We love helping equestrians meet their horsemanship goals!
We teach students from 3 years old through adult amateurs! Contrary to popular belief, we don't have just Miniature Horses! Our horses range in size from 30 inches tall to over 16 hands and we can accommodate students of a variety of shapes and sizes! We use the Horse Sense Learning Levels curriculum in our program with awards available as you move up through the levels!


Here at Weeping Willow Miniatures, LLC we strive to keep our clients and horses as happy and healthy as we can. Our school horses are treated like kings and queens and given the best level of care possible. Our horses work a maximum of five days a week, are treated to regular farrier, vet, and chiropractic care, and given as much turn out time as we can provide.
We plan engaging and fun-filled lessons for our students while always striving to implement safety practices and compassion for the horse. We use the Horse Sense Learning Levels curriculum and students earn ribbons and certificates as they level up! Here, students learn everything from the ground up-catching a horse safely, leading, grooming, tacking, and horse care as well as riding. Once students are ready, we offer the option of attending shows and clinics with our school horses.
All of our instructors are Safe Sport trained and first aid certified.
Head Instructor and Owner

Catherine Talbert established Weeping Willow Miniatures, LLC officially in 2010. She has been teaching both western and english disciplines since 2009, as well as performance lessons with Miniature Horses (driving, in-hand jumping, showmanship, halter, in-hand obstacle, driving obstacle, and more!). She grew up showing in local shows all the way up through the world and national level. Catherine took lessons for eight years with Lecia Phillips of Split Pond Stables and was on the UTK Western Equestrian Team in college. She took Miniature Horse lessons as a youth and then apprenticed under Ricky Wardlaw of Cygnet Farm Training Center for four years before branching off to work soley on Weeping Willow Miniatures, LLC. She is a carded Level 1 Open Horse Show Association Judge with specialties in Ranch and Hunter as well as certified in both Equine and Canine Sports Massage Therapy through Equissage, Inc. She has a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a Minor in Business as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Applied Music (flute) from The University of TN, Knoxville. Catherine is also finishing up her PEMF certification with Magnawave for Equines, Livestock, and Small Animals.

Lauren's love for horses began when she was just 3 years old, and horses have been at the heart of her life ever since. More than 25 years later, she still wakes up excited to learn something new every time she steps into the barn.
Lauren grew up riding primarily English and has been fortunate to compete in hunter/jumper and jumper shows throughout Virginia, Wisconsin, Texas, and New Mexico. While earning her bachelor’s degree, she had the opportunity to ride for Texas A&M University, an experience that strengthened both her riding skills and her appreciation for teamwork, dedication, and horsemanship.
Over the years, Lauren had the privilege of training horses from their first experiences under saddle to becoming confident, competitive show horses. She has also worked alongside Clinton Anderson clinicians to expand her knowledge of groundwork and horse psychology. Those experiences reinforced something she has always believed: great riding starts with trust, communication, and understanding the horse before anything else.
Teaching has become one of the most rewarding parts of her journey. Whether she's helping a child ride independently for the first time or guiding a more experienced rider toward their goals, Lauren strives to create a positive, encouraging environment where both horse and rider can grow together. Confidence, patience, and kindness are at the center of every lesson she teaches.
At home, she's lucky to have two incredible horses who continue to teach her lessons every day. They remind her that no matter how much experience we gain, there is always something new to learn. Lauren truly believes that knowledge is power, and that choosing to keep learning is one of the greatest strengths we can have.
For Lauren, horses aren’t just a sport—they’re a lifelong passion. Her goal is to continue growing as a horsewoman so she can help every horse and rider she works with become the very best version of themselves.
Instructor

Nicole Miller has been riding and competing for over 18 years. She has experience in a variety of disciplines, including Western, English, Ranch, Reining, Showmanship, and so much more! Throughout her career, Nicole has competed at local, state, and national levels, earning championships and qualifying for prestigious events. Her love for competition has led to numerous achievements and has only furthered her passion for the sport. Over the years, She has had the privilege of working with several amazing horses of her own, each of whom have played a vital role in her journey as both a rider and an instructor. Nicole began teaching lessons about six years ago and is passionate about helping students of all ages and skill levels build confidence and develop their riding abilities in a fun, supportive environment. As an instructor, Nicole focuses on fostering a safe and encouraging atmosphere where riders can thrive. She holds an Associate’s Degree in Anthropology from Pellissippi State Community College and is currently continuing her education at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Nicole is excited to bring her knowledge and passion for horsemanship to Weeping Willow Miniatures, helping students reach their full potential while nurturing their love for horses!
Instructor

Bio coming soon!

Bio coming soon!