Denise Boyett
Harness Driving and Riding Instructor

I'm a true native Whidbey Islander! Growing up on Whidbey allowed me to experience a world where I could ride my horse anywhere, anytime and feel safe about it. My riding desire started at the age of 3 when my family owned a Nubian dairy goat farm. Riding was in my nature and the goats made the perfect first mounts. When my family saw that I was determined to be astride, they purchased the first family pony named Cricket, who was soon joined by more ponies.

My very own first pony was purchased at a horse sale. I fell in love with a wild white mare and her lovely white foal. Determined to have these two ponies, I kept raising my dad's hand during the sale. By the time the sale was over, dad had purchased the ponies for far more than he could have purchased them without my help!! I now had my first horse to train; Ranton was my pride and joy and I rode him as a stallion for many years.

Being the typical horse-crazy girl, I spent a lot of time in the horse barns at the Island County Fair . Every year I begged to be allowed to join 4-H and every year I was told the same thing, “you have to be in the third grade!” As soon as I was old enough, I joined and 4-H became my sole focus. Over the next 10 years, I competed in every event possible (with multiple horses ranging from young foals onward) in Island County (IC). I won many awards and honors and represented IC at State Fair competitions. My horse zeal was so strong that despite not owning a trailer, I would ride my horse from Freeland to Langley (2 hours minimum each way) 3-4 times a week for meetings and horse shows. Needless to say, my horses were in top condition! As if 4-H was not enough, I became involved in the evolution of South Whidbey Pony Club and was one of the founding members. My father was also one of the first founding members of Back Country Horseman of Washington.

I began my teaching career early by teaching friends and fellow 4-H'ers how to ride, finally getting paid for teaching when I was 15. I have always known that people and horses make an incredible team! Determined to continue my formal equestrian education, I attended Meredith Manor International Equestrian College . During my time there, I excelled in Hunt Seat, Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Western Pleasure, and Reining. I graduated with the honor of Most Versatile Student and with a Riding Master Degree with an emphasis in Teaching and Training.

I have learned that you can never learn too much and pursued my teaching certification with CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) and then attended Western Washington University , graduating with dual majors in Human Services and Therapeutic Recreation. For many years, as the Head Instructor and Executive Director of another therapeutic riding program, I helped introduce several hundred people to the joys of horses. In 2008 I was honored to be recognized as a Hometown Hero by the South Whidbey Record.

I am so excited that one of my lifelong dreams to develop a therapeutic driving program is now a reality! During the past 6 years I trained several ponies and even a miniature horse to be excellent harness driving partners and became a certified Therapeutic Driving Instructor with NARHA (North American Riding for the Handicapped Association). Recently, I completed my first level of Driver Proficiency through the Carriage Association of America. The growing popularity of harness driving offers students, who may not be able to sit astride a horse or who want to experience a new discipline, the same great opportunities to enjoy the benefits of our caring 4-legged, carrot-eating partners both for recreation and competition!

In addition to being an EqX instructor, I am the Island County 4-H Horse Division Superintendent, and hold memberships in many educational equestrian organizations. I live at Valley View Farm with my husband, Ryan, my dog Kolbey, Kieara the donkey, several horses and barn cats. My passion is helping others find the joys that can be experienced when working with horses!!