Head Trail Guide and Riding Instructor
910.988.7513
tstone@cordilleraranch.com
Hometown: Dunn, NC
How did horses become such an important part of your life?
I’ve loved horses since I was 3 years old. My grandparents trained horses and that’s how it all started.
How did you become employed at the Equestrian Center?
My grandfather knew Susie Phillips through a previous job and after I moved down here, he connected us.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Everyday when I get up and come to work, it’s a little bit different — never the exact same — and that’s a blessing. Everyone here has a different skill set but similar passions and that allows us to work well
together. My love is being able to connect people
with horses.
What are your professional goals?
I want to be able to continue to build my skill sets and eventually open a business of my own — preferably an Equine Rehabilitation Center.
What makes a horse such a special companion?
Horses are kind a giving, and once you bond with them, they will usually give you their all.
How does your personal horse elevate your life?
Storm has been the light of my life for roughly the last 11 years. My grandparents bred and raised him to be a racehorse. Through some very trying times, we lost him for a few years during his racing career. My grandfather was able to track him down and we brought him home. Storm had some healing of his own to do — some of the people on the track were not very kind to him. However, you would never know that today. For all he has been through and done, he still will always give me his all when I ask. Now at 17 years old, he is my go-to pony horse that I use to break all the babies. This horse has taught me more than most people and he is pretty special.
Anything on your bucket list?
I want to travel the U.S. and trail ride.