About Weeping Willow Miniatures, LLC
We love helping equestrians meet their horsemanship goals!
Contrary to popular belief...
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.
Meet Our Instructors
Catherine Talbert
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.
Alison Sheehan
Sensory Friendly and Tiny Tots Instructor
Bio coming soon!
Nicole Miller
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!
Shelby Adkins
Instructor
Bio coming soon!