We’re looking forward to introducing you to Shelby Williams. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Shelby, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What do you think is misunderstood about your business?
There are actually a few misunderstandings that I see in this business. Like, a lot of people think we just play with ponies all day—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Even on our best days, the work is constant. We’re up early every morning, rain or shine, and we work late into the night—again, rain or shine. We’ve been out in the pouring rain at 2 a.m. tending to horses, and we’re on-call 24/7.
Am I complaining? Absolutely not. We love what we do. But the reality is: it’s a lot of hard work, and many people don’t realize what goes on behind the scenes to make Texas Equine a success.
Beyond caring for the animals, we’re also running the business side—managing our website, staying active on social media, planning programs, and building educational content. We’ve pulled plenty of all-nighters to not only keep everything running smoothly, but to continue to set Texas Equine apart from other riding facilities.
Another misunderstanding is when people watch movies with horses in them and suddenly think that they want a horse, but they don’t always understand the level of daily dedication it takes. Our horses are incredibly well-behaved because we work with them every single day. We train them, love on them, and build relationships with them based on mutual respect, and that doesn’t happen overnight or even in a few days.
That’s why education is at the heart of what we do. We offer horse care classes, virtual learning opportunities, and educational memberships designed to teach people—especially future horse owners or new horse owners—what it really means to care for a horse. Riding is only a small part of the equation. We believe in horsemanship from the ground up, and we teach that to every participant, volunteer and intern.
Our interns gain hands-on experience, receive one-on-one instruction, and even observe equine medical care and work alongside nutritionists. It’s real preparation for anyone interested in a future career in the equine industry.
We’re not just another place to ride horses. We’re an education facility—because when it comes to horses, there’s always more to learn; learn more about them and learn from them.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Well, my name is Shelby, and I’m the founder of Texas Equine Education & Horsemanship, where we’re passionate about teaching horsemanship to inspire confidence for both horse and rider—through hands-on experience, meaningful relationships with horses, and a strong focus on education.
Texas Equine isn’t just a riding facility. We’re a full equine education center offering in-person and virtual classes, internships, and programs that prepare people of all ages and skill levels for responsible horse ownership or a future career in the equine industry. What makes us truly unique is our heart: every part of our program—from our horses to our curriculum—is built on love, learning, and community.
We offer online horse shows, allowing anyone to submit a video of their ride and earn ribbons and Texas Equine swag—no matter where they are in the world. We also just launched a free literacy program for kids ages 2–16. Participants receive ribbons, recognition certificates, and a small gift from Texas Equine—because we believe reading and horses go hand in hand!
Our free coloring sheets are based on real horses, riders, and events at Texas Equine—not just generic horse pictures—so kids can connect to the stories behind the drawings. For little ones, our Tiny Tots program introduces children ages 2–5 to safe and fun horse experiences. And we proudly offer Stars & Stirrups, a program created especially for veterans and first responders to experience connection through horsemanship. For our heroes who need healing of various sorts, we offer that too.
Everything we do is about education, empowerment, and building community through horses. Whether you’re a beginner, a future equine professional, or just a horse lover at heart—we welcome you to learn, grow, and ride with us.
Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
First and foremost, my personal relationship with Jesus Christ has shaped how I see myself more than anything else. I accepted Jesus as my Savior when I was six years old, but at that age, I didn’t truly understand what a personal relationship with Jesus truly meant—He felt more like a storybook character than a real presence in my life.
Growing up, church was part of my routine, but it wasn’t until my late 20s that I really grasped that He cares deeply and personally about me. That realization completely shifted how I view myself—my worth, my purpose, and how I respond to challenges. I wouldn’t call myself a “Bible thumper,” and I don’t attend church every Sunday, but I know Jesus loves me and He knows my heart. I talk to Him often, and I truly believe He’s with me every step of the way.
Before that relationship began, it was my mom who laid the foundation for my life. She taught me to be realistic, logical, and resourceful. She modeled honesty, integrity, a strong work ethic, and—perhaps most importantly—common sense. She shaped the way I approach the world and set the stage for me to grow into the person I am today. Between her influence and my walk with Christ, I’ve learned to see myself not just through my own eyes, but through a lens of purpose, strength, and grace.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Trust the process of life, and never forget the truth in the words of Aibileen from “The Help”:
“You is kind. You is smart. You is important.”
Because you are—and you always were.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes—what you see is what you get. I’m very authentic, and I’ve never been great at pretending to be something or someone I’m not. I rarely wear makeup, and when I do, it’s minimal. I’m pretty plain, but I think there’s strength in simplicity. I’m honest, loyal, and grounded in who I am. The version of me that people see in public is the same person I am behind the scenes—someone who values real connection, hard work, and staying true to what matters most.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
Yes—I am absolutely doing what I was born to do. From a young age, I was in love with horses. It wasn’t practical for us to own one right away, but the passion never left me. I started going to horse camp at age 8 and knew then—without a doubt—that it was my calling. I would even stay after camp was over just to proudly muck out stalls. My mom would pick me up, and I’d be sweaty, covered in dirt, and smiling from ear to ear.
Growing up, my mom’s priority for me was that I follow my passion. She encouraged me to try all kinds of activities—dance, ice skating, taekwondo, competitive cheerleading, soccer, softball, baseball, golf—but my love for horses only grew stronger. When I was almost 10, I got my first horse, and by junior high, my mom supported me in doing equine industry projects and even a career exploration study that helped me start thinking about my future.
At 13, I launched my first business: “Shelby’s Equine TLC.” I offered grooming, mucking stalls, light exercising, and care for horses in general, and on occasion, even helped while going through colic. I realized then that I wasn’t just good at this—I loved it. No matter what I tried, I always came back to horses. That’s how I knew this was more than a hobby; this was my life’s work.
And here I am—still in the equine industry, helping others who want to also go into the industry or want to own a horse—and I’m here to stay. This is where my heart is, and I’m beyond grateful that I get to do what I love every single day.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.texaseeh.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/texas.equine/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/texas-equine/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TexasEEH/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/texas-equine-education-and-horsemanship-farmersville
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTmJmxtwVNwqOQjnEiOxQqg
Image Credits
Photos by Kim Williams, Texas Equine
