Welcome Friend

A little more about me…

 I’m 33 years old and married almost 3 years to my wonderful husband, Garrett Huntley. As a believer in Jesus Christ, I enjoy leading worship at my church and hosting Bible studies as often as I can. I’m fluent in Spanish and graduated with Honors from University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a bachelor’s degree in Applied Spanish and Translation. I’m also partially fluent in Portuguese and Tagalog (Filipino). I’ve used these language skills to serve in 17 mission trips to various countries. 

     As a professional horse trainer, I have a particular love for starting horses (introducing them to their first saddle, bridle and rider) and working with remedial (‘problem’) horses. Helping a horse learn to trust and be safe for its rider or handler is a rewarding experience! 

     I hold both the Intro and Advanced Course certificates from the Monty Roberts International Learning Center in Solvang, CA. I’ve spent over 4 months, across 3 visits, at Monty’s farm learning under Monty and his Certified Instructors. These courses allowed me to gentle wild mustangs and work with remedial horses from a variety of backgrounds. I plan to complete my internship there and join Monty’s group of Certified Instructors! 

    I have given riding lessons for the past 22 years, beginning when I was 12 years old. This journey began through prayer, and has continued by God’s grace.

     When I was 9, I knew I wanted a horse and began praying for one. By age 11, God answered my prayers with Teddy, an American Paint horse, who was given to me by Irene Brown. Irene was only an acquaintance at the time, a realtor who helped my parents with their mortgage a couple years prior. When I saw how God answered my prayers, I knew I would continue to pray for everything in my life! That has continued to this day. 

     I rode Teddy (often bareback) almost every day through my equestrian neighborhood and the adjacent farmland. We went through woods, a lake, 28 acres of riding trails, creeks, ponds, and fields. I nicknamed the farmland ‘Narnia.’ It wasn’t long before I began giving my first riding lessons.

     As a homeschool student, I’m thankful to God for the unique schedule, which allowed me to care for Teddy and to begin my commitment to physical fitness and discipline through competitive rock climbing.  

     When I was 3, my mom caught me in the kitchen, smiling down at her from the top of the door jam! She thought to herself, ‘My… what do we have here?’ By age 12, my parents bought me a membership to the local rock climbing gym, along with some beginner’s lessons. Who knew I would fall in such love with the sport?

     Rock climbing and horseback riding are mental and physical activities. Both of these sports require the focus of mind and body. During these adventures, I fully depend on God for wisdom and direction. It becomes a moment with just me and Him. With prayer and conversation with Him, He guides me through each challenge I face, whether on a climbing route or on a horse. All glory to God!

     Although I never intended to compete in rock climbing, my instructor recognized my potential and encouraged me to enter a competition. I only wanted to climb ‘for fun’! However, I finally acquiesced, entered and by the grace of God, placed first in that competition.  

     After the challenge and excitement, I was determined to train even harder! This demanded more focus, which helped me feel closer to the Lord. By age 14, I was invited to the USA Climbing Regional, Divisional, and National Championships. Each year, my team name was ‘Team Jesus & Me.’

     At the ages of 14, 15, and 16, I placed 26th, 13th, and 11th in the nation for my age category for indoor competitive sport climbing. The 60-foot technical, overhung routes demanded strength, flexibility, and endurance, both mentally and physically. These indoor courses mimicked outdoor climbing situations. I continue to climb both indoors and outdoors as often as I can, even entering competitions every now and again just for fun, and all for the glory of God.

     In addition to keeping myself mentally and physically active, I strive to eat healthily. In general, I refrain from refined sugars, white flours, and hydrogenated oils. I’m knowledgeable on a range of natural recipes, foods, herbs, and other remedies to help maintain a healthy body and even overcome ailments. I enjoy sharing this information with others!

     In order to keep myself consistently active, I hold myself daily (6 days a week) to a 5-minute moderate-to-high intensity workout at home. Typically, it includes squats, push-ups, pull-ups, and ‘mountain climbers’. This exercise regimen helps maintain strength and endurance.  

     I’m grateful for the 22 years of riding lessons I’ve shared with students through Cait’s Riding Academy, and I’m excited for the years to come! Although I’ve lost count of the number of students I’ve had, I know it’s into the hundreds. I look forward to having you join the family of riders through CRA, whether it be at my place with my horses or at your place with your or others’ designated horses!