Welcome
What we do
Eyes Up Equestrian is known for its booming lesson program where riders of all ages and abilities work towards their competitive, recreational, physical, and/or social-emotional goals with our head trainer and former secondary educator, Kristina Koehler.
We offer a variety of extracurricular opportunities for our riders to get involved, including Pony Club, our show team, and special events and camps. Our thoroughbred sales program also has a reputation for producing and rehoming talented and well-educated thoroughbreds throughout the Midwest.
Who we Are
In everything we do, our riders, coaches, parents, and staff embody these core values.
- Grit – We’re courageous. We stick on our horses and with each other.
- Self-Awareness – We know and appreciate each other for our strengths and weaknesses.
- Transparency – We say what we mean and mean what we say.
- Stewardship – We show up to take care of our barn, our horses, and each other.
Kristina Koehler
Kristina has ridden through the Preliminary Level of Eventing, with three top three finishes in the 2022 show season with her 10 year old OTTB “Fireman Isaac Max.” Currently Kristina runs a booming Pony Club Riding Center in Peoria, IL, where she owns eight school horses and teaches 50 students per week. Those students vary from young “up-downers” to strong intermediates who are competitive at USEA events. Kristina also specializes in retraining Off the Track Thoroughbreds and runs a resale program during the winter months.
Before becoming a horse professional, Kristina taught high school English for four years and earned a Master’s degree in English. Her time in a traditional classroom setting is hugely beneficial to her work in the sand, as she is exceptional at building relationships with her riders, identifying objectives for lessons, and planning engaging exercises that move students towards their long-term goals. She’s a teacher at heart!
Kristina’s String
Fireman Isaac Max is a 2013 OTTB who’s been Kristina’s partner since 2020. He’s a serious sort of fellow and is notorious for scaring small children out of his stall. Don’t let this big guy fool you; he’s got huge heart!
Max will compete at the Preliminary Level and make his debut at the CCI-2* level in 2023.
Opus is a 2017 KWPN who made his way to the U.S. in the summer of 2022. He’s a Labrador on the ground, a jokester under saddle, and a competitor in the ring.
Opus will spend 2023 gaining confidence and mileage at the Training Level.
