Introducing
The Academy at Gwinfield
Training with instructor Catherine Morris; Offering riding lessons at Gwinfield farm.
Welcome to The Academy at Gwinfield Farm! The goal of our program is to help students become well-rounded equestrians through a safe and engaging learning environment. We offer lessons for all ability levels and for riders over the age of 6. We teach mainly English riding lessons on Morgan horses. Whether you are looking to ride for pleasure or show, The Academy at Gwinfield Farm can meet your needs.
How much does it cost?
Private lessons are $40 and group lessons are $30. Our instructor will determine when one is ready for a group lesson.
What day/time do you give lessons?
Lessons are given on Saturdays (2pm-6pm), Sundays (10am-2pm) and Mondays (4pm-8pm).
Where are you located?
The address for Gwinfield Farm is 5243 W. Canyon Road in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Click here for the map link
What do I need to wear?
Safety is our #1 priority; therefore all riders are required to wear helmets. First time riders may borrow an approved equestrian helmet.For your first few lessons, you will need to wear long pants and closed toed shoes, preferably boots or shoes with a hard sole and heel - no sandals or slip-on shoes. Once you have decided to continue riding, it is preferred that one wear riding breeches or jodhpur pants and paddock boots. Southern Hills Tack Shop in Jenks offers a reasonably priced “Beginner’s Riding Package” that include riding pants, boots and a helmet.
Gloves are also recommended, especially during winter months. Please tie long hair back.
What can I expect to do during a lesson?
Since we want our students to be well-rounded equestrians, please plan on spending about an hour at the stable as we will be learning more than just horseback riding. Lessons take place in one of our arenas (covered indoor or outdoor available). A typical lesson will be comprised of:
15 minutes- Grooming, saddling and preparing the horse to ride
30 minutes- Riding time (Focus of lesson will depend on ability of rider)
15 minutes- Untacking horse, debriefing about lesson
During your lesson, one will also be introduced to various equine topics such as anatomy, parts of the tack, and proper horse care.
Are there competitions available?
Absolutely! Gwinfield Farm participates at local, regional and national horse shows. We have horses available to lease for shows. Our instructor can give you more information about any upcoming opportunities.
What is your cancellation policy?
Please call 24 hours in advance to cancel your lesson. If a lesson is not canceled in advance, one will be charged. Inclement weather and emergency situations will be exempt from this charge.
What is your contact information?
E-mail: click here
Telephone (918)-378-2702
About Our Instructor:
Cathryn Morris has a passion for working with children, adults and horses. She brings a unique love for horses and a solid background in teaching to create an engaging and effective riding program.
She has a BA in Elementary Education and a MS in Educational Psychology. Currently in her eighth year at Jenks Public Schools, Cathryn has been involved with many facets of the public education system- teaching, administration and special program facilitation.
Her love for horseback riding is genetic, as both of her parents showed horses. At the age of 5, she began riding Morgan and Saddlebred horses under the tutelage of Gary Walters. Under his instruction, she won many classes at local and regional horse shows and was named National and Reserve National Champion at the Morgan Grand National Horse Show.
In an effort to improve her equitation abilities, Cathryn also rode with Jonalyn Gwinup. She credits Jonalyn for making her a more balanced, confident rider. During this time, the Oklahoma Morgan Horse Youth Group was very active and Cathryn participated in horse judging and horsebowl quiz competitions. These youth groups help to make children more well-rounded horsemen through educational activities, and Cathryn hopes to start a club at Gwinfield Farm.
As a teenager and young adult, Cathryn rode for Bradford Farm, a Saddlebred training facility in Tulsa, OK. This was a great learning experience as she showed everything from 3 Gaited to 5 Gaited horses.
Fast forward time to October 2010…Cathryn began giving riding lessons to adults and beginner/intermediate children at a small Morgan horse facility with the encouragement of owner, Melissa Montgomery. This opportunity allowed Cathryn to combine her 2 passions- teaching and horses.
Currently, Cathryn owns 2 Morgan horses, Cairnbrae Chicago (“Wrigley”) and OH Independence Hall (“Jimmy”). She enjoyed showing Jimmy in the Pleasure Driving division last year and hopes to take him under saddle this year.
“I am so excited to be back at Gwinfield Farm. I have such fond memories of riding under Jonalyn as a child. I truly admire her positivity, sportsmanship and ability to clearly communicate with any age of rider. I look forward to watching my students grow as riders and as individuals. Please do not hesitate to e-mail or call (918-378-2702) if you have any questions!” ~ Cathryn Morris