ABOUT US:

Hill Country Riding Academy was founded in 2008 by Stephanie and David Cook. Stephanie has been riding and training horses since she was in elementary school in Central New Jersey.  There, she had opportunities to work with off-the-track thoroughbreds and train them to perform as hunters and jumpers.  She began teaching beginner riders at a very young age and continued until leaving for college at the United States Military Academy at West Point, NY.

At West Point, Stephanie represented the academy all four years in Intercollegiate Horse Shows and was able to compete at nationals all 4 years.  She was given opportunities to ride with internationally famous riders and had the opportunity to ride with Irish legends Iris Kellet and Robert Hall as many others. After graduating in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in English (and a minor in Electrical Engineering), Stephanie served in the US Army as a Military Police Officer for five years. After the Army, she was a Police Officer in League City, Texas and has been licensed as a police officer, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team leader, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Law Enforcement instructor. She has conducted classes for law enforcement personnel from local through university levels.  Stephanie continued in the investigations field and spent 10 years in the corporate world- working for insurance companies as a fraud investigator, where she honed her skills in identifying and mitigating financial irregularities across various sectors. During this time, she was able to continue her education and earned her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) while working full-time, showcasing her dedication and commitment to personal and professional growth.

Stephanie believes in positive reinforcement-based training for both students and horses. She has continued to take lessons and clinic with Olympic Riders including George Morris, Anne Kursinski, Bernie Traurig, Greg Best, Chris Kappler, Nona Garson, and others whenever possible and continuously strives to learn new things.  She has trained riders who have competed at US Pony Finals (Hunters and Jumpers) and IHSA and IEA National Finals.  David's horse, Texas Checkmate, was the 2015 National Champion Thoroughbred Jumper.  Her riding lessons are safe, interactive and fun!  Stephanie is a CHA certified Instructor for English and Western Riding, a USHJA Credentialed Instructor and HCRA is a USHJA Recognized Riding Academy.  She is a member of the USHJA Recognized Riding Academy Committee and the USHJA Emerging Jumper Task Force. Her role includes developing programs that support rider progression and mentor emerging talents in the equestrian community.

David Cook is a career Army Military Police officer. He retired from the military and subsequent Army contracting job. He now works full-time with his wife operating HCRA. Stephanie and David have 5 incredible children of their own, 3 grandsons (and another on the way!).  They understand the importance of hard work, consistency, and, most of all, safety.