About Us

ABOUT INGELA — Owner 

Ingela Hoerler is a former trainer and the current owner of Flicka Farms.  Her education as a rider began in early childhood, allowing for an exposure to, and deep understanding of many equine breeds, riding disciplines and training techniques. Ingela’s discipline and success in the show ring has always been matched by a warm appreciation for recreational horsemanship and the value of human-equine bonds.  Her upbringing in 4-H inspired her to create and lead her own Snohomish County group for 10 years. Ingela takes a lot of pride in owning a beautiful facility that both allows competitive riders to meet their goals, as well as giving those who ride for pleasure, a fun and relaxed atmosphere in which to learn at their own pace. Ingela now enjoys riding and showing her own horses in the AQHA circuit with her daughter Annika.

ABOUT EMMA — Instructor and Trainer 

Since the time she was a little girl, horses have always played a pivotal role in Emma Vowels’ life. She began at an early age riding the family horses around the back yard in her pajamas, and quickly progressed to taking riding lessons. Emma has owned her own horse since she was 11, which taught her to appreciate the commitment and responsibilities that come with these amazing animals.  Throughout the years, Emma has owned a variety of challenging horses, which gave her the patience, drive and skills to work with all types of horses. Emma was enrolled in the Snohomish County 4H Horse program for 8 years, and held many officer and leadership positions. 4H was such an important part of Emma’s equestrian development that she now is a leader of the Golden Wings 4H club, and helps other kids have the same rewarding 4H experience. Emma has also been part-time staff at Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center. Through Little Bit’s program, she completed an internship in order to learn how to teach horseback riding skills to children and adults with disabilities. In working with Little Bit, Emma also increased her knowledge and skills in Dressage riding. Emma loves both showing and recreational riding, and has experience in the disciplines of Dressage, Huntseat and Western Pleasure. She also had experience running Horsemanship Summer Camps at Little Bit and Flicka Farms, teaching horsemanship skills to children of all ages and abilities. Emma also worked under talented professional trainer Kim Gately, gaining experience in the world of training horses for the paint circuit. Emma loves being at Flicka Farms, where she can both strive to advance her own riding and training skills, as well as instruct many wonderful clients and share her knowledge and experience.

ABOUT MARIA — Instructor and Trainer 

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Like many little girls, Maria Winters’ passion for horses began at an early age. An extensive My Little Pony collection turned into Hunter/Jumper lessons at age five, which turned into leasing and showing jumpers, which turned into owning a horse by age fourteen. After almost ten years of English training, Maria began riding Western because it better suited the horse she had fallen in love with. She quickly developed a passion for Western riding and learned how important it is to take time to understand each individual horse’s needs and abilities and ride them as such, rather than trying to get them to fit into a preconceived idea of how a horse should be ridden. Maria takes time to get to know each of her students in the same manner, pushing them to meet goals the students set for themselves whether those goals be showing or simply being comfortable enough on a horse to go for a walk on the trails. Whether a first time or experienced rider Maria helps each of her students reach their full potential. While riding basics and advanced equitation is the primary focus of Maria’s lessons she also teaches each of her students how to handle horses on the ground. Everything from leading a horse, to tacking up, to basic care and maintenance is covered. Maria brings enthusiasm and patience to each lesson, encouraging each student to be a confident rider. Having the opportunity to share the life lessons that horses have taught her with others is a dream come true for Maria. She strives with each lesson to teach much more than just how to ride a horse; she teaches her students poise and self-assurance that will translate to their lives outside of the barn.