KJM Equestrian, Tulsa

Kevin McCorkle, KJM Equestrian's owner, keeps his 45,000-square-foot outdoor riding ring level, ready for students of any skill level. Of course, the dirt has been packed down by 42 years worth of the passage of horse and rider, so maintaining its surface and jumps might not be quite the challenge that it initially sounds. Over the decades, Kevin focused on introducing top-notch amenities like the outdoor riding rink to his school, including two 20-stall barns with 12-foot-wide center aisles, wash stalls with hot and cold water, and a 14,580-square-foot indoor riding rink. He even added floodlights to his outdoor corral, equipping his facility to fend off both weather and darkness so the lessons can continue.

He and his cadre of instructors take on any student of any skill level, ages 7 and older. Trainers each possess their own field of expertise, together having knowledge in the whole sport of horsemanship. More importantly, Kevin says, "Each instructor has over 20 years of experience in the equestrian field, including the show ring." The staff of veterans encourages the bond between animal and rider, and trains the duos to pursue the highest levels of competition or merely take turns carrying one another to and from work.