About The Balanced Equestrian

About Joanne and The Balanced Equestrian
Learn more about The Balanced Equestrian Instructor and Horses

Joanne Miller Joanne is a fourth generation equestrian. She was introduced to horses right away and got her first horse at age 7. Joanne eventually boarded her horse at her second cousins barn, whom was known for renting horses and ponies as well as buying and selling horses and ponies and training ponies to pull buggies. Joanne quickly became his assistant. He would go to the auction and buy horses that had been given up on due to their behavioral problems, or had never been ridden or handled.

By the time Joanne was 12 she was breaking and training these horses. It became very apparent to all who knew Joanne that she was undoubtedly born with a unique gift of reading and communicating with horses. She has been successful with a variety of horses that were deemed untouchable. She and her father started buying horses that were not in good homes. Joanne rehabilitated & trained or retrained them and when she felt they were ready, sold them into a home where they would be loved. She not only trained ground work and saddle work but also taught a few to pull a buggy.

In the course of this time, she competed in speed and gaming events as well as a variety of classes in open shows. By the time she reached the age of 18, Joanne bought, trained and re homed over 20 horses. A few she kept as her personal horse(s). Some of these were stud's, one of whom Joanne trained when she was just 12. That stud became one of her favorites.

Joanne Miller During her teen years, Joanne apprenticed with a riding instructor, managed her own boarding stable, tending to several boarders' horses along with her own, and gave riding lessons. In her later teen years, she worked at a large, busy barn where she trained in dressage. Until this time she had never taken a formal lesson. Everything learned was taught by horses - teaching in ways that at times were more beneficial than any instructor training.

Joanne married and moved to England where she lived for 4 & 1/2 years. While there she enjoyed much of her of her time with the Horses, Trainers and Instructors at the British barns.

She currently lives in Molino, FL, which is located north of Pensacola, but travels locally for her work with horses. She regularly attends courses, workshops, and self study to further her skills and qualifications. She still has the competitive drive and competes along side her daughters in competitive trail and endurance as well as the occasional open horse show.

She rides regularly with her husband and three children. She is the instructor/coach/trainer of her three children whom compete on a regular basis. Joanne has enjoyed Motherhood for 23 years. She has 4 children (ages 7-23) and a new Granddaughter. In addition to her love for teaching equine and equestrian, Joanne homeschool's her children.

Bellissimo Regazza (Italian for all beautiful girl)
Registered Spotted Saddle Horse/Tennessee Walking Horse/Racking Horse. Bella has been shown and placed in the ribbons in halter, showmanship, gaited classes and competitive trail competitions.

Chester
Registered American Quarter Horse. He came to us from a large quarter horse barn out of Ms. He was successful at cutting and reining competitions until he sustained an injury that put him out of the level of competing he was in. We introduced him to trails and children and he decided he loves them both! He is an extremely smart horse with push button cues. He is eager to please and understand his rider. He has been shown and places in the ribbons in cutting, reining, trail, walk/trot, competitive trail ride, gymkhana and speed events.

Chipuau
Her show name is Eye Candy. She is Buckskin Dun. Chip has training in hunter jumper, 3 day eventing and dressage. She has been shown and placed in the ribbons in halter, showmanship, western horsemanship, eventing, dressage, hunt seat, hunter jumper, trail, walk/trot, western/English lead line and gymkhana. Chip absolutely loves children.

Corky
He is a registered Arabian but he is actually half Arabian and half American paint horse. He is a beautiful red roan in color. He has been shown and placed in the ribbons in halter, hunt seat, western horsemanship and perhaps other classes (before me). His training is excellent and his manners are wonderful. He has the sweetest personality and absolutely loves to please his rider.

Habanero
Habby is a registered Paso Fino (Spanish gaited breed). He has had extensive training with the Spanish trainers. He came to us from VA but lived at a Paso Fino barn in South Florida before that. He has excellent training and good, sought after bloodlines. He is a calm, well mannered horse, yet he has a bit of spunk (not too much, he is ridden daily by a seven year old).

Toledo
His nick name is Ledo. He is a registered Paso Fino (Spanish gaited breed). He has had extensive training with the Spanish trainers. He came to us from Ms. out of a Paso Fino barn. He has excellent training and good, sought after bloodlines. He is a calm, well mannered, laid back horse.

Tonka

Tonka
He is a Shetland pony with experience in teaching kids to love and ride equines. He has been show in halter, walk trot, gymkhana and western/English lead line. He is always in the ribbons and trophies as well as the occasional cash winnings. He is a unique pony in the fact that he not only direct reins but neck reins as well.

Tria

Tria is a 2.5 year old half Miniature horse and half Shetland pony but she truly believes she is a pet dog. She follows everyone wherever they go! Be it a leisure stroll around the yard or frolicking through the fields, she'll be at your side! She a sweet little girl who loves people and the attention they give her.

For the safety of your students, helmets are required to be worn when mounted. If you do not have a helmet, one will be provided at no additional cost.