Vicki Godsey Casenburg, Owner and Instructor
Colleen Mckenna, Assistant
Vicki started riding at the young age of five. Her family successfully trained, bred and showed American Saddlebred horses and continue to do so. She began instructing Saddle Seat at the age of thirteen. She has enjoyed competing both as a juvenile and amateur in the American Saddlebred arena. She is a member of the United Professional Horseman's Association (UPHA), the American Saddlebred Horse Association (ASHA) and the East Tennessee Saddlebred Association (ETSA). "My passion lies with instructing both children and those young at heart (adults). I believe you are never to old or to young to learn something new." Winston Churchill said it best "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."
Testimonials
Alex has been riding for a year now and really enjoys it. He is a ten year old boy. (He really wants more boys to start riding!!!) He says that horseback riding has made him stronger for playing other sports. He loves Miss Vicki. She is very patient and fun. Her first priority is safety and she teaches you the correct way to ride. We would recommend her to everyone. Alex says that she is GREAT! -Amy Montgomery
I gave my Granddaughter, Destiny, a gift certificate for riding lessons last year. I thought it would be fun and exciting for her to learn to ride the right way so we could trail ride together later on. In addition to receiving excellent riding instruction from Vicki, Destiny received a bonus we did not count on, but greatly appreciated. Her behavior in school improved to excellent, her grades improved dramatically and her self esteem shot through the roof. Although Destiny is not taking lessons at this time, the benefits have continued to grow in Destiny. Thank You Vicki, and Colleen, and Jasper, and Scooter, and Sassy Dancer and etc.... WHAT A TEAM!! -Pat Craddock
Blue Ridge Riding Academy is a wonderful place for any first-time riding student. My 8 year-old daughter has been taking lessons for six months, and she is progressing wonderfully. The instructor, Vicki, is patient, encouraging, and easy to talk with. The horses are wonderful, too! As a mom of a horse fanatic (going on 6 years now), I appreciate that my daughter is learning about proper riding techniques AND the care of the horses she rides. It is teaching her about great responsibilities, and she LOVES it! I would recommend BRRA for all young riders. -Amy Earls (mom of Lillian)
Vicki is the greatest riding instructor ever! She is not only very skilled, she is patient, kind, encouraging, in short: a wonderful person. She makes riding lessons a holistic experience where students learn to ride, yes, but to love and care for the animals. Vicki rocks! -Katrina Heil
Attention adult riders: If you are looking for someone who understands that adult students have different goals, needs, and learning styles from children; and for a teacher who will encourage you and help you to meet those goals while having fun at the same time, then I cannot recommend Vicki Casenburg enough. During the little-over-a-year that I have taken lessons, Vicki has not only helped me progress towards my goals with alacrity and at times hilarity, but has opened up a wealth of new possibilities which I am looking forward to exploring at my own pace and with her expert guidance. Thanks Vicki!-Alison Deadman (adult student)
I gave my Granddaughter, Destiny, a gift certificate for riding lessons last year. I thought it would be fun and exciting for her to learn to ride the right way so we could trail ride together later on. In addition to receiving excellent riding instruction from Vicki, Destiny received a bonus we did not count on, but greatly appreciated. Her behavior in school improved to excellent, her grades improved dramatically and her self esteem shot through the roof. Although Destiny is not taking lessons at this time, the benefits have continued to grow in Destiny. Thank You Vicki, and Colleen, and Jasper, and Scooter, and Sassy Dancer and etc.... WHAT A TEAM!! -Pat Craddock
Blue Ridge Riding Academy is a wonderful place for any first-time riding student. My 8 year-old daughter has been taking lessons for six months, and she is progressing wonderfully. The instructor, Vicki, is patient, encouraging, and easy to talk with. The horses are wonderful, too! As a mom of a horse fanatic (going on 6 years now), I appreciate that my daughter is learning about proper riding techniques AND the care of the horses she rides. It is teaching her about great responsibilities, and she LOVES it! I would recommend BRRA for all young riders. -Amy Earls (mom of Lillian)
Vicki is the greatest riding instructor ever! She is not only very skilled, she is patient, kind, encouraging, in short: a wonderful person. She makes riding lessons a holistic experience where students learn to ride, yes, but to love and care for the animals. Vicki rocks! -Katrina Heil
Attention adult riders: If you are looking for someone who understands that adult students have different goals, needs, and learning styles from children; and for a teacher who will encourage you and help you to meet those goals while having fun at the same time, then I cannot recommend Vicki Casenburg enough. During the little-over-a-year that I have taken lessons, Vicki has not only helped me progress towards my goals with alacrity and at times hilarity, but has opened up a wealth of new possibilities which I am looking forward to exploring at my own pace and with her expert guidance. Thanks Vicki!-Alison Deadman (adult student)