Tyler Mountain Riding Academy

08/06/2026

Okay friends... and everybody else around the Charleston, WV area... I need GOLD! ✨😂

And I mean anything gold. Antique gold, metallic gold... not WVU gold or bright yellow.

Picture frames, lamps, rugs, blankets, forks, candle holders, mirrors, chairs, garden décor, outdoor lights, yellow string lights, Christmas ornaments that don't scream Christmas... if it's gold, I probably want it!

If you want it back, I'll label and document everything, store it safely in my garage, use it for two special events, and return it by the end of October. If it's something you're ready to part with, I'll happily give it a new life—and if I don't end up using it long-term, I'll donate it.

Please don't think, "It's just one little thing." Those little things are exactly what make these events magical. If you happen to see something at a yard sale or consignment shop for a dollar that screams "old gold grandma," grab it! 😂

You can leave items in the office at the barn or on my front porch/garage. Just put your name somewhere hidden on it and let me know if it's a loan or a donation.

Last year's date nights were some of my favorite events I've ever created, and this year's are going to be even more special. I love creating experiences that people remember long after they're over.

One more thing...

If you're local and own a business that offers something couples would enjoy—massage, dance lessons, photography, wine tasting, art, desserts, live music... anything fun together—and you'd be willing to donate about 30 minutes on October 9th or 10th, send me a message!

In return, I'll create a customized horse experience or special event for you. I promise it'll be worth it. 🤎🐴✨

08/05/2026

What a great day this was! Can’t wait for our next big group event, messages us!

08/05/2026

⸻

🐴 Both of these events are now available to book through our scheduling app!

Book here:
https://www.vagaro.com/tylermountainridingacademy

If you book through the app, full payment is required. If you’d rather reserve your spot with a deposit, just text me at 681-313-7138 and I’ll send you the PayPal link. Once your deposit is received, I’ll personally book your reservation, and the remaining balance will be due on or before the day of your event.

Don’t wait! Date Night has very limited time slots, and we’ve already had lots of inquiries.

🎪 Horse Camp is shaping up to be one of our best yet! We’ll have:
🐴 A horse costume contest during camp
🎭 A full costume contest and party on Friday night (horses not included in this one!)
🏆 Awards for both contests

Family members, friends, and our regular barn family are all invited to join us for the Friday evening party in costume! You do not have to attend camp to come to the party if you’re a current customer.

🤎 If you still have lesson credits or points from before the Tyler Mountain Riding Academy transition, those can be used toward either of these events, in full or in part.

We can’t wait to see everyone! 🐴✨

08/05/2026

https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/5F4GZFWGB8YWG

In the notes on your deposit - include your name, phone number, email address, and the date you're requesting.

We currently have one reservation pending confirmation of their time slot, so as of right now, all time slots are available to book.

08/04/2026

I remember every one of these pictures. I may forget registered names, students' names, or Lord knows, their parents' names... but I never forget the horses or the moments.

Sandy didn't have to write "under the direction of Marlena," but she did. I know she understands how much something as simple as that means to me. Sometimes all you want is for someone ( someone admired and I wanted to do well for because ~ it was her Barn she opened up to me) to acknowledge that maybe you did okay.

I looked up to Sandy for years before I ever worked beside her. I don't think she always realized that. I spent a lot of years just hoping she'd say, "You did a good job." I think she probably thought my confidence was through the roof because I was always telling her what needed cleaned, fixed, or done differently.
😂
The truth was exactly the opposite. I was just trying my best to be worthy of the
opportunity she gave me when she opened her barn and trusted me with the riding program.

Somewhere along the way, something changed. The horses felt different. The riders felt different. I stopped looking for reassurance and just started teaching from my heart. I don't know if anyone else noticed it, but I did, the horses did....

Stepping away has been harder than I ever expected. Losing Sox changed me, and so did the students, the horses, and every family that walked through those barn doors.

The reality is, I couldn't make a living doing it the same way anymore. What was once a good business, for a lot of reasonsmost of them outside my control... became something I was constantly trying to keep afloat.

That wasn't fair to my husband, family, or myself.

I tried. We did fundraisers, lowered lesson prices, offered specials, changed schedules... I tried just about everything I could think of.

At the same time, I found myself wanting something deeper with the horses and the students than the way things were structured allowed.
My heart had changed

I actually miss hearing "MAR!" (or whatever one-syllable version people came up with 😂). I think anyway LOL ...

I miss the run to me hugs before lessons, the few parents who always knew when needes a hug ... when everyone else got it backwards.

But I also know where my heart is leading me now. Helping people through the hardest day they'll ever have with a horse feels just as important as teaching them to ride one.

Thank you, Sandy, for those words. From someone who's usually the one writing about everyone else, it meant more than you'll probably ever know.

🐴🤎 And then... after I made it through all the pictures, I realized you'd saved him for last.

That was the icing on an already bittersweet cake. 💙

There are a few students who I've set goals with, don't think I don't think about you every single day. We're not done. Please give me the Grace that I will allow you on your hard days, if I'm anything
I'm loyal, and I keep my word ~

07/30/2026

Someday ... we'll wish we could go back to that "One Day'

What means enough to you that you wish you could freeze time?

This one-of-a-kind evening experience will be limited to only four guests at a time. Each person will bring something meaningful from home—a photograph, special shirt, book, decoration, keepsake, or anything else that represents someone, something, or a moment they never want to forget.

Throughout the evening, we will connect with the horses and one another in several meaningful ways.

Photographs will be taken during the experience and by your creation transformed into a special finished art print to keep or you could gift to a special person.

Every person’s experience will be completely different. No two finished pieces—or stories—will be remotely alike.

Details ~

Current TMS student or customers who carry a credit TMRA/TMS after the transfer.. you are eligible to use points and or that credit towards this event :-)

Adults encouraged! This is your kind of evening, while still great for the kiddos ages 9 and over

Text 681-313-7138

Pay deposit or in full (list or text me any upcoming Friday or Saturdays you cannot attend in the notes with your full name on the phone number and age.

http://paypal.me/TMRA719

Once you've paid your deposit please send me a text so I can text or email you the question which will help me better plan your unique experience.

Location Tyler Mountain Stables Cross Lanes West Virginia

Cost: $75 per person

Deposit: $38 non-refundable deposit due to hold one of the 8 total spots, due at registration. Balance due day of event

http://paypal.me/TMRA719

Ages: 10 to 99—and beyond

Group size: Only four guests per session, so come alone and join the others or bring your family, parent or something or best friend. Memories are always bette mader with those we love.

The pictures alone throughout the evening will be worth it.

Moms of students this is a great way to treat treat yourself after giving the kiddos riding lessons and all of the extras! If you carry credit you can use your child's credit for this event.

Time: 6:00– Approximately 8:00 on a Friday or Saturday come up in the next 6 weeks. At least one week notice will be given once a day is chosen. If you cannot attend you will be put on the list for the second event which will also come on the next 8 weeks

Riding: Not included or required (unless requested for photographs and or Keepsake reasons only)

Horse experience needed ~ None

Horses, art supplies, keepsake materials, snacks, and drinks will all be provided.
You may attend as an individual, couple, family, or group of friends. Even someone who has never touched a horse can participate and create something meaningful.

The date will be selected based on the response received and confirmed with registered attendees before it is finalized.

Only one or two sessions of this exact experience will be offered for the foreseeable future.
Spaces will be held in the order that deposits are received. With only four places available in each session, early registration is recommended.

Come spend a quiet evening at the barn, make something that matters, and create a memory that may someday make you smile and say:
“Remember when…”

07/22/2026

07/20/2026