ANIMAL ASSISTANCE
Horsey Hostess brings people together with horses
SARATOGA, N.Y. >> New local business The Horsey Hostess is bringing people together with horses, one social hour at a time.
Located at 7 Anthony Lane in the Town of Saratoga, The Horsey Hostess is a private farm offering Equine Assisted Learning for general wellness and stress relief as well as riding fundamentals and beginning riding lessons for individuals age eight years and older.
Rider Casey Walter is the owner and operator of this new business, which recently celebrated its official launch at an Open Barn Party and ribbon cutting ceremony with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
At this event, attendees had the opportunity to meet Rocky, Pete and Oscar.
These three horses are at the heart of the Horsey Hostess sessions, which Walter calls “social hours,” because working with the horses is all about developing relationships and clear communication.
Visitors who book a social hour, whether it’s a riding or non-riding horse experience, learn a little about the science-based “horsey language” from Walter and the horses.
“I always start people with proper horse etiquette,” Walter said, noting that’s why the business is called The Horsey Hostess. “There are actually ways you’re supposed to properly greet a horse and
communicate with them.”
In preparation for this new business, Walter studied the practice of Equine Assisted Learning and the fundamentals of riding instruction. She also spent time researching the work of Sharon Wilsie, the creator of Horse Speak.
When using these techniques, “The horses really do respond, and it makes it a lot easier to work with the horses when you know the proper ways to speak to them,” Walter said. “So that’s sort of the overarching theme.”
Prior to this entrepreneurial endeavor, Walter worked as a public middle school teacher, a yoga and meditation instructor, an executive assistant, an actress, and most recently, a mom to her daughter Cecelia, the “Junior Horsey Hostess.”
A Potsdam native, Walter originally got into riding in her teens, and her love for horses and riding was rekindled when her family moved to Saratoga about three years ago.
In creating The Horsey Hostess, Walter has drawn upon skills from all aspects of her life, with the goal of providing truly special sessions for her guests. “I think I’ve been able to create a unique experience that I can offer,” she said.
While there are equine therapy facilities in the area, and there are riding stables that are geared toward sport and competition, The Horsey Hostess is somewhere in the middle, Walter said, adding that her business focuses on wellness, destressing and making people feel good.
The newly constructed barn and riding area are meant to be clean, safe, and quiet, providing a pleasant atmosphere for both the resident horses and visiting parties.
Walter believes people can learn from observing and interacting with horses like Rocky, Pete and Oscar. “They’re very good at being present and mindful. They’re always in the moment,” she said. “They’re very good about keeping their personal space and their boundaries, but at the same time being really loving.”
Looking ahead to the future of The Horsey Hostess, Walter hopes to someday possibly offer trail riding and expand the barn, while making an effort to give back to the local community.
More information about The Horsey Hostess is available online at www.thehorseyhostess.com and www. facebook.com/TheHorseyHostess. The Horsey Hostess can be contacted by calling or texting (518) 338-9607.