About Us

Star Hughes: EquesTraining at Stellar Pony Club Riding Center

Star Hughes named her business EquesTraining in reference to horses, their training, and the quest for true horsemanship.

Star's personal equestrian quest began at the age of five, when she decided to become a horse trainer and travel in the steps of her aunt, a onetime breeder, owner and trainer of fine Saddlebred horses. Growing up in Tennessee, she graduated from a Shetland pony to a little Morgan horse who could do everything, in style, from barrel racing to saddleseat English Pleasure, and as Star's interests changed, to East Tennessee Pony Club Hunter Champion. Bigger mounts followed, Thoroughbred hunters and 3 & 5 Gaited American Saddlebred show horses.

Star was a working student for two years at the famous Potomac Horse Center in Maryland, specializing in combined training (dressage, stadium jumping, and x-country) while working with some of the leading instructors in the United States. Later, she was Assistant to the Director at Morven Park International Equestrian Institute, in Virginia, before moving West. In New Mexico, she was assistant to renowned horsewoman Sally Graburn. Star has lived and trained in Colorado for the last number of years and is now based at Stellar Stables, a privately owned facility in Parker, Colorado.

Star has chosen to focus on riding instruction and horse training, rather than the more public life of horse shows. She prefers working with people and horses to help them develop their individual aptitudes and abilities, instead of opting for a set formula to quick, but uncertain, success. The types of horses and riding disciplines Star has taught makes for a long list in the + columns. She insists that every horse and rider receive the correct basic building blocks of education, whatever the intended discipline, so that they are well-prepared, confident, happy, and capable of performing at their best through the years.

Star, her assistants, the ponies and horses, all work together to make the equestrian experience with EquesTraining a valuable part of a student's lifestyle. Much more than a sport, riding horses and caring for them can contribute greatly to the health and well-being of those actively involved. Physical benefits are expected, yet it is the mental and emotional benefit gained through working with these amazing animals that is truly extraordinary. Both children and adults respond equally well to what horses have to offer humans. Star is certified to teach by the associations below:

ARIA - The American Riding Instructor's Association
PATH - International Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship
TTEAM - Tellington-Touch Equine Awareness Method

Star holds active membership in The United States Equestrian Federation(USEF), the American Vaulting Association(AVA), The United States Dressage Federation(USDF), The CO Hunter/ Jumper Association(CHJA), and The Colorado Horse Council(COHOCO).