Welcome to Zale-Ada Equestrian
Horsemanship for all
At Zale-Ada Equestrian, we strive to provide excellent instruction from beginner to intermediate hunter jumper, dressage, and basic horsemanship. Students will gain an appreciation for all the facets of horsemanship, from the ground up. Contact us today for more information to get started on your equestrian journey!
What we offer
Find your flow
Beginner Riders
Growing Together
Beginner riders will learn about horsemanship and grow their basic riding skills in a safe and fun environment. Our horses are specifically and lovingly picked for their gentle demeanors and easy going personalities. Each rider is matched with an equine partner that will teach and challenge them to bring out the best rider.
Intermediate to Advanced Riders
Jumping In
Intermediate or more advanced riders are paired with an equine partner that will help to build their horsemanship and riding skills. Lessons will cover dressage and hunter/jumper. Riders will learn how to prepare for jumping, what it takes to safely guide their horse around a course, and about the importance of basic dressage in all levels of riding. Intermediate level students will also delve further into equine care and maintenance.
Price List
Be sure to ask about our pony parties!
• Private lesson prices vary based upon the length of the lesson. Package deals are available. One 30 minute lesson is $35. One hour long lesson is $50. One hour and a half long lesson is $75. Please contact us for pricing on the discounted package deals. **Package deals for lessons are nonrefundable, and they do not expire.**
Our Lessons
Committed to Quality
Lessons are offered to fit a variety of backgrounds, no matter the age, level, or previous experience of each rider. There is always more to learn when it comes to horses! Shorter sessions are offered for the youngest of riders, and incorporate games and fun with horses to learn new skills. Longer sessions for older riders work on refining the skills of the rider and and communication with their equine partner.
About Zale-Ada Equestrian
Zale-Ada Equestrian was created out of a strong passion for building connection with horses. As a certified riding instructor, owner Sarah Williams-Maxwell has been teaching professionally since 2012, and ZAE was founded two years later, in October of 2014. Sarah has introduced many to the love of horses, and our horses have taken many riders to their first shows and helped them earn their first ribbons. Building strong riding and horsemanship skills are of utmost importance to Sarah, and she aims to teach each rider in a manner that is specific to how the rider learns. With background as a PATH certified therapeutic riding instructor, Sarah has the experience to work with many differently abled riders.
Sarah Williams-Maxwell - Owner/Head Trainer
Sarah Maxwell is a certified riding instructor with over 25 years of riding experience. Many years of riding were spent hitting the trails with her family, but in her 20s, Sarah began to focus on building her skills as a competitive rider. With successful show experience in both the Hunter/Jumper and Dressage worlds, Sarah has brought along several of the ZAE horses and students, and can boast helping to create stellar riders who are moving up the levels. Sarah believes strongly in helping riders not only become exceptional in the saddle, but out of the saddle as well. She hopes to foster independence, self-confidence, and a respect for the horse in every rider. As an active member and trainer with the Alabama Hunter Jumpers Association, she has been guiding riders to top placings within the state for the last several seasons. Sarah is also on the AHJA Board of Directors.
Shauna L. Eakin: Assistant Trainer/Barn Manager
Shauna comes to ZAE with a strong foundation in centered riding - concentrating on Hunter/Jumper, Dressage, and on the flat classes. Shauna has been teaching on and off for 20 years and has a deep seated passion for watching others fall completely in love with horses and the sport. She has done everything from teaching the local 4-H to being a clinician and judge. She loves to help beginners blossom, and to coach her experienced riders to the top. Shauna has a long list of personal riding accomplishments including many non-rated and Class A championships/reserves. Most notably, she has held several top 10s and a Reserve National Championship at the National Championship Show and several top tens at the Canadian National Championship Show with the Arabian Horse Association.
Meet The Team!
The Best Horses
Our wonderful horses are truly the heart of Zale-Ada Equestrian. It’s their personalities, heart, and talent that keeps students invested in the learning process. Take a look below to learn more about the team!
Summer
A Certain Addiction
Summer is a lovely palomino quarter horse mare with a big heart, and sometimes, big moments of sass to match! She loves to jump, but she’s really good at everything she does. As a multitalented horse, Summer has always been a huge part of ZAE. She has been the “first” for so many riders - the first ride, the first jump, the first canter, the first horse show, the first blue ribbon. Summer is an excellent teacher, and she is patient and fun. Watch out though! Sometimes she can be a challenge! Alabama Hunter Jumpers Association 2022 Season:•3rd over all in the .65 meter jumpers with Chandler Odom AHJA 2023 Season: • Reserve Champion in 9 and Over Walk Trot division with Arrianna Lewis-Vermilyer • 4th over all in Modifed Hunter (2’6”) with Chandler Odom• Reserve Champion in Low Hunter (2’9”) with Chandler Odom
Pi
ThreePointOneFour
Pi is a sweet flea bitten grey pinto mare with a passion for the jumper ring. She’s truly a horse who loves her job, and she’s brave to the jumps, which has made her a barn favorite. Pi is affectionate and loves to be around people! She would love to be groomed for hours on end, and really enjoys a good scratch from her riders after a workout. Pi is a fun girl to be around, and she definitely gives off those unicorn vibes! This pretty girl has had lots of success in the jumpers, and continues to impress.
Lacey
Irish Lace
Lacey is the resident pony here at ZAE, and she’s not really that small! Lacey had a very successful job as a 4H mount and show pony locally before coming to ZAE to teach our smallest riders. She’s still jumping, and still occasionally goes to shows, but she does seem to love her new job as the preferred partner for the smallest of riders. Lacey isn’t overly cuddly, but she is a kind and gentle soul who can be trusted with the most precious cargo, and she does a cute little nicker when she knows she’s getting a horse treat! Alabama Hunter Jumpers Association 2022 Season: • 5th over all in the 9 and Over Walk Trot division with Samantha Powell
Athena
Lavender Haze
Athena is a beautiful, young thoroughbred who is over 16 hands tall - and still growing! Athena was never raced; she does not often feel the need for speed! She is a friendly girl who always seems disappointed when someone leaves the pasture without her. Athena is just now beginning her journey as a lesson horse, and a show horse. Athena was sporting the Jockey Club name of “Barbara’s Gem”, but we went a different route with her show name. We are hoping that she will enjoy her new role in our barn, and love everyone as much as many of the riders already love her!
Get in Touch
We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to contact us with questions or special requests.
(334) 207-5213
