I founded Hoof Falls & Footfalls to provide high quality, thought-provoking, and professional content related to adaptive/therapeutic riding and other Equine Assisted Services (EAS).
HF&F’s goal is to challenge the status quo and encourage instructors, students, centers, and the EAS industry to raise their standards when it comes to the quality and safety of the services we provide. Beyond the website, blog, and various resources, we specialize in offering development and educational opportunities to adaptive/therapeutic instructors.
The HF&F approach emphasizes ethical collaboration with our equine partners and meeting our students of all abilities where they are to facilitate their growth and independence as equestrians. We want to help support and educate instructors because they are the the heart and soul of our industry. The HF&F team strongly believes that hard work and perseverance can lead to unexpected achievements, and we’re here to inspire and support you in reaching your goals.
ME…IN A NUTSHELL
I love God, my husband (who is my high school sweetheart), three energetic sons, and all my critters. We currently have 4 horses (my 4 footed coworkers), 2 blue heelers, and a flock of chickens.
I have an immense passion for the Equine Assisted Services (EAS) industry and love educating, equipping, and encouraging adaptive/therapeutic riding instructors and programs to provide safe, professional, and sustainable services.
Hoof Falls & Footfalls began in 2018 as a passion project documenting my instructor journey and challenging me to know my whats, hows, and whys by doing the research to support the content and education I provide. What started as a way to stay involved in the industry has grown into a full education resource [podcast, YouTube channel, blog, and the Intuitive Instructor Club] alongside in-person and online coaching, mentoring, custom clinics, live courses, and an instructor Academy + Certification. I and the HF&F team now present locally, nationally, and internationally, specializing in adaptive/therapeutic riding, equine assisted learning, and instructor and program development.
Through HF&F, my mission is to educate, equip, and encourage adaptive/therapeutic riding instructors to change lives through safe, high-quality, and engaging Equine Assisted Services. I want to challenge the status quo and help instructors, students, centers, and the industry raise their standards for the quality and safety of what we provide — always honoring our equine co-workers along the way.
Meet students where they are, but challenge them to grow to meet their potential. This is the heart of how I teach and what I help other instructors and barns do.
I began in the EAS industry in 2008 and spent a decade working in various capacities at a large non-profit PATH Intl. Premier Accredited Center where I learned so much and am beyond thankful for my time there. From 2018 to 2025, I ran a successful for-profit integrated lesson program on my property — offering traditional, adaptive, and Equine Assisted Learning lessons — alongside the growing instructor education side of Hoof Falls & Footfalls. In 2025, after teaching traditional and adaptive lessons full time for over 18 years, I made the decision to step away from lessons and focus fully on instructor and program education, coaching, and support through Hoof Falls & Footfalls. Whatever I do, I want to do well — and right now I feel called to support instructors and programs. Not teaching lessons full time has been quite the change, but it’s exactly where I need to be.
Hoof Falls & Footfalls is based out of Phoenix, Arizona, but the team travels for national and international clinics, mentoring, coaching, and instructor development. I’m living proof that being that awkward, horse-obsessed kid can pay off and result in a beautiful life. For a full list of my certifications and qualifications, see the drop-down below.
Dionne began volunteering in EAS in 2007. As a life-long equestrian with a degree in education, she quickly discovered that EAS was the perfect way to combine her love of teaching and horses. She jumped right in and obtained her PATH Intl. Registered Instructor Certification six months later and immediately began teaching adaptive riding lessons. Over the years she has added PATH Intl. Advanced Instructor, Mentor, ESMHL, and CHA-IRD to her credentials and held nearly every possible position in the EAS industry.
She is passionate about mentoring others pursuing certification as well as those looking to increase their knowledge and become better instructors. In addition to supporting instructors though working with Hoof Falls & Footfalls, she offers online and in- person mentoring services through Ability Centered Horsemanship.
She truly believes, “When one teaches, two learn.”
Courtney is a lifelong equestrian, a graduate of the United States Pony Club, and a PATH Intl. Advanced Certified Instructor. She has worked extensively in the Equine Assisted Services (EAS) industry across the United States and internationally, bringing a broad and diverse perspective to her work.
An experienced Director, Mentor, and Supervising Instructor, Courtney offers deep expertise in program development and strategic planning within both nonprofit and for-profit organizations. Her leadership is grounded in collaboration, fostering environments that encourage growth, innovation, and meaningful discovery.
Passionate about the future of Equine Assisted Services, Courtney is dedicated to advancing the industry and is enthusiastic about sharing her knowledge and experience to support teams and organizations in achieving their goals.
Instructor Training for Equine Programs for Fire/Police/Military
South Korea
Adaptive Riding Instructor Clinic
Arizona
Naughty Horse Presentation
2019 Regional Horse Conference - Colorado
Tempe Mounted Police School
2019 Arizona
Tempe Mounted Police School
2019 Arizona
