What we do
We believe that every horse has a unique potential that requires a tailored approach to behavioral psychology and performance development. We work with horses and their riders to meet specific goals. This ranges from groundwork and desensitizing, to starting under saddle, to competition and showing. We offer riding instruction for equestrians of all ages, in multiple disciplines, from beginner to advanced.
Owner and trainer, Heather McKay combines years of experience with a deep understanding of horsemanship to ensure a partnership built on trust and mutual success.
We maintain a safe, low-stress boarding facility where horses are comfortable and well cared for, and owners are welcome.
7029 E Barataria Blvd
Sierra Vista, AZ 85650
859-230-5542
Feel free to visit in person between 8:00 am and 7:00 pm, but we recommend calling or texting first, so we don't miss you while out on a ride!
"So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few."
Matthew 7:12-14
Narrowgate Sport Horses
We bring out the best in your horse!
We specialize in starting young performance horses in a variety of disciplines. Our clients are primarily interested in pursuing dressage, jumping, and eventing. However, we welcome those with a western background as well and have had many successful western pleasure and trail horses come out of our training program.
"You can never rely on a horse that is educated by fear. There will always be something that he fears more than you. But, when he trusts you, he will ask you what to do when he is afraid..."
-Antoine de Pluvinel
Meet the trainer
Heather McKay - Head Trainer
Owner and head trainer at Narrowgate Sport Horses, Heather McKay grew up riding horses in various disciplines at the Pinto Ranch in southern California.
Heather spent her teen years working with OTTBs, Warmbloods, Arabians, Quarter Horses, and the many other breeds that came through the ranch's training facility. There she experienced everything from team penning to vaulting, and from polo to eventing. This diverse equestrian background built the foundation that enables her to communicate effectively with a wide variety of horses, particularly those with quirky personalities and troubled backgrounds.
Heather has made a career of working with young horses, and horses that have had rocky starts, and she enjoys helping horses gain or regain trust in their riders while developing confidence in their own abilities. Her career has been as diverse and the horses she has worked with.
A sampling of her experiences include: coaching and choreographing for Peppertree Vaulters, wrangling dudes and breaking colts at Red Rock Ramch in Wyoming, eventing client horses at USEA 3-day events, training National and World Champion Morgans from the ground up, working with Arabian sport horses to achieve their Legion of Honor (+) and Legion of Merit (++) awards, and training Clydesdales for barrel racing and H/J classes for the 2018 Clydesdale World Show.
Heather is passionate about furthering her equine education. A firm believer that experience is the best teacher, she takes every opportunity to acquire knowledge that can only come from those with a lifetime of experience in their respective disciplines. However, Heather will argue that the finest teacher... and the only one without an agenda... is the horse.
Services
Lessons
Although Narrowgate Sport Horses does not have lesson horses, lessons can be provided to riders with their horse at levels including beginner, intermediate, or advanced. All lessons are private, one-on-one. Enrolling in lessons is a great way to get individualized attention from your instructor and improve your riding ability.