English and Western Riding Instruction

“A Dream to Ride Can Come True”

Caroline Stables was established in 2021 by Ryan & Olivia Ducker. The Duckers are the third generation to operate this beautiful farm as a boarding and lesson facility. Before it’s opening in 2021, the Duckers renovated the farm to include a new barn with 12×12′ stalls, Private Tack Closets, hot & cold wash rack, full restroom with shower, 100’x200′ outdoor lighted arena, a 60′ round pen, and large fenced pastures. Their passion for horses has allowed the opportunity to provide a safe facility for owners and horses to thrive in a joyful learning environment.

Olivia Ducker - Owner, Operator and Lead Instructor

Olivia knew early on that “horses” would be her career. The desire to share her passion with others led her to seek the proper teaching education. In 2009, Olivia graduated with honors from Meredith Manor International Equestrian College in Waverly, West Virginia. At Meredith Manor, she received the title of Riding Master III and was certified as a Riding Instructor. In 2011, Olivia received an associate degree in Equine Science from West Virginia University. Olivia aims to teach proper riding techniques and skills in the student’s English or Western disciplines. In addition to riding, she also wants students to learn appropriate horse care, grooming, tacking skills, horse anatomy, safety, and, most of all, a unique confidence found only in the presence of a horse.

Makenna Parker - Instructor and Co-Director of Day Camp

Makenna is a 2023 Isothermal College honor graduate with an Equine Science associate degree. A long-time student of Olivia’s, Makenna shares the same passion for horses, sharing knowledge, and the joy of riding.

“At 10 years old, I was terrified of any large animal, and yet curious of what horses could offer. I walked into my first lesson at Oliva’s Sister barn, Shoal Creek, certain I would walk out and never try again. 10 years later, May 13th 2023, I walked across the stage and received my degree in Equine Science. I never would have gotten where I am today without Olivia’s compassion, support, confidence, and knowledge. She not only shares that with me, and other students, but also her boarders and especially all the animals under our care. I am proud to teach alongside her today at Caroline Stables and I can’t want to see what comes next!’

Esther Crain – Riding Instructor and Barn Manager

I had my first lead line riding lesson at nine years old on a friend’s draft mare named Candy. As they say, the rest is history. I have been working with horses for almost 21 years and have held many positions including managing a riding and trail barn. I worked as a groom for a few big names, helped manage a rescue with 120 horses, worked as a large animal vet technician, and spent all this time asking questions! I read just about everything horse related that I could get my hands on. I have done trail riding, jumping, dressage, started a few horses, and restarted some more. I have worked with a lot of problem horses and helped their owners understand them better and work through things together. I teach many different things, but at my core I have a “horse first” mentality. I work with horses and their owners to help the horse move to the best of their ability. I teach horse and rider to carry themselves well, be responsive and safe, but most of all keep the horse happy in his job, and healthy for the long run! I am beyond thrilled to be offered this position by Mrs. Olivia, and ready to partner with her. I feel like her ideals are so in line with my own. She puts the horse first and has their best interest at heart! Deep down we both just want to see people enjoying their horses! I can’t wait to see what comes next!

English and Western Riding Instruction

Olivia Ducker - Owner, Operator and Lead Instructor

Makenna Parker - Instructor and Co-Director of Day Camp

Esther Crain – Riding Instructor and Barn Manager

More information is available on ShoalCreekNC.com