Our Equine Team

From the moment your child meets Desperado, they'll understand why he's the heart of Mountain View Equestrian. This handsome 18-year-old buckskin Quarter Horse gelding has a calm, sweet nature that puts even the most nervous first-time riders at ease — and has parents breathing a sigh of relief.

A seasoned western riding horse, Desperado is the perfect introduction to the saddle. He's steady, sure-footed, and — best of all — completely unspookable. Loud noises, new faces, unpredictable little riders? Not a problem. Desperado has seen it all and takes everything in stride, giving parents the peace of mind they deserve while their child learns the ropes.

He does have a gentle confidence about him, which means he responds best to riders who are learning to find their own confidence too. That's actually a wonderful thing — we love to use Desperado to help timid riders discover their voice and assertiveness in the saddle, building real skills alongside real courage. Watching a shy child earn Desperado's respect is one of our favorite things to witness at Mountain View Equestrian.

Safe, sweet, and absolutely beloved, Desperado isn't just a lesson horse. He's the reason so many of our students can't wait to come back week after week.

Ready to introduce your child to Desperado? Come visit us at Mountain View Equestrian and let the magic happen.

If Desperado is where the love of riding starts, Harper is where it truly takes off. This athletic 15-year-old Quarter Horse mare brings an infectious energy to every lesson, and the kids who click with her? They absolutely light up in the saddle.

Harper is a western riding powerhouse with an impressive range — she can guide a developing rider through the basics and turn right around and tackle barrel racing, jumping, and everything in between. She's the kind of horse that grows with your child, making her a wonderful long-term partner as their skills and confidence build.

She rides best with students who have a few lessons under their belt and can hold a trot — and once they're there, Harper rewards that foundation with some of the most exciting, dynamic rides on our property. Her energy is very "can we go again?" She keeps riders engaged, focused, and genuinely thrilled to be in the saddle.

For parents of kids who are ready to graduate beyond the basics and discover what they're truly capable of on horseback, Harper is your answer. She brings out a competitive spark in young riders that's something special to watch.

Think your child is ready for Harper? Talk to our instructor and we'll help you find the perfect fit!

Meet Phantom — The Horse Who Makes Every Lesson an Adventure

Not every horse wears his heart on his sleeve, but Phantom absolutely does. This striking 11-year-old gray Appendix gelding has a personality so warm and eager-to-please that it's impossible not to smile around him — and your child will feel that the moment they say hello.

Phantom rides western and brings both skill and enthusiasm to every lesson. At just 11 years old he has plenty of energy and talent, but what truly sets him apart isn't what he does in the saddle — it's who he is outside of it. Friendly, expressive, and genuinely happy to be around people, Phantom has what we can only describe as a puppy dog personality. He's the horse that makes your child never want to leave the barn.

And he'll make sure of it. Phantom is famously playful — he loves to investigate jump stands, splash around in water, and generally keep everyone around him smiling and laughing. Spending time with Phantom isn't just a riding lesson, it's an experience your child will be begging to repeat every single week.

What makes Phantom truly special is the way he gives back everything he receives. Show him patience, and he settles right in. Give him kindness, and he'll meet it with a loyalty and gentleness that surprises even seasoned riders. For children who approach him with love and trust, Phantom returns it tenfold — and watching that bond develop is one of the most rewarding things we get to witness at Mountain View Equestrian.

Suitable for all skill levels and endlessly friendly, Phantom is proof that the best part of riding isn't just the ride — it's the horse you share it with.

Could Phantom be your child's perfect match? Come meet him and find out for yourself.