

Whether your child is brand new to horses or ready to keep building skills, In The Irons offers beginner-friendly riding lessons, safe and gentle lesson horses, experienced instructors, and a relaxed barn environment where kids can learn the right way.

We offer riding lessons 7 days a week, plus summer horse camps for horse-crazy kids who want more time in the barn.

Located between San Antonio and Boerne.
Summer camp registration: www.ITICamp.com
Text or call 210-698-5270 or visit www.intheironsequestriancenter.com to schedule a lesson

Food Truck Park is open this weekend at the Rose Palace! 🌹
Come out Friday and Saturday for dinner, dessert, drinks, and a fun weekend at the Rose Palace. The Legacy of the West Mother’s Day Classic Barrel Race will also be going on Friday–Sunday, so it’s a great time to stop by, grab something to eat, and watch some great barrel racing.
Friday:
AROI Thai & Sushi — 4–9 PM
El Jefe’s Flavor Journey — 4–11 PM
Nothing But Brisket — 4–11 PM
Saturday:
AROI Thai & Sushi — 4–9 PM
El Jefe’s Flavor Journey — 4–11 PM
Nothing But Brisket — 4–11 PM
Canazteca Mexican Kitchen — 5–11 PM
Lucky’s Sweet Spot — 4–9 PM
Eat D’s Sweets! Southern Style Desserts — 5–9 PM
Come hungry and make an evening of it at the Rose Palace.
📍San Antonio Rose Palace
25665 Boerne Stage Rd.

Horse camp is now enrolling at In The Irons! 🐴
Our summer camps are a fun, hands-on way for kids ages 5–12 to spend time around horses, learn basic horsemanship, ride, groom, make friends, and enjoy life at the barn.
Camp is beginner-friendly, and no horse ownership or prior riding experience is required.
Spots are limited for each week, so now is a great time to get signed up.
For dates, prices and registration visit: ITICamp.com
Located between San Antonio and Boerne.

Now accepting a limited number of full-care boarders at In The Irons. Immediate openings available - no board due until May 1.
$850/month includes full care, either all-day or all-night turnout, free trailer parking, two lighted arenas, a round pen, and a friendly, family-oriented barn atmosphere.
We also offer hunter/jumper and dressage lessons and training, and being located next door to the San Antonio Rose Palace gives our boarders added access to covered arenas when they are not being used for events.
To learn more or schedule a visit, call our office at 210-698-5270.

As we enter our 24th summer of In The Irons Horse Camp, we’re excited to introduce our new camp leadership team - Camp Manager, Ashleigh Fowler Turgon and Horsemanship Lead, Cassey Dougherty.
Ashleigh brings 20 years as a special education teacher in the Boerne school system, along with a lifelong background in riding, training, and showing. Cassey brings more than 25 years of equestrian experience and holds a Pony Club C-3 national-level certification, German Riding Badge #9, and PATH certification.
Together, they bring the kind of structure, horsemanship, safety, and hands-on guidance that make camp both fun and meaningful for young riders.
Our camp is designed especially for first-time and beginner riders, with daily riding, horse care, and a safe, supportive environment where kids build confidence and real skills.
Beginner Camp sessions:
June 1-5, June 22-26, July 7-11 and Aug 3-7
Intermediate Camp:
June 8-12
Camp Hours: 9am-2pm
*To "beat the heat" our campers be riding in the covered arenas at The San Antonio Rose Palace this summer!!
Learn more and sign up:
www.ITICamp.com