Eight-year-old Cheyenne Adney of Merced comes every Wednesday evening to have a riding lesson. She has been one of McKay's students for a couple of months, and according her mom, Brenda Adney, "can't wait for Wednesdays."

Adney says that her daughter's goal is to become a barrel racer, and though she has mixed feelings about that, she has confidence in McKay's teaching methods. "He has brought out her natural ability, by watching her and allowing her to make mistakes, yet he is so aware of what she is able to do, I don't have any concerns about her being hurt." Adney says she was immediately impressed by the the condition of the facility and the behavior of the animals.

"Cheyenne has learned to move her hands properly, learned correct balance and posture by playing their game, which he calls 'Catch my mistake.' He makes it fun, and she has gained a lot of confidence."

Cheyenne has also tried her hand at driving the big team, much to her delight.