TESTIMONIALS
What our Riding Academy students say:
“My daughter has been with Empire Equestrian since the age of 5. Kaitlyn’s program is great for young riders, there is always caring instruction, warm encouragement and a lot of fun. As the kids get older, Kaitlyn offers them more opportunity and responsibility, which helps to build confidence and skill in equine care. Whether your child is 6 or 16 they will find a warm and encouraging atmosphere at Empire where they can grow in confidence and skill.”
“I started with Empire about 2012, and despite taking several long breaks for university and raising two children, Kaitlyn has always ensured my return to riding is both comfortable and safe. With just the right mix of tough love and encouragement, she has helped me step back into the competition ring. I’ve had the opportunity to ride a variety of horses there, and it will always feel like home to me. The family-friendly atmosphere is perfect for both me and my kids. I Look forward to many more years with the Empire team!”
“My daughter has been riding at Empire Equestrian for the past two years and absolutely loves it. Coralee, her instructor, is truly wonderful - patient, kind and great at tailoring each lesson to the rider’s needs and level. She has a natural way of explaining things that really helps build both skill and confidence. Beyond that, she’s just a genuinely lovely person. Kaitlyn (the owner) is also fantastic - super responsive and accommodating, which we really appreciate. You can tell how much everyone that is a part of empire cares about both the riders and the horses. All the horses are clearly very well cared for, and it’s such a positive, welcoming environment. Riding has been a huge confidence booster for my daughter. She’s learned so much - not just about riding, but about responsibility, care, and connection with the animals. She looks forward to every lesson and adores her time at the barn. Highly recommend!”
“We have had a fantastic experience at Empire Equestrian, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Kaitlyn and her team to other families. After riding at another barn for many years, we made the move and it’s been an incredibly positive change for our child, and for us as parents. We have been riding with Empire Equestrian for over three years now and we have seen growth in our daughter’s riding technique, as well as her confidence, independence, responsibility, care and love for the horses. The barn and instructors are welcoming and professional and always take the time to explain while they teach. Our daughter looks forward to her weekly rides and we are so grateful to have found Kaitlyn!”
“We first connected with Kaitlyn, and Empire Equestrian as a whole, when my daughter asked to go to Riding Camp Summer of ‘23. So when my daughter asked, I decided it was time to return to my own childhood love and share it with her; so we both started regular lessons about a year ago. We both have been welcomed with open arms, and in Empire Equestrian we have found our community. We have had the coaching to grow both of our skills and learn so many things each week, it’s a true highlight. The quality of the training is excellent from all the coaches and we are both supported to achieve our dreams and goals – making sure our individual learning needs are met. I don’t yet have a horse that I board at Empire, but have had the chance to witness the excellent care that each animal receives and wholeheartedly recommend Empire as a place to grow a person’s journey with horses. I’m so grateful to have found Kaitlyn and her team – it’s truly a special place.”
What our Hunter Jumper Program boarders say:
“I can’t say enough wonderful things about Empire Equestrian. Kaitlyn consistently goes above and beyond for her clients and their horses. She’s an incredibly supportive and positive coach whose kind, calm presence creates a welcoming atmosphere throughout the barn. The entire Empire team is friendly and always ready to lend a helping hand. I’ve boarded my horse here for two years, and he’s calmer and happier than I’ve ever seen him. With his spacious paddock, the wonderful amenities — including a huge arena, large grassy fields, wash rack, and access to endless miles of trails — Empire truly offers something special. Places like this are rare in the horse world, and I’m so grateful to be part of the Empire family.”
“My daughter Ashley began riding with Kaitlyn 15 years ago, and we’ve been part of the Empire Equestrian family ever since. Kaitlyn has created an incredible environment—supportive, positive, and welcoming - second to none. The summer camps are a fantastic way to get kids off their screens and out into nature. They learn responsibility, teamwork, and confidence while caring for horses and making new friends. The riding lessons go far beyond technique—they teach life skills in a fun and engaging way. We love Kaitlyn and her wonderful family. I can’t recommend Empire Equestrian highly enough!”
“We first came to Empire Equestrian almost 10 years ago and couldn’t imagine ever going anywhere else. Kaitlyn and her family are at the core of everything that Empire embodies and it is a uniquely special place where animal welfare comes first and the deeply treasured life lessons and experiences extend far beyond basic equestrian skills. Today, we proudly own and board our own horse at Empire and are successfully competing at horse shows all around the Lower Mainland, all thanks to Kaitlyn and her amazing facility, her wealth of knowledge and experience, her patient, kind and consistent training and our extended barn family of fellow riders, trainers and staff. We feel very privileged to be a part of such an amazing community!”
“My granddaughter and I have been coming to Empire Equestrian for over 5 years and we have felt privileged to know and work with its owner, Kaitlyn Harbour. The environment at Empire feels like going home. Kaitlyn has cultivated a warm and welcoming atmosphere and everyone at the barn is extremely friendly and helpful. Over the years I have watched Kaitlyn work tirelessly with her students giving them the opportunity to participate in some of the renowned horse shows in the Lower Mainland. Kaitlyn teaches her students two important things - sportsmanship and good work ethics. She does this with a smile and she is never too tired to lend a helping hand. Kaitlyn taught my granddaughter that it’s not about winning; it’s about schooling your horse so that you get better each time you show. Then, the ribbons will come. Kaitlyn has been a mentor and best friend to many of the girls at Empire, my granddaughter included. She has given her a tremendous amount of support over the years. I am forever grateful to Empire and my ‘barn family.’”
“Our daughter has been riding at Empire Equestrian for the past six years, and it’s truly been the most incredible journey. Kaitlyn has been an outstanding trainer. Her calm, supportive nature and deep knowledge of this sport have helped shape our daughter into the confident rider she is today. We truly can’t imagine this journey without her and feel so lucky to be part of such a supportive and inspiring family!”
