Dynamite Riding Academy is a local business I want to introduce you to.
I work with local, small businesses to help them grow and reach more people. I am passionate about keeping things local if you couldn’t tell. I hope to make this Small Business Spotlight a series as I work with more and more local businesses like Dynamite Riding Academy.
If you are in the Phoenix area and interested in working with me just send an email to jenna@jvoldenphotoraphy.com. I would love to find a way to help you as I did with our first small business, Dynamite Riding Academy.
Dynamite Riding Academy is owned by Heather McWhorter. Heather breeds, markets and sells Arabian horses and teaches classical, dressage style horseback riding on Arabians or half-Arabians. She is a member of several professional organizations including the United States Equestrian Federation, the Arabian Horse Association, and the Arizona Dressage Association.
I worked with Heather to photograph two of her horses and interviewed her to learn more about her business.
Keep reading to learn more about Heather and Dynamite Riding Academy!
Heather grew up with horses and at eight years old met her first Arabian horse. It was love at first gallop. She was captivated by their beauty but became hooked when she saw their personality. Arabian horses are curious, extremely intelligent, loyal, and trusting. After spending the day with Justice and Jericho I can attest to this! Both boys are quite the characters.
Unfortunately, life got in the way, as it does with many of us and Heather spent ten years working in the Behavioral Health field after college but she is now following her passion and helping others discover their passion and talents through teaching others.
Riding lessons are geared toward beginner and intermediate riders. She focuses on giving riders a good foundation of learning both in the saddle riding and on the ground learning, including all aspects of care. Riders start in dressage saddle but go on to excel in multiple disciplines of riding.
Having a small business can be stressful, especially when it comes to finances. It can be hard to do more with less but Heather focuses on making sure her prices are accessible for more people. Her customers often tell her how comfortable they are and how stress-free her lessons are. Heather loves having her own business because she gets to be creative in using her gifts and talents to help others. She uses this freedom to be the best version of herself and hopes that she inspires others to be their best selves.
Heather would tell anyone looking to start their own business to follow their passion and to never give up on your passion or yourself.
Now for a little fun…
What did you want to be when you grew up?
What I am, a riding instructor!
What inspires you?
My friends and family and of course, the horses.
What are three things you can’t live without?
Lip gloss, my phone & my mini horse 🙂
What do you do for fun?
As cliche as it sounds, I enjoy spending time my horses! I also enjoy hockey, the beach and being with friends and family.
Thank you, Heather! I enjoyed working with you and meeting Jericho and Justice. I can’t wait to work with you, and those boys, again.
Are you following me on Instagram? If you own a small business, give me a follow to see some of the images I have done for other brands!
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