Equestrian Professional Member Spotlight - Teresa Beers of Peeper Ranch
Many times, the spotlight shines on the trainers and riders as they perform in the show ring in equestrian sports. And sometimes, the person who supports those in the limelight doesn't get the recognition they should for their role in helping in that journey. This is not the case for Teresa Beers of Peeper Ranch, which is the largest equestrian facility in the Kansas City area. Teresa might not be the one in the show ring, but her role is vital in this Saddle Seat riding facility.
Teresa admits her start with horses wasn't the way most people imagine. She had some minor exposure as a child to some recreational riding. When she married a cattle farmer, she was put on a Quarter Horse, pointed in a direction, and told to go. Teresa laughs as she remarks, "I was terrified and pretty much out of control every single time I rode!" Fast forward 15 years and a change in life circumstances brought her to Peeper Ranch to work with her long-time friend Dawn Fire. "Dawn was very patient with me and understood that Saddle Seat was completely different from anything I had known before. She helped me to learn the differences between what I had known and this exciting, new discipline," Teresa said.
Peeper Ranch is a 600-acres facility with 50,000 sq. feet of indoor riding areas consisting of 2 heated indoor arenas (240' x 100'), round pen, and 250' x 125' outdoor arena. There are 72 stalls for boarding, and training and breeding services are available and there are approximately 100 horses on the Ranch.
Teresa developed an internship program where new students are called "Barn Helpers" and are given a checklist of skills to complete. As they master those skills, such as correctly picking out a hoof, they advance to more difficult tasks, always under the watchful eye of the Lesson Instructor, Nicole Lawrence. "Our Lesson Program really stepped into the light the day Nicole came to Peeper," Teresa said. "She is so calm and consistent. She truly cares about the riders, and is skilled at managing that balance between being safe and having a real experience with a horse."
The next level in the program is an "Intern." Interns earn credits for supporting the Barn Helpers in learning their skills, along with advancing their own training. Bracelets are given to each Intern, and they earn charms as they help other's master skills. "Senior Interns" are of the highest skill level and are responsible for getting horses ready, working at the Academy Shows and maintaining a positive and supportive environment in the barn. In this way, older students help younger students, and it brings them along in their skill levels while promoting an atmosphere of support between the children.
"It's not enough to just come to the barn and get on and off a horse," Teresa said. "We believe that every aspect of the barn has something to teach. From the barn cats to the daily cleaning, there are lessons in all of that. We have the most amazing group of riders in our lesson program and they embrace these values wholeheartedly. They support each other so enthusiastically, and it truly enriches their time here at the barn. I have to say though, as with so many things here at the barn; the Internship Program was created for the riders, but getting to know these young people through the program is one of the best parts of my job! I's definitely a fringe benefit!"
Peeper Ranch provides approximately 275 lessons per month. Teresa also helped develop the lighter side of things by planning summer camps, school holiday shows, spring shows, and fun events such as slumber parties. Many of the lesson riders also participate in the Academy shows where all of the riders compete with lesson horses only. "We are so lucky to have such an outstanding lesson string!" Teresa said. "We have several beautiful horses that will cautiously carry a newer rider in a lesson on Monday and then completely perk up for an Academy show on Friday. We never forget that we couldn't do what we do without them, and we love the hair off of them every chance we get."
In 2011, Teresa added a new department to the business by offering event space rental. "Our lobby is so elegant and classic, and we had hosted a few parties here and there, but it was the addition of the gazebo that really made the difference," Teresa said. The white gazebo is surrounded by roses and landscaping and sits next to a large pond with fountains. "Sunset weddings are just unbelievable out there, then to come inside the barn for the reception ... it's just breathtaking." With a newly redecorated Bride's Room, the barn has capacity for 300+ people and has more than 11 weddings scheduled this summer and fall. "I only book one event per weekend, and I try to limit the impact on the equine staff as much as possible," Teresa said. "Obviously horses are our main focus, but a place like this is just too beautiful not to share!"
And not to be outdone by anyone in the conservation sector, Peeper Ranch now has largest solar panel array on the arena roof that supplies half of the energy needs for the farm. "Our Peeper Green Project has been hugely successful thanks to the help of Kenny Kidwell, our Facilities Manager," Teresa said. "He can build anything and is always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint as well as educate our community and our industry in sustainable, low-impact, equestrian operations. We are always talking about new and different ways to be more efficient and lower operating costs, it's actually fun."
Teresa is the ground support and the home base for the Peeper Ranch. As you can see, you won't find Teresa in the middle of the show ring under the bright lights, but you will find her there 100 times over as Peeper's students learn lifelong skills and the joy and love of horses.
What does Teresa Say About EquestrianProfessional.com?
"Equestrian Professional has been an amazing support for our business in 2 ways: First, the webinars are educational and motivating. They provide industry specific, real-life training that you can plug into your existing systems the next day! They breakdown complex concepts like, 'Diversification of Revenue Streams' until you actually understand ... 'Okay, that means I should offer a couples riding lesson on the weekends, or host an event at my barn along with the shows I already go to.' By giving a whole list of examples and ideas, they encourage as they educate. Second, the Website offers support tools that help you implement the information you just learned in the webinars. The online calculators help simplify numbers and you are more likely to get a realistic picture of costs and profit opportunities. I love how the staff is always up to date on the most current ways to advertise and stay in contact with clients while respecting the sensitivity of the equestrian client-trainer relationship. They are always respectful and approach every possibility with a win-win attitude because including the clients in the win is what we are all about!"
If you would like to contact Teresa or learn more about Peeper Ranch, please visit their website at www.peeperranch.com or call 913-422-0550.
