For Jean Schmidt, horsemanship is a lifelong relationship. Her journey began at age five with her first horse—an unbroken Shetland pony named Daisy—and grew through years spent riding the Minnesota countryside. She later studied Light Horse Management and Instructor Training at the University of Minnesota before moving to Colorado, where she has spent over 50 years training horses and riders.

Jean’s experience spans multiple disciplines, including dressage, Western, reining, cross-country, jumping, and therapeutic riding. She has taught at summer camps, worked with riders with physical disabilities, and supported individuals healing from emotional trauma. Most recently, she created and led the riding program at Mt. Falcon Equestrian for ten years.

At the heart of Jean’s teaching is empathy—for both horse and human. She is especially skilled with children, beginners, and riders who carry fear or past trauma, thoughtfully balancing the needs of the rider with the well-being of the horse. Jean finds her greatest fulfillment in helping people build safe, lasting partnerships with their horses, grounded in trust, compassion, and mutual respect.