Heather Swope opened Legends Equestrian Center in Decatur, Arkansas in 2004. Before moving to NW Arkansas, Heather was an owner and head instructor at Windmill Stables, a premier Hunter/Jumper facility serving the Dallas/Fort Worth area. When Windmill Stables was purchased, the lesson program was relatively non-existent and the barn had only 10 boarders. During the first four years, Windmill had filled its 30 stalls, and Heather established a comprehensive lesson program that managed over 60 students, enabling Windmill to quickly become a very competitive barn at the North Texas Hunter Jumper shows.
While in Dallas/Fort Worth, Heather was also active in establishing High Rise Pony Club, which has competed at Nationals each year since 2001. High Rise is a unique PC because Windmill Stables allows their lesson horses to be used by lower level PC members. This affords children who otherwise would not be allowed to compete without owning their own horse the opportunity to participate in the mounted and unmounted rallys that Pony Club offers.
Heather has been instructing students since September of 1998, and has taken her riders to a variety of schooling, open and rated Hunter Jumper shows. Heather’s show background consists of riding in competitions since 1988, in New Mexico and Texas.
In the fall of 2001, Heather became certified by the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA). She is a Level II Hunt Seat certified instructor, attending yearly conferences offered by ARIA to remain updated on teaching techniques and the standards of the sport. Heather takes pride in teaching her students valuable skills they can use throughout their lives. To that end, she requires that each student give their best, always emphasizing the importance of a caring, respectful approach to their horses, family, fellow riders, and instructor.
Heather Swope
17341 W. Hwy. 102
Decatur, AR 72722
479-752-8271
479-366-5860
