Our Staff
Tara
Tara Ward is the owner and head trainer at Morning Side Stables. Growing up riding and competing in Great Falls with her horses Sunny and Charlie, she continued to foster her involvement in the equestrian world throughout each new chapter in her life. Tara has an undeniable love for both children and animals alike and carried her passion for teaching with her as she attended college by working as a Montessori teacher. Knowing her journey in life would involve both animals and teaching, Tara was able to combine these two passions in perfect harmony with the founding of Morning Side. Since then, Morning Side has continued to grow and evolve to become not simply just a job for her, but a true sanctuary for anyone looking to escape the 9-5 hustle for a bit and reconnect with nature and their families. In her many years teaching children how to ride she has seen firsthand the positive impact that horses can have on a child’s development and truly believes that these amazing animals are a gift to anyone’s life. This passion has cultivated an immense amount of pride for the lovely riding school she has nurtured to maturity and Tara and the rest of the Morning Side Team look forward to a bright future ahead together.
Anna is a student at George Mason University and a riding instructor here at Morning Side Stables. Anna grew up in Southern California and began her equestrian journey out west. After moving to Virginia in 2008, Anna continued to pursue her love of horses and found her passion in the sport of show jumping, though she also has several years of eventing experience. She has been riding and working with horses for over 11 years now. Anna first began instructing as a pony clubber by helping younger riders prepare for ratings and master new riding and horse care skills. After her and her horse Karma joined the Morning Side team, Anna began working alongside Tara and has nothing but love and gratitude for the wonderful lesson program she has become a part of. When not teaching, Anna can be found riding Karma around the fastest and highest courses possible, always looking for the next jump and adrenaline rush! Outside of riding, Anna loves any sort of adventure or outdoor activity as well as working with all other kinds of animals. Want to make her day? Bring your small dogs to Morning Side for some love and cuddles- extra points for the dogs with the squished faces!
Nicole
Nicole will be graduating from George Mason University in May, 2018 with a Business Management degree. Her passion has always been animals, from working with dog rescues to volunteering at therapeutic riding centers. She started her riding career with the basics in dressage, and loved every moment of being around the horses. She rescued her first horse Vegas, and when Belle fell into her lap soon after, she knew it was meant to be! Nicole began with lessons for younger students, and the more she taught the more she learned. With many ups and downs and moves between farms, she has finally found her spot at Morning Side! With her 5 horses, she is so excited for the future of Morning Side and all that this amazing program has to offer!
