Cheryl Cottine’s Aspiring Equestrian Center in Rainier combines her passion for horses and teaching. The center offers boarding, private lessons, training, an introduction to horses program, and pony club on a 35-acre property with an indoor arena and stalls.

Cottine, who comes from the hunter/jumper world, moved to Rainier from Ohio after the COVID-19 pandemic led her to focus more on horses. She prioritizes meeting riders at their skill level and observing them before lessons to tailor instruction accordingly.

She chose the Pacific Northwest for its horse community and outdoor opportunities, aiming to provide high-quality, affordable training. Cottine is currently working with over a dozen riders and plans to expand her offerings, potentially adding an outdoor arena.