Our instructors
Alesia
Hello,
I am Alesia the owner and head instructor at Northwood stables. I have been riding, showing, and training for many years. I have done a little bit of everything from western pleasure, hunt seat, saddle seat, extreme trail, drill, and gaming. I love teaching students, and love to work through problems with clients and their horses! I currently coach the Ridgefield WAHSET team and help out with other events in addition to instruction at the barn! I cant wait to meet you and help you on your horse journey!
Alesia
Heather
Hi, I’m Heather! I’ve been teaching in riding programs across Oregon and Washington for over 25 years. My background spans from dressage, jumping, reining, cow work, and I also work with driving teams of draft horses and mules—both personally and at the Pendleton Round-Up.
While I enjoy many disciplines, my true passion is long-distance mountain riding, and I compete in several endurance rides each year, both locally and nationally. Over the years, I’ve started and developed many young horses, and I’ve had the joy of guiding students from their very first ride all the way to becoming show champions.
My teaching style is laid-back and supportive, and I love giving students a wide range of experiences—from trail riding adventures to the excitement of the show ring. I look forward to meeting you and helping you on your journey!
Book a lesson with Heather
Lilah
Hi, I’m Lilah! I’ve been riding and competing since I was little, starting out in local performance shows before moving on to rated hunter-jumper competitions, IEA, 4H, and WAHSET. My riding background is rooted in jumping and outback mountain riding, but in recent years I’ve expanded my experience to include reining, drill, gaming, saddleseat, driving, dressage, and roping—some of which I’ve competed in at the state level. I’m passionate about continuing to learn and grow as a rider, and I love sharing that passion with others. Teaching and helping riders build confidence, develop new skills, and achieve their goals is one of my favorite parts of the equestrian world. I’ve had the privilege of being part of many young riders’ journeys, and I’m excited to be a part of yours, too!
Book a lesson with Lilah
Natalie
Hello, I’m Natalie! I have been riding horses for as long as I can remember. Growing up I was in 4H and competed at many local open shows. When I first started riding, I loved speed events and participating in local gaming playdays. At the age of 15, I was gifted with a very young and talented mare, who I trained by myself, with occasional help from other local horse men and women. It was then that my passion for performance riding really grew. I enjoy competing in the all around performance events. After spending time prepping myself and my mare, I started showing on the Pinto Horse Association Circuit. We attended multiple Pinto shows in both Oregon and Washington,competing in Western Pleasure, English Pleasure, Halter and Showmanship (my favorite class!) which I was very successful in.
While I love riding myself and showing off the hard work I put into my horses, I love teaching others new skills and watching riders connect and click with their equine partners! I am experienced in teaching all ages and skill levels. I look forward to working with you and watching you grow as a rider!
Book a lesson with Natalie
Tessa
Hi there! My name is Tessa,
I have been riding since I was 10 years old and have been trained in many disciplines. I have trained and shown in jumping, dressage, gaming events, english pleasure, western pleasure, showmanship, cow events, and many others. I was involved in 4H, open shows, rodeos, WAHSET, and fair court. Showing and competing was amazing but I found my true passion is in instructing and helping riders grow.
I have been instructing and giving horse lessons to all levels in many disciplines for around 10 years. Whether it is for a beginner who has never been around a horse before, to riders who want to explore new techniques. My goal is to help riders understand the fundamentals of riding while building confidence, knowledge, and having fun while doing so. I am looking forward to meeting you all and helping in any way I can. Whether it's a fun relaxing ride or a lesson that challenges you and helps you grow.
Can't wait to meet ya’ll!
Book a lesson with Tessa