Our Instructors
Stefanie Hoffman
Owner & Head Trainer
Stefanie grew up in Indiana riding jumpers and came to Colorado in 1987 to attend Colorado State University’s Equine Science program, earning her BS in 1991. She competed on the first Intercollegiate Equestrian Team for the University, going on to win two 2nd place ribbons at the 1990 ISHA National Finals in the Equitation Over Fences and Stock-seat divisions.
Upon graduation, she opened her own training business in Fort Collins and then at the prestigious Columbine Equestrian Center in Littleton Colorado until 1996. During that time she taught riders from the age of 4 thru adult. Her students competed in rated USEF (formerly AHSA) shows and local CHJA (Colorado Hunter-Jumper Association) shows.
Her riders won numerous awards and Championships including:
~Year-end Adult Columbine Medal Champion & Reserve Champion in 1995
~Year-end CHJA Large Pony Champion in 1996.
Stefanie also taught Hunter/Jumper clinics in the region to local riding clubs and has worked with and ridden with some of the top professionals in Colorado and numerous Olympians including Gold Medalists Joe Fargis and Greg Best.
From 2000 to 2012 she trained under Sean Brevard in Fort Collins, CO and competed as an Amateur, showing successfully in the Hunters, Jumpers, Equitation, and Medal classes. She won numerous year-end awards and qualified for and competed in the CHJA State Medal Finals in the Adult & Amateur Medals.
Amateur Rider Awards Include:
~CHJA Adult Medal Reserve Champion in 2000CHJA Adult Amateur Jumper Champion in ~2002CHJA High Point Jumper in 2002CHJA Best Adult Rider in 2002CHJA Best Adult Horse in ~2002CHJA Adult Equitation Reserve Champion in 2011CHJA Medal Qualifier in 2000, 2002, 2005, 2011
Stefanie's patience, horsemanship and love of teaching are her true strengths, she enjoys helping others on their journey to being better riders and horseman. She has opened the Riding Academy to assist other riders to reach their riding goals and connect with horses in a supportive and nurturing atmosphere.
Eden Trode
Instructor / Trainer
Eden is a CHA-certified riding instructor with 6 years of experience teaching riders of all ages across multiple disciplines.
Her riding journey began at age 6 on a close family friend’s horse, sparking a lifelong passion for horses. When that horse retired, Eden joined the Westernaires, a renowned drill riding program based in Golden, CO. After several years there, she sought new challenges and discovered a love for English riding through a local dressage instructor.
Her dedication soon led her to her first schooling show, where she competed in Hunter and Equitation flat classes. Inspired by the experience, she transitioned into a Hunter Jumper program, where her skills grew significantly over four years.
When her trainer relocated, Eden was offered the chance to start teaching at a familiar barn—and quickly realized how much she loved sharing her knowledge with others. In 2023, she earned her instructor certification through the Certified Horsemanship Association and has continued to teach with passion and care at every barn she’s been a part of since.
Tyler Leary
Instructor / Trainer
Tyler has been riding since she was six and started competing with her own horses as a teenager. She began in classical dressage, moved into Eventing, and later focused on horsemanship and colt starting while living in Virginia.
After gaining experience starting young horses and working with problem horses, she returned to the show ring—spending a summer show jumping in Kentucky and a winter Eventing in Ocala.
Tyler is now finishing her psychology degree at CSU and loves helping riders grow in skill and confidence at Inspiration Riding Academy
