Waddy, Kentucky

Where Riders Build
Confidence, Skill, and a True
Connection with Horses

Helping riders grow with purposeβ€”one ride at a time.

Where good horsemanship comes firstβ€”developing confident riders through consistency, feel, and solid fundamentals.

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Start Here

New to Horses?
You're in the Right Place.

Whether you're a total beginner, getting back in the saddle, or a parent looking for a safe and positive program β€” this is the easiest way to begin.

01

First Lesson / Evaluation

Your first visit is a low-pressure Evaluation Lesson. It helps us match each rider with the right horse, group, and coaching plan.

  • We'll meet you where you are (no experience needed)
  • Safety first: barn rules, helmet fit, and what to expect
  • Hands-on support: grooming/tacking basics + a guided ride
  • Clear next steps: you'll leave knowing exactly what fits best
02

Join the Program

After your Evaluation Lesson, we'll help you choose the best path based on goals, schedule, and experience.

  • Beginner-friendly options with a steady progression
  • Lesson horses and helmets available
  • Small group coaching so riders feel supported
  • Easy scheduling so families can plan ahead
03

Grow Your Skills

Once you're in the program, we focus on steady progress β€” one ride at a time.

  • Build strong basics: balance, steering, stopping, and safe handling
  • Learn real horsemanship: grooming, tack knowledge, and barn confidence
  • Track progress over time with clear goals and coaching feedback
  • Explore new skills as riders are ready

Ready to Begin?

Book your First Lesson / Evaluation, and we'll take it from there.

Create Account & Book

Is This Right for You?

Who This Program
Is For

This program is built for riders who are ready to grow β€” no matter where they're starting from.

Love horses and want to build a real partnership β€” not just sit in the saddle

Are a beginner with zero experience but a whole lot of curiosity and heart

Have some riding under your belt and are ready to sharpen your skills and set goals

Are a parent looking for a safe, structured, and confidence-building activity

Dream of competing in Western events like reining, ranch horse, or barrel racing

Don't own a horse β€” we provide well-trained lesson horses

Value hard work, patience, and showing up β€” even on the tough days

Want to be part of a community that celebrates every small win

Whether you're 2 or 62, a first-timer or a seasoned rider β€” if you're willing to learn, you belong here.

This May Not Be
the Best Fit If…

We want every rider to have the best possible experience, and that means being honest about what this program asks of you.

Drop-in trail rides or casual, unstructured riding

Our lessons follow a progressive curriculum designed to build real skill over time.

Shortcuts or quick results

Horsemanship is a journey. We prioritize doing things safely and correctly over doing them fast.

A hands-off experience

Our riders groom, tack up, and care for their horse as part of every lesson.

Pure entertainment without commitment

We ask our riders to show up consistently, follow barn safety rules, and respect our equine partners.

This isn't about being exclusive β€” it's about making sure your goals and ours are aligned.

Still not sure?

That's exactly what our $55 Evaluation Lesson is for.

Book Evaluation Lesson
Caitlin Halliwell, Owner and Head Coach of Red Horse Training

Our Story

The Road to
Excellence

At Red Horse Training, we believe great riders are built on solid foundations β€” not shortcuts. Located in Waddy, Kentucky, our year-round facility features an attached indoor arena, outdoor sand arena, and roundpen designed for serious skill development.

Founded by Caitlin Halliwell β€” former Miss Rodeo Kentucky 2018, University of Kentucky graduate, and coach with over 15 years of experience β€” Red Horse Training has evolved from rodeo-focused programming to comprehensive Western horsemanship education.

β€œWe don't just teach you to ride β€” we teach you to become a well-rounded horseman.”
Group lesson in the indoor arenaCaitlin Halliwell working cattlePee Wee lesson with young rider

Our Method

The Levels Program

Confidence in the Saddle. Foundations That Last.

01

Unmounted Horsemanship

Learn proper grooming, tacking, equipment care, arena etiquette, and horse health awareness. Great riders understand their equine partners from the ground up.

02

Mounted Skills

Progress from balanced position and basic steering to lope proficiency, lead changes, advanced patterns, and the ability to adapt to different horses with confidence.

03

Specialized Tracks

Once you reach Level 3-4, choose from seven specialized training tracks to pursue your personal goals β€” precision horsemanship, speed events, cow work, or roping.

Group lesson in the indoor arena at Red Horse Training

β€œOur Levels Program isn't just about riding β€” it's about becoming a complete horseman.”

Choose Your Path

Specialized Tracks

Once riders reach Level 3-4, they choose from seven specialized tracks to develop advanced skills and pursue personal goals.

Track 01

Western Horsemanship Pattern Work

Precision, position, and partnership through technical patterns that showcase rider skill and horse responsiveness.

Track 02

Western Showmanship (In-Hand)

Master ground work, presentation, and communication with your equine partner from the ground.

Track 03

Ranch Riding

Develop practical, working ranch horse skills with an emphasis on versatility, responsiveness, and smooth transitions.

Track 04

Reining

Learn the artistry of sliding stops, spins, and precise circles in this exciting, athletic discipline.

Track 05

Barrel Racing & Speed Events

Build speed, agility, and control while developing competitive edge in timed events.

Track 06

Cow & Flag Work

Hone instinct, timing, and precision working cattle or flag obstacles.

Track 07

Roping

Develop coordination, timing, and horsemanship through foundational roping skills.

Ranch riding over trail obstaclesRanch riding stepping over log obstacleRanch riding at the gate

Programs

Find Your Path

Multiple pathways to meet you where you are β€” from first-time riders to national competitors.

Academy rider competing at a show
Ages 8+ and Adults

Academy Lessons

Structured lessons on our quality lesson horses. Progress through our Levels Program at your own pace with personalized instruction. No horse ownership required.

Learn More β†’
Young Pee Wee rider smiling on appaloosa horse
Ages 2-7

Pee Wee Program

Gentle introduction to horses for our youngest riders. Age-appropriate curriculum focused on safety, confidence, and fun.

Learn More β†’
YEDA team member smiling at competition
Compete Without Owning

YEDA Catch-Ride Show Team

Our YEDA Catch-Ride Team showcases true riding ability on our trained lesson horses. Perfect for students who want competitive experience in a supportive team environment.

Learn More β†’
Reining horse performing a sliding stop
Board + Train + Show

Full Training Program

Comprehensive training and showing with AQHA, ARHA, and NRHA. Develop your partnership and compete at regional and national levels.

Learn More β†’
Rider on palomino horse during trail class
Bring Your Own Horse

Haul-In Training

Focused training sessions with your own horse. Private lessons or clinics tailored to your goals β€” show prep, skill refinement, or working through challenges.

Learn More β†’
Students learning horse anatomy during a horsemanship clinic
Monthly Unmounted

Horsemanship Clinics

Essential unmounted skills including grooming, tacking, horse care, safety, and horsemanship knowledge. Open to Academy riders and adults.

Learn More β†’

Why Choose Us

Why Red Horse Training?

01

Structured Progression

Our Levels Program ensures you build skills in the right order, creating confident, capable riders who understand the 'why' behind every cue.

02

Lesson Horses Provided

Quality, well-trained horses available for lessons and competition. No need to own a horse to learn or show.

03

Personalized Instruction

Small group lessons and private sessions tailored to your goals, whether recreational or competitive.

04

Year-Round Facility

Attached indoor arena, outdoor sand arena, and roundpen mean consistent training in every season.

05

Experienced Coaching

Over 15 years of coaching experience with a proven track record from local to national competition.

06

Multiple Pathways

From catch-ride showing to full training programs, we meet you where you are and support your unique horsemanship journey.

Testimonials

What Our Riders Say

β€œI've tried out numerous riding instructors over the past several years and my experience at Red Horse has been well above and beyond the others. The impact Caitlin has had on my horsemanship ability and my comfort level in the last six months has been more than I could've possibly hoped for.”

Sydney C.

β€œI found Red Horse Training looking for Western lessons for adults so I could get more comfortable around horses. The confidence and knowledge that her students had was really impressive. This is definitely not a show up, jump on, ride then leave program. Highly recommend!”

Justin O.

β€œAn amazing riding camp! You made a forever Western Rider! I appreciate all your safety measures and the welcoming environment. We will definitely be back!”

Dina E.

Ready to Start
Your Journey?

Book your evaluation lesson online and come see what Red Horse Training is all about.

Book Online Now

Get In Touch

Contact Us

Location

1995 Hickory Ridge Road

Waddy, Kentucky 40076

Minutes from Louisville, Lexington & Harrodsburg

Open by appointment only

Contact

(502) 842-4600

[email protected]

Lesson Hours

Sun & Mon: Closed

Tue – Thu: 2:00 – 6:00 PM

Friday: 1:00 – 6:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM