Cara Hayden

(Founder)

Cara C. Hayden is the visionary founder of the Equine Empowerment Foundation, a California-registered nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, retraining, and repurposing horses for beginner lessons and therapeutic riding programs. With over three decades of professional equestrian experience in the industry, she brings extensive expertise in horse training, business management, and equine welfare.

Cara’s foundation in dressage and hunter-jumper disciplines was shaped by training under numerous top professionals, competing at elite East Coast horse shows, and working as a student under renowned trainers since early childhood. At age 23, she launched her first lesson program in Montecito, CA, guiding clients to local competitions and incorporating ocean swimming as a rehabilitation method for rescued horses.

Throughout her career, Cara has held key leadership roles at prestigious equestrian facilities, refining her skills in horse care, training, and program development. Her passion for equine rescue and community service led her to establish Equestrians Excellence in Oxnard, CA, an initiative that evolved into the Equine Empowerment Foundation, providing accessible riding programs for all , now located at Conejo Creek Equestrian Park in Thousand Oaks, CA.

Jasmine Ghent

Executive Director/ Lead Instructor

In her role as Executive Director and Lead Instructor, Jasmine embodies the spirit of the Equine Empowerment Foundation. Her dedication is genuinely woven into her lifestyle—her backyard serves as the base for our Thousand Oaks location, fostering a welcoming, personal, and professional atmosphere for all students who come through.

Having been trained by the iconic Sally Swift, Jasmine’s method of riding is grounded in precision, balance, and a profound, instinctive bond with her equine companions. Her skills as a trainer are unparalleled; she is known for turning a rescue horse into a competitive 1.10m jumper, exemplifying her belief that with proper guidance, any horse can achieve greatness.

Jasmine focuses on training neurodivergent riders, emphasizing the importance of building confidence and instilling advanced horsemanship skills. Her lessons are transformative, safe, and grounded in years of professional coaching experience.

Outside of horse riding, Jasmine is a dynamic single mother whose relentless efforts empower the upcoming generation of equestrian talent. Her daughter, Gia, is already making her mark as a rising junior show jumper and is officially THE young rider to watch in the show ring. Jasmine’s commitment to her family, her students, and the horses she cherishes is what truly sets our foundation apart.

Meet our expert Equestrian Team