Meet Olivia Veer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Olivia Veer and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, can you talk to us a bit about the social impact of your business?
At American Riding Academy, we’re more than a riding school—we’re a movement. Our mission is rooted in a simple, powerful truth: from the moment a child sees a horse for the first time, there’s a spark. A connection. And that spark never goes away. But for many, especially in today’s world, getting involved with horses feels out of reach—whether because of the cost, the knowledge gap, or the sheer size and power of these incredible animals.

That’s where we come in.

We help the community by making horsemanship accessible and approachable to all. Our programs offer hands-on education in horse care, riding, and responsibility—starting from age 1 to 100. Whether it’s a child taking their first pony ride, a teen joining our gymkhana team, or an adult finding confidence in the saddle, we meet people where they are and guide them every step of the way.

We’re working to revive a part of America’s legacy that has faded—our deep connection to the horse. Through riding lessons, camps, competitions, and mentorship opportunities, we help our students grow not only as riders, but as leaders, teammates, and confident individuals. We’re proud to provide a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment for families in our community to connect, learn, and grow.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
From the moment I first sat on a horse at age six, I was hooked. My mom enrolled me in a horse camp where I was the youngest and smallest in the group, but I walked in confident. The instructor, a gruff old man, looked me over and asked, “Can you handle this?” I puffed up my chest and replied, “Yes sir, and I can prove it!” He chuckled and told me if I couldn’t, I’d be in the water tank. Fifteen years later, I’m proud to say I never ended up in that tank—and I’ve been proving myself ever since.

As a premie with a speech delay, I was an extremely shy child. I was never the kid to raise my hand in class or volunteer for presentations. Horses changed that. They became my confidants—nonjudgmental, patient, and always willing to listen. Little by little, the confidence I found in the barn translated to everyday life. I started conversations with instructors, classmates, and eventually built the courage to speak up in the world beyond horses.

During my teen years, I joined Westernaires, a youth mounted drill team program, which taught me about leadership, teamwork, and discipline. That dedication opened the door to an opportunity in Kentucky after high school, where I worked at Taylor Made Farm—a premier Thoroughbred breeding facility. I cared for mares and foals, assisted in close to 50 births during foal watch, and was immersed in all aspects of the racing and breeding industry.

While in Westernaires, I also met my future husband, and we got married in June of 2024. Marriage brought me back to Colorado, where I was reunited with longtime Westernaires instructor and volunteer Richard Rollings. He shared the idea of creating the American Riding Academy, and the dream quickly began to take shape.

What sets us apart is our story, our mission, and our community. We’re not just teaching horseback riding—we’re rebuilding a lost piece of American heritage. We want to make horses accessible again. From helping a child overcome shyness to guiding someone toward a career in the equine world, we are here to make a difference.

I want the world to know that we’re building something more than a business—we’re creating a movement.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting for a whole week, I’d make sure they left with the full Colorado experience—horses, mountains, food! We’d kick things off at the barn, of course! I’d give them a private horse tour at American Riding Academy and saddle up for a sunset ride in the arena or down the nearby trails. We’d finish with a cozy bonfire and s’mores with some of my friends. The next day, if there’s a local rodeo or show, we’re going! Otherwise, we’d spend the day at the barn helping prep horses, maybe even do a little gymkhana practice. I’d introduce them to the kids and horses, and they’d definitely leave covered in dirt and horse hair. We’d order pizza and eat it on the hay bales. That’s the vibe. Then it’s hugs, maybe a few tears, and promises to come back soon.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely—no journey is ever taken alone, and I’m incredibly grateful for the people who believed in us from the beginning. I want to dedicate this shoutout to Dave and Melanie Knutson, the owners of A Rising Star Equestrian Center. Their generosity, support, and belief in our mission made it possible for the American Riding Academy to find its footing—literally and figuratively.

They opened their barn doors and welcomed us with open arms, giving us the space and opportunity to launch our program in a way that stayed true to our values. From offering guidance to cheering us on every step of the way, Dave and Melanie have been not just mentors but true partners in helping revive and grow horsemanship in our community.

Thanks to their kindness and shared love of horses, we’ve been able to build a place where students can connect, grow, and rediscover the magic of the horse-human bond. We wouldn’t be where we are today without them.

Website: https://www.americanridingacademy.com

Instagram: @american.riding.academy

Twitter: @american_riding

Facebook: American Riding Academy

Youtube: American Riding Academy

Other: Tiktok: @american.riding.aca

Image Credits
Christine Wiens
Olivia Seymour