My name is Maple Kirby.

I grew up riding in Traverse City, MI, begging my parents for my own horse (to no avail). I then played 4 years of Polo at the University of Michigan. Such a joy!

I moved to Kansas City, Missouri to be a teacher, and I worked in urban education for a decade. I taught 8th English Language Arts and then coached teachers who needed support. I loved working with kiddos and coaching adults, and I gained expertise in teaching and writing curriculum for both.

I rode during this time, and started training under Stella Pettid, a regional and national Amateur Grand Champion in Arabian and Andalusian Western, Hunter, Show Hack, and Showmanship divisions. Talk about learning a lot!!

During COVID, I moved back to Traverse City and started training with Horse North Rescue- giving horses the skills they needed to be adopted. Being the person to help each horse be calm, confident, and happy, was such meaningful work, and I knew that I needed to continue it.

I left urban education because of how deeply I loved working with horses and their people, as well as to start doing some much needed self-healing.

It’s been an honor to use my skills from the educational world in working with over 150 riders and horse owners.

I was a full time equine instructor and trainer in Kansas City for two years. In 2023, my husband and I moved to Grand Rapids so that he can pursue a Masters in Social Work. Leaving my Kansas City horse community and family was heartbreaking, but Western Michigan has been so welcoming!

I currently teach beginner through advanced riding lessons at Summer’s Farm, and train at private barns throughout the area.