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About Us
Heartland Equestrian is a boutique English riding program based in Northwest Arkansas, designed for horse owners and riders who value a refined, individualized approach to coaching, training, and horse development.
We are intentionally small by design. This allows us to maintain a high level of attention, consistency, and quality across every horse and rider in our program.
Our philosophy is simple: correct foundations, thoughtful progression, and long-term success.
The Team
Together, our team offers over 40 years of combined experience riding and coaching at the highest levels of the sport, from coast to coast at the nation’s most competitive venues. Our program is rooted in a holistic, detail-oriented approach to horse care and rider development, with a focus on excellence in every aspect of our work.
Jessica Goldstein Holmes
Owner & Head Trainer
Jessica Goldstein Holmes brings over 25 years of riding experience and 15+ years as a professional trainer, specializing in the development of both riders and young horses through a thoughtful, systematic approach.
She has successfully coached riders from their first introduction to the sport through the 1.25m level and Zone Championships, with a focus on building confident, capable riders through correct fundamentals and consistent, individualized training.
Jessica’s program is equally recognized for its strength in young horse development. She has a passion for producing quality sport horses, guiding them from their first rides and crossrails through the early stages of their competitive careers. Her approach emphasizes correct flatwork, classical dressage principles, and a patient, confidence-building introduction to jumping—resulting in horses that are rideable, educated, and prepared for long-term success.
Her background includes extensive experience retraining off-the-track Thoroughbreds into successful show horses, as well as competition experience in both the hunter and jumper rings through the 1.30m level. In addition, Jessica rides up to 4th level dressage and is currently working on her Bronze Medal.
Jessica has trained with and ridden for top professionals across the U.S. and Canada, including Olympic medalist Colin McIntosh, international FEI riders Beda & Lynne Wachter, and breeder & young horse trainer Jennifer Kallam.
In addition to her equestrian career, Jessica brings a strong foundation in education and biomechanics. She is a 200-hour Registered Yoga Teacher and spent a decade as a high school science and mathematics educator. She holds a degree in Animal Science and a Master’s in Public Policy from Cornell University, and earned her Doctorate in Education Policy from the University of Arkansas.
This unique combination of horsemanship and teaching expertise allows her to develop riders with exceptional body awareness, feel, and understanding—creating lasting progress both in and out of the saddle.
Her coaching philosophy centers on developing correct foundations, fostering strong partnerships between horse and rider, and creating a positive, structured environment where riders can progress with confidence and purpose.
Michelle Wadley
Foundations Program Instructor
Michelle brings a broad and highly valuable perspective shaped by more than 25 years of riding, teaching, and equestrian industry experience across multiple disciplines, including dressage, western performance, eventing, and show jumping.
Her instructional background includes leadership within a successful riding academy at Bradley Equestrian in Little Rock, where she helped develop riders through structured, safety-focused, foundation-based instruction.
Michelle’s approach is grounded in classical horsemanship, safety, and clarity. She is especially passionate about helping developing riders build strong, correct fundamentals that support long-term success in any discipline.
Beyond instruction, Michelle is a Master Saddlers Association–trained saddle fitter and serves as the County Saddlery representative for Arkansas, Texas, and Missouri. Her professional experience includes owning a tack store, managing boarding facilities, and supporting horse show operations in multiple capacities.
She has served on the boards of both Area V of the USEA and the Arkansas Dressage Society, contributed written work to Eventing Nation, and has spent nearly 15 years as a cross-country communicator at the Defender Kentucky Three-Day Event.
Michelle is deeply committed to developing confident, educated horse people—emphasizing not only riding skill, but also horse care, understanding, and responsibility.
