Responsible horsemanship.
Creating skilled riders and compassionate equestrians.
Great riders aren't just made in the saddle.
At Flying W Equestrian, we believe great riders aren't just made in the saddle — they're shaped through patience, respect, and a true connection with the horse. Our program is rooted in classical English riding principles, combined with a modern, compassionate approach that puts the horse's well-being first.
Kate Wilson
Kate didn't come to horses later in life — she started at six, when she got her first pony, and she's owned one ever since. She grew up riding and competing extensively in three-day eventing, show jumping, and hunter/jumpers, and was actively involved with Fiesta Pony Club in San Antonio. She later attended farrier school in Montana and spent two years apprenticing as a farrier across Texas.
In late 2025, she moved nine horses to Carlsbad, New Mexico, and opened the area's first dedicated English riding school. Flying W Equestrian sits on 750 acres of her family's working farm, with an arena, full jump course and direct access to river trails.
Kate works with riders of all levels, from those just getting started to those looking to advance their skills. She places a strong emphasis on building a solid foundation, helping beginners gain confidence and correct fundamentals, while also supporting more experienced riders in refining their technique and progressing in their riding.
Kate's Full Story
Kate Wilson
Instructor · Flying W Equestrian · Carlsbad, NM
Start with one ride.
You'll keep coming back.
Whether your child is curious about horses for the first time or you're looking for a program with real substance, Flying W has a way in.
One hour. One instructor. One student.
Private lessons run one hour and cover the full experience: you'll groom and tack up with Kate's guidance before you ever put a foot in the stirrup, ride for 30–45 minutes matched to your level, then untack. Every new student starts with an evaluation because the safety of student and horse is always the first priority.
We offer a well-trained group of lesson horses suited for all levels, allowing us to thoughtfully match each rider to a horse based on their comfort level, experience, and ability. This approach helps riders build confidence, develop correct fundamentals, and progress safely as their skills improve.
Group lessons are also available based on ability — $40 per student for the hour, with a maximum of three students.
"My daughter had never touched a horse before. Kate was patient and calm the entire time — my daughter didn't want to leave. We're booked for next week already."
See our profile
A few hours with horses they won't stop talking about. Ages 5–18.
Day camps run throughout the year — a few hours per day over one or several days, depending on the session. Maximum 10 kids per camp, and each one is a little different. Every child rides at their own pace, and no one gets put on a horse before they're ready.
- Lead-line and level-matched riding
- Mounted games
- Paint the pony
- Making horse treats
- Horse anatomy & barn basics
- ...and more!
Pricing varies per camp — call or text Kate for details and upcoming dates.
Ask About Day CampsA birthday spent at the barn.
A birthday spent at the barn — with time in the saddle and activities tailored to the group in a relaxed, authentic setting.
Limited to approximately 10 riders. Timing is flexible. Reach out for details and booking.
Inquire About a Party
Meet a selection of our horses.
Each horse at Flying W has its own temperament and role within the program. Riders are carefully paired with the appropriate horse based on their experience, ability, and goals. Full profiles coming soon.
School Horses
Patient, reliable, and the first horse most of our students ever ride. She works on the lunge line and has introduced a lot of first-timers to what it actually feels like up there.
The OTTBs
Kate's riding horses are predominantly retired racehorses she's retrained for a second career. Some are available for purchase as they develop. Full profiles coming soon.
The Full Herd
Kate brought nine horses from Texas when she opened Flying W. The herd has grown since then! Each horse is matched to students by skill level and temperament. Individual profiles are coming soon.
Easy to start. No intimidation.
There's no lengthy intake form. Call or text Kate, pick a time, and show up. She handles the rest.
Call or Text Kate
Share your age and any riding experience, and we'll get you scheduled.
Pick a Day and Time
No commitment required for a first lesson. Tuesday through Sunday, 8am–6pm. Monday is the barn's day off.
Show Up at the Farm
337 US Refinery Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Wear closed-toe shoes. Kate will take care of everything else on arrival.
Start With the Horse
Every new student — regardless of experience — begins by grooming and tacking up. You meet the horse before you ride it.
Ride at Your Level
Kate matches you to the right horse and the right pace. First-timers ride on the lunge line with one of our lesson horses. No rush.
Progress on Your Terms
Kate tracks your development and adjusts as you grow. Advancement is based on what she sees in the saddle.
"We drove over an hour to get here and I'd do it again without hesitating. Kate knows horses the way some people know their own family. My son came home talking about everything he learned — not just that he rode a horse, but the whole thing. He hasn't stopped asking to go back."
What to know before you come.
No experience needed at all. Every new student starts with an evaluation lesson, no matter what they've done before, so we can find the best fit for both you and the horse. First lessons are calm, easygoing, and fully guided by Kate. If you're feeling a little nervous, you're not alone—that's exactly who we love to work with.
Each lesson is about an hour. You'll start by grooming and getting your horse ready with Kate's help, then enjoy 30–45 minutes in the saddle. After your ride, you'll untack, help your horse cool down, and give them a treat before turnout. You'll get to be part of the whole experience from the very beginning.
Please wear closed-toe shoes, and helmets are required for all riding (we've got one for you if needed!). Long pants are also a must, and we recommend wearing clothes you don't mind getting a bit dusty—it is a working farm.
Not at all. We welcome riders of all ages. Adults and kids alike—whether you're brand new or returning after a break—are all encouraged here. Kate will meet you wherever you are in your riding journey.
English and western are two distinct riding disciplines with different equipment, technique, and competitive traditions. Flying W teaches English riding only — which includes eventing, hunter-jumpers, and dressage. If you're looking specifically for western-style riding, we're not the right fit, but we're happy to point you in a direction that is.
Reach out through the contact form on this site or call/text Kate directly. Let her know your age, any riding background, and when you're generally available. She'll get back to you quickly to pick a time. There's no online scheduling system — it's a real conversation with a real person.
What makes this different.
Carlsbad's Only English Riding School
Kate relocated from Texas with nine horses to establish a dedicated English riding program in Carlsbad.
Safety Comes First
Helmets are required for every ride. All new riders are evaluated, regardless of experience, to ensure a safe and comfortable match for both horse and rider.
A Lifelong Horsewoman
Kate has been involved with horses since childhood, with a background in Pony Club, riding competition, and farrier training. She teaches riders of all levels with a focus on confidence and solid fundamentals.
Retraining Off Track Thoroughbreds
Kate works with retired racehorses, retraining them for new careers in the English disciplines. Her approach reflects a commitment to long-term horsemanship and the value of each horse beyond its original career.
House-Grown Alfalfa Hay
Feed is grown right here on the farm. Kate controls the quality of what her horses eat. It's a small thing that says a lot about how much attention every detail gets here.
Small Groups, Individual Attention
Group sizes are intentionally kept small to ensure each rider benefits from focused instruction and a supportive environment.
Straightforward.
- Grooming & tacking up included
- 30–45 minutes of riding time
- Untacking & cool-down
- Lesson horse matched to your level
- Helmet provided if needed
- All ages welcome
Group lessons also available — $40 per student for the hour, with a maximum of three students, grouped by ability. Reach out to Kate for details and scheduling.
Day camp & party pricing available on request.
Lessons are offered Tuesday through Sunday, 8am to 6pm.
We'll help you find a time that fits your schedule based on our availability.
Reach Out
Use the contact form or call and text. Tell Kate your age and any experience you have.
Pick a Time
Choose any day Tuesday through Sunday, 8am to 6pm. No lengthy process — just a time that works.
Come to the Farm
337 US Refinery Road, Carlsbad, NM 88220. Wear closed-toe shoes. Kate handles everything else.