History of Riding in the U.S.

US Riding has a very rich history from George Washington through the Civil War to the Cavalry School at Fort Riley.  In the ‘60s our Olympic team was unequaled.  Join me as I look at the U.S. horsemanship masters and how our sport became the industry it is today.

There is no better way to learn how to ride, hunt and show than by taking riding lessons and learning all about horses at the Fox School of Horsemanship!

Riding Instructors

Barbara Fox

Barbara grew up on Long Island , New York in the ‘60s where she showed Equitation and Hunter/Jumpers.  She is a graduate of the Potomac Horse Center and a certified instructor/trainer. Barbara began teaching 43 years ago. Students have gone on to become instructors in Hunter/Jumpers, Dressage, and Pony Club. Students and horses have had successes in Hunt Seat Equitation, Jumpers, Hunters, Pony Hunters,  3 Day Eventing, Dressage,  Stock Seat Equitation, Saddle Seat Equitation, and Arabians and Quarter Horses.

Barbara began teaching Pony Club lessons in 1975. She is the founder of Oak Creek Pony Club and served as its DC for 5 years. Barbara has had many jobs in Pony Club, including DC, Instruction Coordinator, Regional Instruction Coordinator, Regional Supervisor and Vice Regional Supervisor. Barbara has organized numerous rallies, clinics, meetings, and ratings.  She was the organizer of SW Region Pony Club camp. In addition to regular instruction, Barbara is also a Pony Club ratings Examiner. Barbara and her husband, Rick, established Fox School of Horsemanship in 1969.

In addition to teaching, training, and organizing Barbara is an author. She has written for multiple magazines and newspapers.  Barbara has a deep interest in US Horsemanship History and is compiling a work on the topic. Barbara also develops curriculum for riding programs.

Alisha Kempers-Fox

Alisha studied in England at the famous Talland School of Equitation where she passed her British Horse Society Teaching exams, including Child Protection, and Riding and Road Safety. Alisha returns periodically to England for more study. In America, Alisha rides with Robert Taylor, past Irish Olympic Team member, whenever possible. Alisha is a regular instructor at FSH. 

Alisha has a thorough Pony Club background. She has been a member of Oak Creek Pony Club from the very first meeting in 2000.  She is an accomplished Pony Clubber having been the first member of Southwest Region to pass the HB Rating.  Alisha is experienced with many types of rally, including Championships. Alisha gives rally and ratings preps for Oak Creek Pony Club. An accomplished Pony Club instructor, Alisha regularly teaches Oak Creek. Alisha has been an instructor for SW Region Pony Club Camp in St. Johns. She also runs the FSH Equestrian working student program.

Alisha loves eventing and foxhunting and is a professional photographer.