Jan Myers of Myers Equestrian Center in Newcastle draws from a unique and diverse background to design thorough, all-inclusive programs and clinics for the riders near her. Jan operates in the European tradition, in which riding is considered a comprehensive discipline rather than several different sports. She works with Gedeon Heinrich, a member of the 1960 Olympic Equestrian team, and his wife, Carolyn, also a Grand Prix rider, in dressage and hunter/jumper styles. Jan also has experience in therapeutic riding programs as well as western.
Jan has 32 years of experience riding. As she progressed as an equestrian, she discovered that she was passionate not only about her own improvement, but her ability to teach and enrich the lives of others through horseback riding. After several apprenticeships, Jan decided to try her hand at training and instructing. She studied equine science and property management, and in 1989, bought 10 acres in Newcastle, where she set up her business. “After opening my ranch up for instruction, I was able to share my knowledge with my students,” she beams. “As many of the young children progressed, we all were able to go to schooling shows and compete where they were able to show off their abilities and be in the ribbons many times over.”
Soon, Jan founded the local Pony Club, where she strives to impart a multi-disciplined riding education as well as basic horse maintenance and appreciation so that each of her students has a solid foundation and can take their riding in unlimited directions. Her varied experience is an asset to each of her students. For example, dressage drills are instrumental in her therapeutic program, and techniques borrowed from therapeutic riding work as excellent exercises in balance for any area of riding. Currently, Jan teaches courses at Sierra College. Subjects include buying a horse, lunging, and saddle cleaning and fitting. “My aim is to be the best informative instructor possible,” she says. I teach my students to train and ride in the best, safest way possible, using all of my own schooling as aids.”
Today, Myers Equestrian Center is a small, intimate operation where Jan has optimal interaction with each of her clients. Gedeon Heinrich comes from Gilroy each month to give a clinic to riders of all abilities and types. Jan is intent on creating opportunities for anyone who wants to learn how to ride. While some clients board, there are lesson horses available and no one is turned away. “My philosophy is to give back to everyone I can what was given to me by my instructors. I was fortunate to have several great instructors in my career to learn from. I try to make my lessons and training affordable, so that everyone will have a chance to learn the correct way of riding and handling a horse,” Jan explains. She also works with several college students from the nearby universities to further their skills and their careers.
For more information, contact Jan Myers at klassymoves@aol.com.
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