Riding Lessons
Riding Lessons at Whistlejacket Farm
Whether you’ve ridden your whole life or have never even touched a horse, Whistlejacket Farm is here to open the world of horses and equestrian sports to you and your family. Led by accomplished equestrian Alanna Starkovich, our Academy program offers expert instruction in a supportive, goal-focused environment.
Our lessons are designed to help riders build strong horsemanship skills, grow confidence, and connect with their horses through emotional awareness and clear communication. Each session is structured to help students progress step by step, with personalized goals that feel achievable and rewarding.
Located in beautiful Fort Worth, Texas, our state-of-the-art facility and welcoming farm family create the perfect place to begin—or continue—your riding journey.
Come ride with us and see where the journey can take you.
Alanna Starkovich — Riding Instructor
Alanna grew up as many other young horse lovers did, by taking riding lessons on the weekend and attending as many summer camps as possible. Through hard work and determination, Alanna was able to continue her love of horses and showing eventually purchasing her first young horse at age 15, training her to win their first state championship. Alanna and that mare were selected for a full ride scholarship (both horse and rider) to college and became members of both the Equestrian Show Team and Ranch Horse Riding Team winning the CoWN Stock Horse Collegiate Ltd. Non-Pro Circuit Champion in 2015. While attending College Alanna judged multiple all breed shows while also offering clinics at each in train and horsemanship. Since college, Alanna has pursued full time employment, riding alongside some of the best trainers and showmen in the Cutting and Cow Horse industry. Alanna found early success upon starting her Open show career in 2019-2022 and now looks forward to sharing her knowledge with the next generation of riders. Alanna earned a BS in Biology from UTA and an Associates degree in Equine Science from Laramie County Community College.
What to Expect During a Lesson
Each riding lesson at Whistlejacket Farm is one hour long and designed to give you a full, hands-on experience. We begin by learning how to groom and saddle the horse—an important part of building trust and confidence—before heading into the saddle for riding instruction.
Riders should come dressed in jeans or leggings, riding boots with a small heel, and a properly fitting helmet (bicycle helmets are okay for beginners). Each lesson is $65. At your first lesson, we’ll evaluate your skill level to tailor instruction to your needs and goals. All riders must sign a waiver before their first session.