Apex Riding Academy

05/17/2025

Great deal! Order soon!!!

04/17/2025

Partnership in Every Ride

A strong ride starts with a strong partnership. At Apex, that begins with the guidance of a skilled instructor and the steady presence of a trusted horse.

Whether you’re new to riding or refining your skills, we’re here to help you build confidence, connection, and control—one stride at a time.

04/10/2025

Now Accepting Applicants: Apex Assistant Program

Apex Riding Academy is looking for dedicated students to join our Apex Assistant (AA) Program.

The primary role of an Apex Assistant is to support instructors by helping riders prepare and saddle their horses for lessons. Assistants also contribute to the daily operations of the barn and participate in our Spring and Summer Horsemanship Camps, as well as Silver Stirrup Tournaments.

As an AA, students will:
🍏 Assist riders in grooming and saddling horses
🍏 Support camp activities and lesson preparation
🍏 Work closely with instructors and younger riders
🍏 Gain hands-on horsemanship experience
🍏 Earn “tokens” redeemable for lessons, tournaments, or other academy activities

Tryouts and interviews will be held for interested applicants.

🍎 Spring Hours: Monday–Thursday afternoons (approx. 2:30–6:00 PM)
🍎 Summer Hours (starting in May): Monday–Thursday mornings (6:30–11:30 AM)

To learn more or apply, please email the office.

04/09/2025

Arizona Heat Reminder: Prepare for a Safe Ride

As summer weather starts to roll in, we want to remind all our students and families that staying safe and prepared for your lesson is key. While we will continue afternoon lessons until school is out, it’s important that riders arrive ready for the heat.

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Hydration is critical: Riders should drink water before arriving to their lesson. Bring a full water bottle or flask to stay refreshed.

Fuel your body: Please make sure you or your child has eaten something before riding. Even short lessons are physical activity and require energy.

Dress smart: Light, breathable clothing and sun protection are a must.

We do not offer refunds for lessons cut short due to heat-related issues. Riders are expected to come prepared for warm conditions. That said, safety is always our top priority—if our instructors feel it is unsafe to ride due to the temperature, we will adjust accordingly.

We also offer:

Morning rides: Available now for those wanting to beat the heat—contact the office for availability.

Covered round pen with misters and fans

Cool barn horsemanship lessons on especially hot days

If the heat is too much and you'd like to pause your tuition until summer break, please reach out—we’re happy to discuss options. While we cannot offer refunds due to weather, we’re here to support you and ensure every rider stays safe and comfortable.

Let’s ride smart and stay cool out there!

04/06/2025

🔹 We welcome our new Instructor 🔹

Erlene Smythe is a third-generation horsewoman with deep roots in the equestrian world. Originally from New Mexico, she has expanded her expertise across the country, training with Olympic dressage coaches, Hall of Fame Morgan and Saddlebred trainers. Erlene has developed and coached numerous national and world champion horses and riders, working with both adults and junior exhibitors across all disciplines, including hunt seat, saddle seat, western, driving, and equitation. As a Large “R” international judge, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for horsemanship to every lesson.
Erlene is passionate about teaching and committed to helping riders of all levels develop their skills, build confidence, and create lasting partnerships with their horses. Her expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm make her an invaluable addition to the Apex Riding Academy team.

We are super excited!

03/26/2025

Come Support Our Performance Team This Weekend!

Our performance team from Daniel Training Center is competing at a horse show this weekend, running Thursday through Saturday—and we’d love to see you there! It’s free to attend, and you can find us in Barn P if you want to stop by and say hello.

Just a quick heads up: the Apex office will be closed until Monday. If you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson, please make sure to email the office or use the app.

Thanks for cheering on our team—we hope to see you there

Westworld - Scottsdale

03/25/2025

Summer Announcement – Schedule Update

In case you missed the newsletter sent through your Apex Account, please take a moment to review the important updates for our summer schedule. This includes information about June lesson time changes and more.

Staying informed helps us keep your rider on track and prepared for the season!

https://www.vagaro.com/EmailPreview.aspx?enc=QlGxBxoTWIcUh8P1nvxXLT12EDYjgxUbFATNNp7Z+Df34GhVH6fZot6s/04nZlBGoKA8snBfMzbAIa8Rr6vbNsBLBd6UUCINnJtCBtCxaU2Xiqrz+Lsxildpn8BZoT3sr3uQ9Xig4IKks1V4b7nDk3DCwap7IyIrwe4Yck9IpRV3d9VHeCXJpuJe8S2Cc7mKSeNsw4kVTNphpNzCDeg4PA==

03/24/2025

Join Us at the Academy Competition!

Come support our riders at the Academy Competition on March 29, starting at 9:00 AM at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona. Whether you're an Apex student, a horse enthusiast, or just curious to see what entry-level competition looks like—this is a great opportunity to learn and cheer on new riders as they showcase their skills.

Free and open to the public—we hope to see you there!
Best of luck to all our Apex Team!

03/07/2025

**📢 Academy Team Members – Final Academy Competition Until Fall! 📢**

Our final Academy Competition of the season is coming up on **March 29th**, and we have **limited spots available!** This is your last chance to compete before we break for the summer.

**Sign up now** through your **Vagaro App** or on our website: http://www.apexridingacademy.com

Don’t miss this opportunity to put your skills to the test and finish the season strong. We look forward to seeing you in the arena!

Exel to the Top wit Apex Riding Academy

01/30/2025

Every great achievement starts with a goal. At Apex Riding Academy, we believe in turning dreams into reality through dedication, hard work, and the right support. Whether you're striving to master new riding skills, compete at higher levels, or simply build confidence in the saddle, success comes from setting clear goals and taking consistent action.

Stay focused, trust the process, and push yourself to new heights. Your dreams are within reach—let’s make them happen together

01/28/2025

**Lesson Horse Spotlight: Honey**

Meet Honey, one of the most beloved horses at Apex Riding Academy. As a cornerstone of our beginner lesson program, Honey has introduced countless riders to the fundamentals of horseback riding, helping them develop confidence and skill from their very first lesson.

What makes Honey truly special is her remarkable ability to guide riders beyond the basics and into the excitement of the show ring. Over the years, she has been the first show partner for many riders, leading them to success at both local and national levels. Her calm demeanor, steady movement, and patient nature make her the perfect introduction to the competitive world, with numerous national championship titles to her name.

Whether you're just starting your riding journey or looking to take your first steps into competition, Honey is the trusted partner you can count on. We're proud to have such an accomplished and dependable horse as part of our program.

Join us at Apex Riding Academy and see firsthand how Honey continues to shape future champions.

02/06/2024

Apex Clients, we ask that everyone slows down when driving in the property. We have also recently installed a STOP sign please make sure you stop, this corner is a blind spot and we have dogs, horses and kids in and arouond the area at all times.