Cheryl Cottine’s Aspiring Equestrian Center in Rainier combines her passion for horses and teaching, offering boarding, lessons, training, and more on a 35-acre property with an indoor arena and stalls. Cottine, who comes from the hunter and jumper world, transitioned back to horses during the COVID-19 pandemic and eventually moved to Rainier to establish her business.

Cottine prioritizes meeting riders at their current skill level and observing them before lessons to tailor instruction to their needs. She was drawn to the Pacific Northwest for its horse community and outdoor opportunities, and she hopes to expand her offerings at the center, potentially adding an outdoor arena. The goal is to engage horses and riders regularly to build their skills and fitness.

With a focus on providing high-quality, affordable training and instruction, Cottine is working with over a dozen riders at Aspiring Equestrian Center and aims to serve those who want to experience horses without owning one. Lessons are designed to gradually build riders’ education and fitness, with ground lessons also available for horse care instruction.