Borderless is a project that I started as a teenager when I brought home my main horse, Buckshot, to document/share my training journey with him. There were no limits to our adventures; from parades to Rodeo Queen, Mounted Shooting to just riding him around the property with nothing but a rope around his neck. Buckshot and I defined the slogan "There are NO Limits" together. We spent countless hours together, some were easy and exciting, while some were stressful due to my lack of knowledge.
After my father passed away in 2022, I found that my grieving of him sent me into a spiral of many complicated emotions. As the story always follows, my horses helped stabilize those ups and downs for me……but not in the common “horses heal us” type of way…..Throughout sessions, I noticed my horses were feeding off of my emotional state, sometimes positive, sometimes negative. When I was feeling low, and my horse disconnected from the session, it was a shot to the gut! But I had to consider: would I want to be around myself in my current state? I learned how to navigate the disconnect through various techniques, and managed to re-create that “dialogue” with the horse that my students have come to know and love.
As Borderless grew and I healed, I quickly learned each student did not learn at the same pace, and how some student/horse combos stressed each other out. Not only that, but I noticed how difficult it was to teach a lesson when one of the combos was stressed. How they clashed the entire hour their lesson took place. Was watching a student and a horse fight each other in fear and avoidance really how I wanted to teach lessons? I questioned, "Why am I only teaching the riding? What if the student wants to cultivate a meaningful relationship with my horses?"
By merging some grounding techniques/mindsets that I would take on to better address my PTSD diagnosis, as well as incorporating Affective Neuroscience (from a Mammalian point of view) and Equine Behaviorism, I noticed how parents enjoyed the life lessons and emotional resiliency I taught their children through the horseback riding lessons. There was also a shift in how the horses responded to the child's new behavior! Watching the student to horse dialogue ignited a fire in me that made me realize, It no longer was just a horseback riding lesson, it was a horsemanship lesson.
No matter what stage of life you’re at, whether you’re a young human being with a affinity for horses, an adult finding their “hobby”, or you have horses and want to expand your learning, I believe every person should be allowed to learn what makes a curious, happy and engaging horse. Let me be your guide on this ever-changing journey!
It all started with a consistent dream and a well-loved horse encyclopedia….
Sabrina Dobbins
Instructor, Coach and Hobby Zoo Keeper (of domestic animals!)
With a diverse background ranging from local and state Hunter Jumper shows in Arizona to Horse Judging, Rodeo Queening, and Mounted Shooting, I'm thrilled to offer comprehensive instruction for equine riders of all levels in the Northwest Arkansas area.
In my lessons, I emphasize a unique approach that focuses on the rider's ability to "compensate" for the horse, prioritizing a dialouge based partnership where riders actively contribute to the experience. I bring a wealth of training techniques and methodologies sourced from equine professionals around the world, ensuring a well-rounded and dynamic learning environment. I have tested the truth to the methodologies I bring to the table in my own herd. The "proof in the pudding" is the warm welcome you will recieve from my horses upon entering their pasture!
My commitment extends beyond the arena, as I continually seek to expand my knowledge in response to the evolving Equestrian industry. By blending my current expertise in various horsemanship studies and western riding, I aim to provide an unforgettable growth experience for riders. Join me in this exciting venture, where you not only ride but actively contribute to the art and joy of horsemanship. Let's create unforgettable memories and foster your equestrian skills together!
Borderless is more than just Horseback Riding
Aside from learning interspecies neurobiology through Affective Neuroscience, using evidence-based therapeutic principles*, Borderless students will also learn: a balanced, scientifically correct riding seat, beginner and intermediate riding skills of both English and Western riding, Clicker Training, Liberty training and so much more. Borderless is meant to be inspiring, no matter beginner or seasoned veteran. Current students are also encouraged to come to the farm on non-lesson days to cultivate their horsemanship further, establishing a confidence-competence loop with a dash of self discovery.
*Always seek the advice of your own Medical Provider and/or Mental Health Provider regarding any questions or concerns you have about your specific health. THIS IS NOT LEGAL, HEALTH OR FINANCIAL ADVICE.
FAQ’s
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At minimum, I request that all riders wear a long form of pants (jeans are usually recommended, but English riding breeches are alright!), close toed shoes (boots will be required at a certain point if sneakers are preferred when starting out) and their own Equestrian rated helmet. I do have loaner helmets to provide for riders, but encourage riders as they advance in their riding to bring their own helmets.
If you are looking for helmet recommendations, please text me, or check out this link to see Virgina Tech's study on Equestrian helmets and their ratings. More money does not always mean safer!
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In an effort to provide the best care for our lesson horses, as well as provide availbility for other clients for lessons/riding space, I request that if you're going to cancel your lesson, please provide notice NO LESS THAN 24 HOURS before your scheduled lesson.
If you do not, a $30 cancellation fee will be observed and due immedately at scheduled lesson time.Exceptions may be granted in specific situations. -
Recommended age is usually 8 years old due to the complex ideologies that may be touched on, but I do not have a min or max age limit! My lessons are tailored to learning horsemanship from a unique, new perspective that incorporates responsibility, confidence building and a dialogue between horse and human (whether a young human or adult human!)
Borderless Horsemanship does enforce a strict weight limit for riding students in an effort to keep our horses comfortable. We request that riders weigh no more than 215lbs at this time. Thank you for understanding. If you weigh more than that, please don't that get you down! There is PLENTY to learn on the ground with horses, and that should not stop you from enjoying your time with our herd! Schedule a trial lesson, and let's see what we can achieve!
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Depending on where the lessons take place, and whether there is a covered area to retreat into due to inclimate weather, a "Barn" lesson will be conducted in an effort to push horsemanship beyond just riding. In the event that weather is extremely inclimate, lessons will be cancelled with no cancellation fee observed AS LONG AS no barn lesson was planning to be conducted. I will make my best effort to keep everyone comfortable hand warmers or water as needed! (this comes at no additional charge)
By continuing lessons with Borderless Horsemanship, you agree to pay the cancellation fee in the event a barn lesson will be held, yet you would still like to cancel. -
Yes! At this moment (as of 03/01/2025) I have no space on my schedule! However, please still contact me and if you sign up for my wait list!
As of November 2024, I not longer offer discounts for first trial lessons. I appreciate your understanding as I have made changes to my pricing!
For one time experiences, seminars, group experiences please contact me for unique pricing and engagement!