Steve Lapp enjoys working with young horses, teaching them ground manners, lunging and saddling for the first time. Steve has done extensive work on trail training with the ranch's young horses, and is a past winner of the Sherrif's Department Desert Trail Trials. Steve has also trained in the past with riders such as reiner
Craig Schmersal.

Cindy Lapp is currently showing her Quarter Horse, Mr. Gees Rick A Tic, at 4th level dressage shows and schooling Prix St. George.  Previously they had placed second in the nation for 1st and 2nd level USDF Quarter Horse.  In 2005, Rick and Cindy took the USDF Bronze Medal in the nation for AQHA 2nd level freestyle. This is especially rewarding for Cindy since Rick is a third generation from her breeding stock. 

In 2011, Cindy competed in her first "Extreme Mustang Makeover" and placed 6th with her mustang Wyatt. She is a Certified trainer through the Mustang Heritage Foundation for starting and training BLM mustangs.

Cindy has trained with Hilda Gurney and attends clinics given by other Olympic riders and trainers, such as Kathleen Raines and George Morris.  She is a member of the Association of Professional Trainers and Instructors, which is recognized by both USDF and CDS, and is an "L" Dressage Judging Program graduate.

Assistant Debbi Sullivan has an A.A.S. Degree in Equine Studies - Stable and Farm Management and has over 15 years experience in the horse industry.
Debbi has experience in a variety of riding disciplines, but specializes in instruction of the beginning rider. Using humor and good horse sense, Debbi ensures that adults and children new to horses get a solid foundation in the basics of horse care, safety, and equitation (a secure and proper riding seat). Debbi leads trail rides from the ranch for riders of any skill level.

Debbi is currently working with her horse GS Sundown Slim on trail and 'Extreme Cowboy Race' type obstacles; they have also ridden with Amy Walden at McCarty Reining to sharpen 'Slim's' reining skills.

Amanda Hartness is a working student and has been riding at YVEC since 2008. She is currently working with her young mustang Santos towards a future in hunter/jumpers, and continues to work with finished mustang Shelby on his jumping. She also rides her mare Stella, who began her career as a dressage prospect but is now having fun working western over "Extreme Cowboy" type obstacles.

Amanda assists Cindy in the care and preparation of lesson horses, leads trail rides, and works with young riders just starting out.

YVEC's Attitude Ambassador and Captain of Congeniality, Lucy