Excalibur Horse Center - Kellyn Burtka / Riding Instructor in Howell, Michigan

Excalibur Horse Center offers lessons in hunters, jumpers, and barrel racing & gymkhana. Whether you are just starting out or looking to advance your skills, we offer a fun and safe environment in which to grow as a rider. We accept riders of all ages and skill levels, and offer both private and small group lessons.

Our trainer will work with you and your horse to help you reach your goals, whether you plan to compete, wish to improve your skills, or are simply looking for a fun recreational activity. For our students interested in showing, our trainer is available to accompany you at shows as well.

Kellyn Burtka’s experience in the equestrian field is long and diverse. Starting at an early age, Kellyn has pursued a single-minded goal of excellence in all things equestrian, and has competed in the Michigan Hunter Jumper Association circuit events, as well as showing in numerous divisions including Hunt Seat, Western Pleasure, and gymkhana at various breed-association and open shows across the state.

Kellyn’s formal education includes a degree in Animal Science and Agribusiness Management from Michigan State University with a specialization in horses. In addition, Kellyn studied at the renowned Enniskillen College in Northern Ireland, receiving training in Show jumping, Dressage and Thoroughbred racing, as well as the breaking and training of green horses.

Kellyn has a long history of training and teaching, including teaching courses in topics from horse selection and confirmation, to driving draft horses, to equine plant toxicology. Kellyn founded the Novi High School Equestrian Team in 1999, and coached the team until 2007. Not satisfied with being on a horse, Kellyn also founded the MSU Driving Club in 2005, and competed at the Great Lakes International Draft Horse Show & Pull.

Kellyn has worked with horsemen from around the world to put together a training and teaching program that focuses on problem-solving with a light touch and starting young horses under saddle with an emphasis on positive communication. Kellyn’s methods include the best elements of Natural horsemanship combined with traditional European techniques.

Don’t own your own horse? We have well-trained school horses available for you to ride in lessons. Our school horses are hand-picked for their temperament, training, and abilities. Our lesson program focuses on building confidence and skills both in the saddle and on the ground.

Specialties

Confidence Building For Horse And Rider 4-H A Circuit Showing Adult Riding Lessons Beginner Riding Lessons for Adults Beginning Riders Welcome Breaking Children's Riding Lessons Coaching Equitation All Seats Eventing Coach Family Friendly Atmosphere Family-Friendly Rates Foxhunting Gift Certificates Available Ground Work Group Lessons Haul-Ins Horse Boarding Horse Leases Horse Sales Horse Training Hunt Seat Hunter Jumper Training Intermediate Riders Leasing Lesson Horses Available Lunge Lessons Private Lessons Problem Horses Reasonable Rates Riding Clinics Sales Preparation & Representation Showing Starting Horses Timid Riders Trail Riding Lessons Trailer Loading Weekend Lessons Young Riders