Open since 2010, Texas Star Equestrian Academy is a riding school that teaches horsemanship from the ground up. Our team contains skilled horsewomen who have ridden and competed in various English and Western disciplines. We love sharing our passion with students of all ages and experience levels.
Ready to meet the team?
OUR STORY
Meet our Instructors! Each of our instructors has ridden and trained with many different mentors and is now sharing their knowledge through our program. Each has knowledge of both western and English riding disciplines.
Amberlee Crites, Lead English Instructor
I started riding horses at a young age here in Texas for several years before I moved to Georgia. There I continued my education by being a part of many lesson programs and learning different teaching techniques from many different teachers. I have used my combined knowledge to formulate my own hands-on techniques to help create confident riders that make calculated decisions and do right by their horses.
Alexa Helman, Lead Western Instructor
Alexa is a 3rd generation cowgirl who grew up showing horses in 4H and competing in reining events with the AQHA. She earned her B.S. in Animal Science from Tarleton State University, where she took specialized courses in colt breaking and training as well as competing on the TSU Equestrian Team in reining. Since graduating, Alexa has worked on various ranches, feedlots, and outfitters. Within those jobs, she has trained green horses, roped and doctored cattle, packed mules into the backcountry, and guided trail rides and hunts. She is currently also working as an apprenticing farrier and representing Miss Rodeo Gladewater Queen at PRCA rodeos in Texas throughout the 2024-2025 season. Alexa is passionate about teaching others to ride and share her love of horses with as many people as possible.
Marueen Gamel, Instructor
I was raised on a horse ranch, where I gained experience in both English and Western Riding. As a teenager, I competed in horse show competitions: hunter, show hack, and dressage. The knowledge and love of horses is something I am passionate about sharing with beginners and intermediate riders of all ages.
Jamie has been involved in the Equine Industry for over 30 years. Working as a trail guide/sales on a ranch starting when she was 14 years old. Jamie has a bachelor's in Equine Industry and Business from West Texas A&M. She has competed in judging, reining, ranch riding, halter, jumping, and has ridden successfully in many other disciplines. Jamie is the owner of Echo, Bella, and Gold Rush!
Jamie Stickler
Program Owner
Danita Ayala
Following in my sister's footsteps, I fell in love with horses at age eight. I was fortunate to have horses growing up in Puerto Rico and again when we moved stateside. Over the years I have ridden a variety of horses, starting with Gymkhana and then adding trails, open shows, dressage, and parades. I purchased a horse property several years ago in Fort Worth, where I owned and operated a boarding facility. This is where I met Jamie and have been involved in her lesson program ever since.
Program Director
.png)