At 6-years-old

DJ Koester earns 8th place in 2002 TWHBEA World Versatility Show in Showmanship at Halter 17 & under.

DJ went on to become at TWHBEA Youth Ambassador 2002.

Double D Ranch & Youth Riders

A Winning Combination

DJ Koester, six-years-old, showing Angel for the first time in Trail Obstacle.

Here at the Double D we spend many hours training youth to become confident and safe riders.  We call it defensive riding.  Safety, Control, and what to do in emergency situations; training is provided in addition to the usual riding and horse care skills.  Most lessons include versatility training to make well rounded riders. We currently have

30 students ranging from 5-retirement age. 

Let us help you get a solid foundation for riding.

DJ & Taylor Preparing Seeme for the

Illinois Stock Horse Judges Demo.

Seeme recieved over 600 students welcome pats at a Hippotherapy clinic at Prairieland School.

This is how the Youth movement got its start at the Double D Ranch.  Grandson DJ Koester in his first class.  Proud Grandpa Don Hasler holds the award.

On Oct. 17, 2002 we held a very special field trip for Disabilities class from Normal, Angel, Seeme, Sugar, & Eldorado were called into action.  This very special day lead to Dee seeking her NAHRA equine riding instructor certification.  We just love how our horses took everything in their smooth and steady disposition.

Eldorado provided transportation and a special ride for a youth driver who could not sit up on his own. 

Dee Hasler, TWHBEA Certified Instructor is offering riding lessons:

Lessons are available on our horses or yours:

1 hour lessons $35.00/$40.00 for riders needing extra assistance.

Packages: 10 -1 hour lessons $300.00

Limited Group lessons for showing $30.00 each.

Call for times available. 

Helmets, heeled boots and long pants required.

We welcome ages 5 to whatever, We have mounting blocks for all shapes and sizes.

Come learn and have fun doing it. 

Show, Trail, Versatility, game lessons available.

We also have shows at the ranch to help prepare for the show ring.

Tiffany Holmlund with Sugar and the gang at her first competitive show.  Earning a Blue ribbon Tiffany went on to TN and the WHOA International Horse Show earning top honors in the Special Needs Riders Class.  Great Job Tiff

2007 TWHBEA World Champion w/ Leilani's Pride

3x Res. World Champion on 3 different horses.

Congrats DJ.

Come Check out our Double D Dream Team and join the largest Tennessee Walking Horse Barn in Illinois.   We Focus on Versatility, Trail Pleasure & all Around Family horses that can win.

No Shoes over Trail Pleasure size accepted.  Thanks.

2004 SSHAI Summer Show.  Dee HP Adult Sport Horse, DJ HP 11 & Under, Ashley HP Youth & 12-17 Rider.