“I tailor each lesson and schedule to the client and horse they're riding,” Milligan said. “Some horses need more practice jumping with their riders. Some riders need more flat work—working on the basics. It's not a cookie cutter lesson ... every rider's goals are unique.”
Milligan established Lancaster Hill Stables in 2018 while renting a farm in Parker. She built the current Celina facility from the ground up and relocated in 2020.
What’s happening
Milligan, who began riding at age 7, now teaches private lessons that cover walk, trot and canter work, as well as hunter-jumper techniques. Most clients take lessons three times a week.
Milligan said during the initial meeting she gets a feel for clients’ goals ensuring they are focused on being in shows. She accepts beginners through advanced riders.
Potential clients are given a trial lesson to make sure they are a suitable match for Lancaster Hill Stables.
“They might ride one of my horses to make sure I'm a good fit—they like my coaching style. I also want to make sure they're a good fit for my program," Milligan said. "A lot of times people think they can't go to a competition barn because they’re not advanced enough. That's not the case, because there are classes for every level.”
The set up
Lancaster Hill Stables, which is situated on 7.5 acres, features indoor and outdoor arenas, an 18-stall barn, eight turnout paddocks, indoor and outdoor wash racks, tack room and more.
In addition to caring for her clients’ horses, which are boarded onsite, Milligan also rides each horse daily.
Meet the horses
Most of her clients’ have imported warm-blooded horses. There are also a few thoroughbreds.
“They are all really nice, quality horses,” Milligan said. “They're very competitive, love their jobs and are happy.”
Milligan said in addition to being an advocate for her riders, she’s also an advocate for their horses. She pointed out that when horses feel good, they perform better, which leads to the success of the riders resulting in confident horses and riders.
“We built the barn to be bright and airy—the horses have windows. Whenever the weather is nice, they’re outside,” Milligan said. “We get body work done on them. They get chiropractic [treatment], massages and acupuncture because they're athletes too.”
Quote of note
When Milligan purchased the land for Lancaster Hill Stables in Celina, it was nothing more than an open field. Today, she looks at what it has become with a deep sense of gratitude and accomplishment.
“I feel very successful every day. I'm grateful I've always had wonderful clients that have been supportive of me and the program,” Milligan said. “Even on a hard day, I still think I'm living the dream.”
- 8696 CR 133, Celina
- www.lancasterhillstables.com
