Hello, I'm Regina Staples. My riding journey began in the jumping arena, but life took an unexpected turn after a severe riding injury. Told I should never ride again, I did what any horse-crazy person would do—I switched disciplines and took up dressage. What I didn’t anticipate was the struggle I’d face. Despite years of experience, I couldn’t sit the trot without returning from lessons exhausted, disheartened, and even with bloody knees. I was left questioning everything I thought I knew about riding.

Faced with both physical and mental challenges, I was forced to reevaluate my approach to riding and teaching. I needed to investigate biomechanics and body awareness now. That’s when I discovered Sally Swift’s Centered Riding through the incredible Susan Harris, a Senior Level IV Centered Riding Instructor, she was one of Sally's original apprentices. Susan graciously agreed to teach a Centered Riding clinic for me and my students, and that event became the turning point in my journey.

From that moment, Centered Riding transformed not only my skills but my entire outlook on riding. I’ve since progressed through the program, earning the title of Level IV Apprentice, continuing to work toward becoming a teacher's teacher, a Level IV. One of the highlights of my career was completing my initial instructor course in Vermont and meeting Sally Swift herself.

Centered Riding has become an integral part of my life, influencing how I ride, teach, and navigate the world. It’s not something you learn once and leave behind. Each time you revisit the fundamentals, you uncover new layers of understanding, awareness, and connection.

Today, I teach Open Centered Riding Clinics to riders of all levels and disciplines. My goal is to empower riders by helping them develop a deeper awareness of their bodies and movements. By guiding you to discover your own sense of balance and harmony, I aim to equip you with tools that you can carry into your independent riding and daily life. Centered Riding is not just a technique—it’s a lifelong exploration of growth, confidence, and partnership with your horse.