Meet the Instructors

Leadership training: Roy and Deborah Duke is an experiential Learning instructors who teache people that the most effective communication relies on our non-verbal actions and personal motivations as much as it does rational thought and speaking. “Horses are this incredible metaphor for leaders and leadership based on themes revolving around partnership, relationship, trust and communication.”

Duke Farm offers many different programs ranging from a few hours to multiple days. When people have difficulty getting a horse to do something they want it to do, it stems from a lack of trust on the horse’s part. By teaching people how to get the horse to trust them and follow their directions, The Dukes are teaching people how to be leaders without using words.

My name is Marci Clendenin! I have been riding for 20+ years, in almost all disciplines! I showed in 4-H for 12 years, including English, Western and Gymkana classes! I also showed Hunter Jumpers for those 12+ years - which is where my passion truly lies! I have a Bachelors degree in Animal Science, with a Western riding minor and then went on to earn my Radiologic Technologist degree, which is what I use to work in x-ray at UofM hospitals! I truly love and respect all animals, including horses and dogs! 

Saturday Lessons: Alyssa is a well versed equestrian with over 18 years of experience. At the age of 8, Alyssa found her true passion in gymkhana. She and her main horse, Crimson, competed successfully on her high school equestrian team, making it to regionals 3 years in row. Alyssa now owns 5 horses and competes locally in not only gymkhana, but also showmanship and hunter under saddle. She is excited to meet new students and share her knowledge with the next generation of equestrians! 

Wednesday evening Lessons: Ava has always been passionate about horses. She started volunteering at Duke Farms at the age of 9, where she got the opportunity to spend time with the horses and ride as much as possible. A couple of years later, she began showing a horse through 4-H, and soon after that, she purchased the horse as her own.With years of experience gained at Duke Farms and through 4-H, Ava is excited to join the lesson team and share her knowledge and love for horses with students of all ages!

Thursday and Friday Lessons

Growing up down the street from a local Western Ranch. She spend a lot of time just hanging out there. In her 20s she started taking lessons and showing school horses at a hunter jumper barn and fell in love with riding and being at the barn. What she loves most about riding is that it’s so therapeutic You are so concentrated on your ridding and your horse all worries are pushed out of your mind.  So she decided to pass her love for horses on and started giving lessons to small children. Life got busy so after a long break, she’s back to teach and spend time at the barn.