Team
Team Apex is driven by an unwavering passion for horses and a commitment to delivering outstanding equestrian training. Our team is composed of individuals with diverse expertise, each bringing unique skills and insights to the table. Dedicated to creating a supportive environment, Team Apex ensures that both riders and horses thrive, making every experience at the academy enriching and rewarding.
Team Apex
About
At Apex Riding Academy, our lesson horses are the true backbone of our program. Each horse brings unique skills and a supportive nature, making them essential to our training success. Their gentle guidance helps riders build confidence and skills, ensuring every student's journey is rewarding and fun.
Meet Our Lesson Horses
Book an introductory lesson and tour at Apex Riding Academy to explore our stunning facility and meet our dedicated team. We offer a welcoming atmosphere for new riders, providing a direct and informative experience into the world of horses. Booking is straightforward, ensuring your journey into equestrian life is both enjoyable and easy.
Ready to Explore Apex?
Kasey Moffat's journey with Apex Riding Academy began at a young age, when she first stepped into the world of horses under the guidance of Julie Daniel. From those early days as a kid in the barn, Kasey has grown into a distinguished figure in the equestrian community, crafting a successful career that now sees her as the head trainer of the Performance Division at Daniel Training Center. Her longstanding relationship with Apex & DTC has been marked by over 18 years of dedication and expertise in the Arabian horse industry, where she plays an integral role in both training and operations.
Kasey's devotion to the academy's programs is mirrored in her ability to transform new riders into national champions, showcasing her exceptional skill in developing talent. Her collaboration with Julie Daniel has propelled numerous clients to achieve their dreams, earning them national honors.
Kasey
MEET
Head Trainer & Instuctor
Lauren Stephenson's journey with Apex Riding Academy is a testament to her passion and dedication to the equestrian world. Joining Apex as a young rider, Lauren has been a part of the team for over 7 years now, she has become the lead instructor for the Academy team. Her expertise and commitment have also earned her the role of assistant trainer at Daniel Training Center, where she works closely with Kasey Moffat.
Lauren's remarkable achievement in 2024, guiding one of her riders to a National Championship in her first year as a trainer at nationals, marks a significant milestone in her career. This success reflects her exceptional ability to inspire and nurture a new generation of confident riders. Lauren’s journey from junior instructor, through various roles including grooming and competing with her own horse, has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the equestrian field.
Lauren
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ASST. TRAINER & ACADEMY INSTRUCTOR
Erlene Smythe is a third-generation horsewoman with deep roots in the equestrian world. Originally from New Mexico, she has expanded her expertise across the country, training with Olympic dressage coaches, Hall of Fame Morgan and Saddlebred trainers, and world-renowned reining experts.
Throughout her distinguished career, Erlene has developed and coached numerous national and world champion horses and riders, working with both adults and junior exhibitors across all disciplines, including hunt seat, saddle seat, western, driving, and equitation. As a Large “R” international judge, she brings a wealth of knowledge and a keen eye for horsemanship to every lesson.
Erlene is passionate about teaching and committed to helping riders of all levels develop their skills, build confidence, and create lasting partnerships with their horses. Her expertise, dedication, and enthusiasm make her an invaluable addition to the Apex Riding Academy team.
Erlene
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Lead Instuctor
Leah Johnson, an esteemed instructor at Apex Riding Academy, brings a lifetime of equestrian experience and passion to her teaching. Growing up on a 40-acre breeding, training, and boarding facility in Montana, Leah was immersed in the world of horses from an early age. She began her journey in youth rodeo at just four years old, riding a spirited pony named Barbie. Despite her rodeo beginnings, Leah always had a special fondness for English riding, which led her mother to enroll her in lessons with an Arabian horse trainer by the age of six.
By seven, Leah was already competing in Arabian horse shows across all disciplines, and soon after, she had her own Arabian horse, marking the start of a remarkable competitive career. Her dedication and skill culminated in winning the prestigious Scottsdale Saddle Seat Equitation Championship during her final year of youth competition—a testament to her talent and hard work.
After taking a six-year hiatus for college, Leah relocated to Arizona, where she quickly rekindled her passion for horse showing by connecting with Julie at the Daniel Training Center. Now balancing a full-time job with her role at Apex, Leah finds immense joy and fulfillment in passing on her vast knowledge and love for horses to new riders. As a part-time instructor, she is dedicated to nurturing the next generation of equestrians, sharing her expertise and inspiring confidence in beginners as they embark on their own journeys in the equestrian world.
Leah
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INTRUCTOR
