Crystal Villalta grew up riding Hunters and Jumpers in Southern California, training with respected horsemen including Kathy Deambra, Hillary Mayfield (Ridland), and Jamie Mann. As a junior, she earned championships in the Junior Hunters and 3’6” Equitation, including the AHSA Silver Stirrup Award with her mare, Falin. She continued her development as a working student and catch rider, gaining experience across the Hunter and Jumper rings.
Crystal holds a Bachelor’s Degree and Graduate Teaching Credential from California State University, Fullerton, and spent over a decade teaching special education while riding, training, and raising homebred horses from her foundation mare, Irish Lace.
Crystal and her husband, Osman—who grew up with horses in Guatemala and later worked as an assistant trainer at Golden Gate Fields—run East Coast Horse Transportation, known locally for patient, reliable hauling and helping with difficult loaders.
Now based in Cape Elizabeth, Crystal teaches English Hunt Seat with a focus on Hunters and Equitation at Shady Oaks Farm. Her program blends classical horsemanship and horse-first care with her background in education, creating a thoughtful, confidence-building environment where students learn not only to ride, but to understand and care for horses from the ground up.
Meet Crystal
Cape Elizabeth Equestrian was established to provide a well-rounded education to new riders and existing horse owners. Our aim is to create compassionate and knowledgeable horse people with an emphasis on safe handling practices and exceptional care. We are not a “show barn” (although intermediate/advanced students do have opportunities to compete as a tool for growth). Instead, we are devoted to helping each individual rider and horse reach their full potential without expectations.
Our program
Our philosopy
We prioritize a “horse-first” approach (putting the welfare of the horse emotionally and physically before a rider’s aspirations to compete or succeed in sport). It is our belief that horses should be better off for having us in their lives emotionally and physically. Fear or domination have no place in working with horses.
Training
Relationship and connection (being present and receptive to what a horse is communicating) are at the core of any interaction with horses. Being able to understand what horses are communicating, whether it be confusion, anxiety, physical discomfort or muscle weakness, and responding in an appropriate way to HELP, not force, the horse to make progress and thrive is our definition of horsemanship. With this in mind, our approach to training begins on the ground, ensuring our horse is ready and willing. We do not overlook poor leading habits, horses avoiding having the bridle put on or standing at the mounting block. We take a comprehensive approach to training where every step and interaction are building blocks. Horses learn what is expected of them with compassion and patience.
Lessons
Our approach to teaching: We understand everyone learns in different ways and at their own pace. Our goal is to provide a positive learning experience where students are challenged but safe. We are flexible in our teaching methods in order to accommodate all skills and learning modalities. We emphasize character and encourage a positive attitude and mindset when working with the horses. Students are also offered further learning opportunities outside of lesson times including “Horsemanship Club,” on and off site clinics, volunteering around the barn and at shows, field trips and more.
We teach horsemanship, not just riding. At Cape Elizabeth Equestrian, students learn about horses “from the ground” (not riding time), up (in the saddle). Students learn every aspect of horse care and handling. Students are responsible for getting horses ready before lessons as well as aftercare. They also learn about daily management, health and wellbeing of horses.
Fitness: Riding requires a level of fitness in order to sustain a correct position on the horse not only for the comfort of the horse, but also so the rider is physically able to provide the horse with cues when riding. Riders may be tasked with at-home exercises in order to build key muscles necessary for riding.
Lesson reminders for students
*Plan to arrive approximately 30 minutes before each lesson to groom, tack up and ready to ride.
*Newer riders will receive assistance with bridling and mounting at the start of each lesson.
*Experienced riders should be mounted and walking in the arena prior to the start of the lesson.
*Plan to spend 30 - 45 minutes following the lesson to properly care for the horse and equipment.
Hunter Seat Equitation has a long and rich formal tradition which CE Equestrian aims to honor and uphold. Attention should be placed on proper turnout of horse and rider. Students who are showing will be held to the highest level of cleanliness, preparation and detail.