W.A Riding Academy
Not all lesson programs are created equal. Choosing the school with the right balance of recreation and formal academics is a huge job. The W.A Riding Academy teaching philosophy encompasses the priority of the animal over the love of the sport. Through utilizing formal cross-discipline practices and marrying Dressage Principles with practical application, W.A Riding Academy is proud to offer a version of Natural Horsemanship & Ranch Riding that challenges students to rise and meet their horse's expectations thus forging a bond from patience & trust rather than force & domination.
Discover Your Best
A Classroom for the Horse
Natural Horsemanship
"a philosophy and training method focused on building trust, respect, and communication with horses by understanding their natural instincts and behavior, rather than using force or coercion. It emphasizes "speaking horse" through body language, ground work, and light pressure/release techniques to create a willing partner." REFERENCE LINK
Dressage Principles
"Dressage principles focus on developing a horse's physical strength, flexibility, and obedience through a systematic, compassionate training scale. Centered on harmony, it emphasizes rhythm, relaxation, connection, impulsion, straightness, and collection—collectively known as the Training Pyramid—to achieve athletic, willing, and expressive performance" REFERENCE LINK
Ranch Riding Discipline
"Ranch riding is a Western discipline that evaluates a horse's ability to perform practical, working ranch tasks with a forward-moving, natural, and efficient gait. It tests versatility and attitude, with horses performing individual patterns that include mandated gaits (walk, trot, lope), extensions, stops, and transitions." REFERENCE LINK
Cross Discipline Training
"Cross-discipline training in horse riding is the practice of incorporating exercises, techniques, or full activities from different equestrian disciplines into a horse's primary training regimen. It is designed to move beyond a single specialty...The goal is to work different muscle groups, enhance cardiovascular fitness, and prevent mental boredom, also known as 'ring sourness' " REFERENCE LINK
W.A is a place where training meets practical application. Tuition students play an active role in the training, rescue, & rehabilitation of many of the Academy Horses! By putting the horse at the center of each classroom, students adopt the roll of "trainer" and under guidance, learn to help support their equine partners. With some luck, patience, and time, many of these special horses graduate from our program to our Adoption Catalog that gets them a 2nd chance with a fantastic home and family.
Where the student becomes
the teacher
For the Horsemenship Student
Reviews
"I wanted to overcome my fear of horses. Every stable I contacted was interested only in working with young riders who wanted to compete. By chance, I found Walker Acres Riding Academy (Julia Walker, owner) and through Julia's patient guidance, have not only overcome my fear of horses, but riding lessons have become the highlight of my week! Julia's positive approach has moved me from fear to cantering! Walker Acres has a relaxed, farm atmosphere with outstanding instruction. I highly recommend Julia and Walker Acres Riding Academy"
Susan S. (2025)
"Highly recommended! Julia is the best teacher and really knows her stuff. She is wonderful with children and makes us feel right at home. She plans lessons centered around the individual rider. We enjoy going to weekly lessons!
Kristen P. (2020) Facebook Review
Casey (Review Link)
" The farm is beautiful and family friendly. The instructors are so friendly, down to earth, and confident with the horses. My daughter had an awesome first lesson. It boosted her confidence and she can’t wait to go back. Highly recommend!"
Rajitha (Review Link)
" Julia did a great job of making my daughter feel comfortable around her sweet horse, even decorating her horse's mane as way to get to know each other."
Amanda F.
"Just love Walker Acres! Both my kiddos rode there and Julia did such a good job meeting them where they were at! My son loved learning to lasso goats and my daughter loved decorating the horses manes and the pony rides! Although both my kids eventually decided they wanted to try other activities, they grew so much over the year and a half they rode with Julia and now have such a deep respect for animals. I can't say enough good things about Julia and the whole Walker Acres team!"
Student Application
Please complete the form to apply for enrollment with us. Please note, not all applications are accepted.
Application responses can be expected within 1-3 business days. Holidays may vary.
Acceptance letters and tuition invoices will be emailed to the provided address. Tuition payment deadlines are strict. Unsettled tuition payments are automatically disenrolled allowing for new student acceptance. All fees paid are non-refundable.
W.A observes a rider maximum weight limited of 200 lbs. in accordance with the NC Department of Agriculture Veterinary recommendations for quality animal care. In an effort to balance animal wellbeing and offer more inclusive opportunities to students, W.A offers some non-riding curriculum opportunities that do not observe a rider weight restriction.
Not ready to apply just yet but still have a few questions?
