Desert Dreams Riding Academy
Where Children Grow, Connect, and Thrive – Through Horses and Heart
Harnessing Dreams Through Horsepower
Welcome to Desert Dreams Riding Academy, where youth in southern New Mexico embark on a transformative journey through equestrian arts. Our unique free programs foster self-respect, communication, and emotional intelligence.
Impactful Equestrian Academy in New Mexico
Empowering Your Hearts and Minds
Standing as an unparalleled program, our services impart invaluable life skills. Children gain more than riding prowess; they harness and build empathy, teamwork, and effective communication. Join our heartfelt mission, building bright futures where character thrives and is our priority.
Our Five-Year Journey of Empowerment
For over five years, we have been sowing seeds of personal growth and empowerment among New Mexico’s youth. Our non-profit journey is marked by a dedication to making transformative learning experiences accessible to all, emphasizing community impact and positive change.
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Riding Toward Self-Discovery
Unlock new horizons for your child through equestrian empowerment. Desert Dreams Riding Academy nurtures emotional intelligence and self-respect, offering free access to Thrilling, transformative experiences. Join a supportive community devoted to young people's development in southern New Mexico.
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Riders of Change
Jessica Gillespie, PhD
Initially Jessica started her education journey as a means of being competitive for promotion in the Air Force. She chose Organizational Leadership. By the time she finished her bachelor’s she was hooked, and when she finished her masters, she had a few of her own ideas which brought her to the doctorate. She found that she really enjoyed the quantitative and statistical analysis functions of research, which fuels the trend analysis and process improvement efforts of this organization.
Christine M. Corbett, DNP Program Advisor
Dr. Christine Corbett has been a tremendous asset to Desert Dreams Riding Academy since its inception. Drawing upon her extensive background as a Doctor of Nursing Practice, she has played a vital role in shaping the academy's vision, curriculum, and long-term strategy.
Dr. Corbett's experience in youth development and program design provides a strong foundation for the academy's programming. Her passion for education and for equine-based youth activities has helped strengthen program quality and effectiveness. Her leadership approach emphasizes confidence, resilience, and healthy communication — the same qualities young riders build naturally through working with horses, which offer honest, non-verbal feedback and reward patience and trust. She also brings extensive experience managing grant-funded projects, navigating collaborations, and ensuring rigorous program evaluation and outcome assessment.
Her guidance continues to influence future outreach initiatives designed to serve veterans, first responders, and others who benefit from time spent with horses in a supportive community setting.