Darla Walker-Ryder 
CHA Master Level Instructor and Clinician     918-302-6926

With over 60 years of teaching experience, Darla brings a wealth of knowledge—and plenty of good old-fashioned horse sense—to the arena.  As a teenager, she was mentored by a retired Cavalry Colonel who had served in WWII and guided her through training her first yearling at just 15. He shared with her the methods used to develop military horses—those that had to remain calm and steady under the most stressful situations. Through him, Darla was also introduced to the “natural trainers” of the time—Ray Hunt, Tom Dorrance, and Bill Dorrance—and she has continued to study and follow the teachings of those who learned directly from these legendary horsemen.

Today, Darla serves as a Master Level Instructor and Clinician with the Certified Horsemanship Association, working with both new and experienced horse owners to build better communication and understanding between horse and rider.

She still enjoys riding her Egyptian Arabian, Magic, on trails, challenge courses, and around the ranch she calls home in Texas. Her Quarter Horse mare, Rosi, keeps her busy in Western Dressage, where Darla recently earned her Century Ride Recognition and took Reserve Champion in the Open Division at the same show.

Contact Phone Number for Darla:  918-302-6926