Here at Zion Riding Academy we have two kinds of instructors- Human Instructors and Equine instructors. Our equine instructors are not just horses, they are not tools for a job, they are highly valued and respected members of our team. Without these incredible horses, our Academy wouldn't exist. It takes a special kind of horse to be an equine instructor. They must be safe, patient with learning riders, well educated, and enjoy their job. Many of our instructors are 'retired' from a professional competitive career and enjoy their retirement getting smothered in love and attention by loving little kids. Booker is one of those horses. He started his career as a reining horse and competed in the sport until he injured his hock in pasture one day. They did everything possible for him, even stem cell therapy! His owner Joedy Lange had taken amazing care of him since birth and she didn't want to hurt him by asking him to continue competing in reining. So, she heard of our Academy and thought he would enjoy work as a lesson horse, so she contacted us and he has been an invaluable member of our team ever since! His registered name with the American Paint Horse Association is Red Oak Redemption, but around the barn he goes by Booker. He is a favorite of many of our students and Tessa's favorite (But don't tell the other horses!). He has a puppy dog personality. He will come when you whistle, follow you everywhere and he loves scratches! Just don't leave anything near him on the hitching post because he'll chew on it like a puppy! Despite his bigger size, he has taught many of our smallest students to ride because of his gentlemanly disposition and willingness to listen for the tiniest little cues. He is truly one in a million and treasured by all at the Academy. We love you Booker!
