Willow Creek Equestrian Center, LLC

12/17/2023

Loving this frosty morning! 😍

10/21/2023

Horse show mornings are the best mornings. Katie and Prodigio ready for the Pregreen! What an amazing young horse developing nicely in our green horse program. Katie has been riding for just over 2 years and started in our beginner program. True testament to how our Willow Creek riders and horses develop!

09/19/2023

Honesty post...

This summer has been brutal. With temps often in the 105-112's I feel that it was our least productive summer we have ever had. Surving on coffee and naps just to try to beat the heat and keep our wonderful horses as comfortable as possible. But we made it through safely. This was our first show back from the worst part of summer. It took a lot of prep and hard work from everyone to pull it off. And some prayers, if I'm honest. We had some really amazing moments and some learning during this show, and that's all I ever ask for. Riders learned to really be effective, which is the foundation of my program. They were required to make some decisions and implement them on their own. They came up with their plan with my assistance and excuted them to the best of their ability. I would say I'm most proud of them taking on that challenge without question. They worked through exhaustion, not feeling 100% going into it and never letting fear own them. This is the reality of showing when it's not easy. When their horses aren't made and require some real effective riding. I couldn't ask for more. Thank you all for really putting your head and your heart in it this weekend. I can't thank each of you enough for allowing me to be the one to navigate you and your children (yes parents included) through this journey. As for our barn moms, you all really came through for each other, and I love the team we have! It's amazing to see from my perspective. Thank you!

Great job Willow Creek Equestrian Center show team riders and horses! We have a lot to take home and I'm excited for the next show!

A truly blessed owner/trainer,
Sarah Ward

05/23/2023

The team I build matters.

When I was just a horse crazy girl all I could think about was riding and training horses the rest of my life. I knew I was destined for it. But it never came easy. I had to work for it. At the time I couldn't understand fully that what I was learning was more about life than it was about horses.

Now, as a horse crazy woman I understand the value behind every moment at the barn. I strive to instill the same skills in my students as I have learned over the years. How to have failures and successes. Understanding the bad days are really the best days after all because we are learning and growing. What it means to be a team. Supporting others in their success as much as striving to meet our own goals.

Someone said at the last show, why are we the first to show up and the last to leave? The answer is simple. Because that's what it takes.

This is one of my favorite pictures ever. Although this is a very small fraction of our team, it's a perfect display of our team. I am juggling showing my own horse along with teaching students often at 3 rings at the same time. Margaret (on Troubadour the bay) was getting a few last minute tips from me (on the grey) before walking in the show ring. The two girls Lois (left) and Shayanne (right) were there and ready with our grooming box to tidy up. The best part about it. The girls weren't even there showing. They drove out to spend the weekend supporting their fellow riders and to learn. And jumped right in to help.

They may never aspire to be a horse trainer. But the skills they are learning are invaluable for life. Doesn't matter if they are an adult or a child. I take that very seriously as apart of my job. And I can't thank their parents enough for trusting me to help mold them into amazing team players.

So when I say the team I build matters. It truly does.

04/19/2023

So grateful for amazing clients and horses with a lot of heart 💜🏆🐎😊

04/19/2023

Congratulations riders for a phenomenal start to our 2023 show season at the NTHJC Benefit Horse Show at Texas Rose Horse Prk in Tyler! Everyone put down some great rides in everything from Limit walk-trot crossrails-Derby. A few ribbons and riders missing here but we wanted to share some amazing highlights!

A huge thank you to owner/trainer Sarah Ward's sponsor Devoucoux!

It takes a team to make this all happen! From our vet Dr. Rocconi at Mid South Equine, our farrier Klint Rodgers, all the families, parents riders and Sarah's parents holding down the home front.
Thank you all so much!
💜🐎🏆

10/22/2022

What an amazing day for a horseshow! Great weather, amazing rides and lots of wins! Derby time!

08/09/2022

We are excited to share some amazing news!

Willow Creek Equestrian Center has relocated to the beautiful Flower Mound Farm in Flower Mound, Texas. We are all enjoying this wonderful facility and all it has to offer! Our horses have never been happier and our clients are thrilled at the opportunities to come!

Everyone here has been incredibly helpful, inviting and we all love being surrounded by others who truly share our love for this sport and our horses!

Our trainer/owner Sarah Ward is very excited about the move and this new adventure! She originated training and teaching in this area nearly 20 years ago after moving to Texas and is excited about being back in Hunter/Jumper land!

08/09/2022

06/02/2022

Update: We are already almost full! Sign-up today to reserve a slot!

Summer Camp #1

Beginner/Introduction to horses

Riders will learn the basics of riding, horse care and management, anatomy and health in a structured educational environment. We have a lot of fun all while learning about horses!

Trainer has almost 20 years professional experience along 30 years experience with horses.

Join our camp to learn all about horses!

Dates- June 28-July 1st

Time: 9am-1pm

Rate: 350 per camper

Please contact/text me sign up at 940-600-8200
Sibling discounts available.
Limited slots available.

Non-refundable Deposit will be required to hold students place. Deposits accepted now until June 13th
Final payment due June 13th

Required-lunch/snacks for each day, hard soled boots with a small heel, jeans or leggings. We provide helmets.

04/25/2022

The foundation of our program is education of horses. Learning about how they work, how they think and how to care for them. I belive being a horse person involves doesn't just involve riding. It's understand these amazing animals inside and out.

These are some great pictures of kids that have attended our Spring Break camp! Our camps include a lot of learning about horses. Caring for them, equipment, anatomy and riding. They are a great introduction for the aspiring horseperson!

As we gear up for Summer we will be posting our Summer Camp dates! Be sure to check back and get signed up. We will have everything from Beginner-Advanced levels of riders.

We also offer lesson packages if you or your child has an interest in our great sport! Feel free to contact me with any questions you may have!

04/19/2022

Set those goals! Avoiding a challenge will only hinder your progress! Let's do it!

04/13/2022

Willow Creek Equestrian Center's rider of the month goes to...

Courtney Key 😀💜🍾🎉

Courtney has displayed so many attributes to earn this! She was surprised Saturday before the horseshow this weekend with this title and a gift!

Courtney has shown incredible dedication to her riding the last few months. She has worked very hard setting some goals and meeting them. Some days really pushing herself to get it done. And she did just that! Not only has she been amazing to work with, she has shown support for our entire program. She comes early, she stays after her lessons. She jumps right in to help anytime she can! I've had multiple clients tell me she has offered to help them get their horses ready if they needed anything. She partakes in barn events outside of riding like attending group outings at the tack shop, Grandprix events and more! She makes everyone smile and roots everyone on! She has been a role model for other adults getting into riding and has shown everyone what hard work and consistently can achieve. She has proven to be a wonderful client as well.

I nearly cried awarding this to her! This is never easy to pick one person as multiple people in our program put in so much hard work! But her commitment to our sport is what truly stands out!

Congratulations you wonderful person you! 😀

04/13/2022

Congratulations to our Willow Creek Equestrian show riders and horses on another successful horseshow! There were so many riders and each of you really brought it home! Every class you all worked towards accomplishing your goals and improving each time out! 💙❤💛

To our horses. Thank you will never be enough. Everyone one of you came out with class and handled everything flawlessly. After all you are the real stars of the show ✨️

Hightlights

Sarah Ward and Thanks A Million Champion Pregreen

Courtney Key and Tin Man Champion Poles and 2nd and 5th over fences, 4th in the flat in WT Crossrails. A phenomenal accomplishment as an adult rider at her first show!

Katie Jones and Prodigio Champion WT Crossrails and Reserve Champion Poles an awesome ride for Katie and her soon to be 4 year old gelding amd with zero prep! They came out there ready to shine!

Jackie Masengale and Livin' The Dream 5th and 3rd over fences and a 5th in the flat in huge group of 2'3 Jr/Am riders. This would be our biggest accomplishment of the show! You did it! This pair has come so far and have been working day in and day out to work towards this goal! Fine tuning and patience pays off!

These great photos were done by Kris Van Eaton check her out on Facebook she was amazing at the show!

Thank you to Kelsey Mizell for braiding our horses. She always does a wonderful job and our horses look their best. I truly believe that the little things are incredibly important and my clients love the experience of a well braided horse. Thank you! 😊

A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone that makes this possible. The parents, Susanna back home holding down the fort and most definitely my family! This wouldn't be possible with your support! 🙌

04/04/2022

It's been a crazy few weeks! Definitely late on posting....and will post more pictures when I have them. But it was a great first show of the season for us at Valhalla! We made some major adjustments in horse/rider combos so lots to take home! Congratulations to everyone for an amazing job 😀 Not too shabby for 4 horses showing a one day day show!