When it comes to finding the perfect sport or extra-curricular activity for your child, many look to popular activities like soccer, Little League, or gymnastics. But for some, the most rewarding activity can be found on the back of a horse. Equestrian sports are incredibly popular and yield impacts that last a lifetime.
That has certainly proven to be the case for Emma Banks, owner and trainer at Hazelwood Stables. Emma started riding at 7-years-old. Her mother rode horses, so it was natural for Emma to ride as well. When Emma was 16, they had two horses and she was spending most of her time outside of school at the barn, exercising horses and assisting with summer camps and more. When the stable owner asked Emma’s mother about taking over the stable, it came as a shock. “I wanted to have horses, but I never thought of being a trainer. It never crossed my mind,” shared Banks. But that decision changed the trajectory of her life. Emma and her mom now run Hazelwood Stables. When Emma turned 18, she went pro and now guides many young equestrians in the sport.
Hazelwood Stables focuses on jumping as well as hunt seat, saddle seat, western pleasure and more. At Hazelwood, the focus is first on learning the basics: how to post and steer and navigate, how to brush a horse properly, not walk behind them and other essential skills. It then grows naturally based on each individual. “It can just be for pleasure. I always allow kids to tell me where they want to go when they’re doing the sport, that they’re not obligated to compete,” Banks explained.
For Jacqueline Elliott and her daughter Maddie, equine sports started as therapy after Maddie was diagnosed with a pediatric autoimmune disease syndrome at 4-years-old. Equine therapy was recommended as a way to help manage her condition. Nine years later, Maddie is riding and competing with a horse of her own. It’s now gone beyond therapy, establishing a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility in her young daughter. “A lot of 12-year-olds are not out there every day, cleaning stalls, taking care of animals. It’s one thing to do your sport, but on top of this is a lot of responsibility. That has carried on to all the other things she does,” explained Elliott.
Hazelwood has been a perfect fit for the Elliotts, becoming a second family. Kids of all ages work and learn side by side, mentoring each other as well as bonding over their love of the animals. Emma’s training has been a game changer for Maddie. “Emma is just one of those people that just wants the best for all of her kids. She has always been so supportive of Maddie’s goals. The harder Maddie works, the more Emma wants it for her. We would not have these amazing opportunities if it wasn’t for Emma providing wonderful horses and wonderful training,” shared Elliott.
Beyond the show ring, Emma sees horses quietly shaping how kids move through the world. In a barn full of thousand‑pound teachers, kids learn not just how to ride, but how to read a room, manage emotions, and build trust—skills that last far beyond the pasture fence.