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.
Taylor Schambacher, Lead English Instructor
Born and raised in Texas, I have always had a deep love for horses and the equestrian lifestyle. In my late teens, I discovered the sport of eventing and was immediately hooked. What started as a passion quickly opened countless doors and led me into a career within the equine industry.
For the past few years, I have had the opportunity to work as a FEI groom for a 4* event rider. Through this experience, I have been fortunate enough to travel across the country, work alongside some of the best in the industry, and gain invaluable knowledge and experience in the care, management, and performance of horses. Along the way, I have also developed a growing passion for equine bodywork and helping horses feel and perform at their best. I am excited to continue expanding my knowledge and experience while pursuing the many opportunities the equine industry has to offer.
Jennifer Ehrhardt, Lead Western Instructor
Jennifer Ehrhardt brings a lifetime of experience, knowledge, and practical horsemanship to her training and lesson program. Riding since the age of five, Jennifer has extensive experience in both Western and English disciplines, along with years of hands-on experience training and showing horses.
While living in Montana, Jennifer bred, raised, trained, and showed Foundation-bred Quarter Horses, developing a strong background in producing well-rounded horses from the ground up. Her experience with young and developing horses has shaped a training philosophy centered on patience, consistency, clear communication, and building a solid foundation.
As an instructor, Jennifer focuses on developing confident, capable riders—not just passengers. She teaches students to understand their horse, communicate effectively, develop proper riding skills, and become knowledgeable horsemen both in and out of the saddle.
Whether working with a young horse, helping a rider build confidence, refining an established horse-and-rider team, or preparing for the show ring, Jennifer believes lasting success comes from good fundamentals, good communication, and respect between horse and rider.
Quality Horsemanship • Confident Riders • Better Horses
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
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