Lessons
The Victory Stables Instructional Program
Lessons in Hunters, Jumpers, and lower-level Dressage are available. We specialize in building excellent equitation skills by teaching riders how to effectively communicate with the horse in the saddle, complemented by comprehensive horsemanship skills on the ground.
Beyond the Arena
In addition to providing physical exercise, learning to ride and care for horses develops vital life skills, including responsibility, patience, and the ability to set and achieve goals. Unlike other sports, riders experience the emotional bond that comes from the horse-human connection—a partnership like no other.
The Curriculum
Victory Stables utilizes a detailed curriculum to teach riders about horse care and handling in addition to mounted instruction.
"We don't just make riders; we build equestrians."
Enrollment & Logistics
- Horse Ownership: All levels of instruction are welcome for students providing their own horse.
- Horse Leasing: All levels of instruction are welcome for students leasing a horse.
- Haul-ins: Outside horse-and-rider are welcome for haul-in lessons.
Safety & Requirements
Physicality: Riding is a demanding sport. Riders should be mindful of their fitness level and be prepared for the rigors of physical activity.
Attire: Proper equestrian attire and safety gear are required at all times while mounted.
Private Lessons
Private lessons allow for dedicated, one-on-one learning with a Victory Stables instructor. These sessions are appropriate for all skill levels and are mandatory for all beginners to ensure a safe and technically sound introduction to the sport.
- Format: Lessons are scheduled for a one-hour block, consisting of a 15-minute warm-up followed by 45 minutes of focused instruction.
- Scheduling: Riders may book lessons on an individual basis or reserve a permanent standing spot within our weekly schedule.
Group Lessons
Group lessons provide a collaborative environment where riders learn not only from their instructor but also by observing their peers. To maintain our high standard of instruction, groups are kept small in size to ensure each rider receives attention and tailored feedback.
- Frequency: Group sessions meet multiple times per week.
- Boarder Benefit: Boarders have access to three group lessons per week as part of their boarding program.
Cancellation Policy
To respect the time of our instructors and the scheduling of our arena, Victory Stables requires a 24-hour notice for all cancellations.
* Notice Period: Lessons cancelled with less than 24 hours' notice will be charged the full lesson fee.
- No-Shows: Failure to arrive for a scheduled lesson without notice will result in a full charge.
- Emergency & Weather: We understand that emergencies and extreme weather happen; please contact your instructor as soon as possible in these instances.
Meet The Riding Team...
The Victory Advantage: A Team-Based Coaching Model
What truly sets Victory Stables apart is our collaborative approach to instruction. Here, you are supported by our entire professional team.
- Collective Expertise: Instructors work in tandem, sharing insights and strategies for every horse and rider in the program. This means you benefit from our combined experience and unique professional perspectives, all working toward your specific goals.
- Seamless Continuity: Our instructors stay in constant communication regarding student progress, ensuring that your training remains consistent, structured, and momentum-driven, regardless of who is in the ring.
- A Unified Success Plan: We don't just give lessons; we manage your growth. By teaching as a unified team, we provide a 360-degree view of your development, ensuring that the "Victory Standard" is upheld in every session.
Cory Valenzuela
Owner, Head Instructor, Lead Trainer, Competitive Coach
USHJA Credentialed Instructor | CHA Certified Level 4 Jumping Instructor | Professional Rider
With over three decades of professional horse training experience, Cory brings a sophisticated, multi-disciplinary perspective to Victory Stables. Originally from New England, her background is rooted in the athletic demand of the Hunter/Jumper world and the precision of Dressage, allowing her to develop horses and riders that are as technically sound as they are competitively successful.
- Rider Development: As an instructor, Cory specializes in breaking down the training pyramid into clear, actionable steps. She works closely with our advanced riders, focusing on the precision, equitation, and mental discipline required for jumping. Her teaching style emphasizes a secure seat while teaching the rider the ability to ride in harmony and balance with the horse.
- Horse Development: As a horse trainer and professional rider, Cory specializes in the development of the equine athlete. She brings years of experience to every training project. Her philosophy focuses on building a solid foundation of correct flatwork, rhythm, and balance—ensuring every horse in her program is maintained and conditioned properly.
- Professional Development: Cory has spent her career learning from the industry's best and remains committed to continuous professional growth. She actively seeks opportunities to further her own development as an instructor and enjoys attending clinics to stay current on evolving methodologies. In 2010, Cory completed the USDF Instructor Certification training, and she continues to apply those classical principles to educate and refine her jumping students.
- National Leadership & Advocacy: A respected voice in the equestrian community, Cory has a distinguished history of service, including teaching Equine Studies at the secondary level and serving as a collegiate internship mentor. She has operated as a "Time to Ride" center for the AHC, collaborated with the USPC and is the past President of IEA Zone 7/Region 3. Currently Cory serves as a USHJA RRA and HQC/AHQC Committee Member and as a national examiner for CHA.
- Safety & Professionalism: Cory prioritizes the well-being of both horse and rider above all else. She is CPR/First aid certified, SafeSport certified, certified in Equine Emergency First Aid, and holds professional memberships across USEF, USHJA, USDF, and CHA.
- A Lifetime Perspective: As a rider, owner, wife, and mother of four, Cory understands the nuances of the equestrian lifestyle and specializes in working with our riders and their training goals.
Cory is available for private riding lessons and clinics.
Summer Valenzuela
Summer is a competitive Hunter/Jumper athlete developing her professional career under the mentorship of Head Instructor, Cory Valenzuela. With a deep-rooted passion for horses and a diverse competitive background, Summer brings a fresh, academic, and high-performance perspective to the Victory Stables team.
- Competitive Achievement: Growing up in the industry, Summer has been competing in the Hunters and the Pony ring since she was a child. In recent years, she has focused on moving up the ranks in the Jumper ring. Her diverse foundation includes riding IEA as a member of Victory’s Varsity team and competing in Eventing while rated under the United States Pony Club. Summer has twice been selected for the USHJA Emerging Athletes Program (EAP), and in 2022, she was a National Finalist in the USHJA Horsemanship Challenge. She continues to train and compete under the guidance of Cory Valenzuela.
- Academic Excellence: Summer holds a Bachelor of Science in Equine Studies from Post University, graduating Cum Laude. This degree provides her with a scientific and professional framework for stable management, equine biomechanics, and industry standards, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education.
- Instructional Style: With an understanding of Dressage, Summer focuses on creating confident, technically sound riders. She draws on her multi-disciplinary background to help students develop a strong foundation, whether they are just starting their journey on a pony or preparing for the competition ring.
- Safety & Professionalism: An avid rider and horse owner herself, Summer is committed to the highest standards of equine welfare. She is CPR trained, SafeSport certified, Equine First Aid certified and maintains active professional memberships with USHJA and USEF.
Mady Smith
Instructor
Mady is a native Texan who grew up riding English in Central Texas. A graduate of Texas State University, she brings a wealth of local knowledge and a passion for rider development to the Victory Stables team. Mady specializes in building the essential building blocks for new equestrians, ensuring every rider starts their journey with a secure and confident foundation.
- Instructional Focus: Mady excels in teaching beginners and possesses the skills needed to develop a solid foundation for any aspiring rider. She enjoys working with riders of all levels and has successfully coached both Middle and Upper School IEA competitive teams, and she has the qualifications to help students navigate the transition from recreational riding to the show ring.
- Equine Development & Horsemanship: Mady takes any opportunity to grow as a rider and an instructor. Outside of the formal lesson program, Mady enjoys working on in-hand training and creative problem-solving. This "ground-up" approach to horsemanship helps her students understand horse psychology both in and out of the saddle.
- Safety & Professionalism: Mady prioritizes a safe and supportive learning environment. She is certified in Equine Emergency First Aid and trained in human CPR/First Aid. Additionally, she is SafeSport certified and maintains active professional memberships with USHJA and USEF.
- A Balanced Perspective: An avid rider and horse owner, Mady is also a wife and mother of two. When she isn't in the arena, she enjoys exploring the trails, bringing a well-rounded and joyful perspective to the equestrian lifestyle.