Kali Kiger and Mustang, Smokey. Smokey was an untrained horse that Kali started under saddle during Covid.
A Message From Our Founder
When I started Horses Around the World, people thought I was crazy to try teaching horse classes online- "How on earth are you going to teach horse lessons virtually??" was a common question. Necessity is the mother of all invention. During the COVID epidemic, our horses still needed feed and care even though we couldn’t teach lessons in person for months. Out of necessity, I turned to something I had only ever done here and there to enhance my local program: teaching about horses online. What happened next changed my life.
On the very first day, my classes filled instantly — 150 kids per week, learning in small groups of 6–12. The gratitude that poured in from families blew me away. Every message reminded me that learning feels different — deeper — when it’s tied to something a child loves.
Soon, our little barn in Oregon was connected to the world. Kids joined from Ireland, Canada, Australia, Bulgaria, Hong Kong, South Korea, Guatemala, and so many states across the U.S. I loved hearing about their riding lessons, their horses, their dreams. Even across oceans, horses became our shared language.
My friends and family felt the magic too — my classes became everyone’s favorite topic over coffee or dinner. Everyone wanted to hear about the kids from other countries and what they were learning in class. The excitement of friends and family helped me see that this wasn’t just a temporary solution. It was a community. A movement. A way for animal-loving kids everywhere to thrive.
I feel incredibly fortunate to offer these classes. Horses Around the World grew out of a moment of uncertainty, but it has become a place where children can learn, connect, and feel that same heart-filling joy that comes from knowing a horse as a friend.
With love,
Kali Kiger
Founder, Horses Around the World
KALI KIGER
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life." - Picasso
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I am an author, speaker, podcaster, and YouTuber. As the founder of Pony Pros and Horses Around the World, I am proud to say that my programs - both virtual and the hands-on with horses - have grown to be internationally recognized.
I have been an equine professional since 2003. I grew up riding hunter/jumpers and today specialize in natural horsemanship for jumping, liberty horsemanship, horse tricks, and colt starting with a Nuno Oliveira lineage dressage foundation. You can find me presenting at places like the Northwest Horse Expo and the High Desert Museum. I also volunteer as a breed inspector for the Kiger Mesteno Assocation, and teach live, online classes. My favorites are Social Studies through the lens of horses and equestrian workout classes.
I am a survivor of childhood chronic illness and a widow, which has made me an expert on becoming the kind of person who can survive monstrous tragedy. With the same persistence and gentleness that I use to train a wild horse, I help others learn to live like someone left the gate open. Horses are my art medium - they are how I share my understanding of the world with others.
JOYANN MCNEE
Joyann is a lifelong rider. Growing up in the mountains of rural Washington, she rode everywhere on her Arabian, Star. Star was lovingly trained by Joyann's mom. Joyann and her horse developed an amazing bond and Joyann became a huge nature lover.
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In 2017, when Joyann's own daughter was 6, she began riding with Pony Pros. Joyann's aptitude and experience quickly became apparent. Joyann started teaching camps and lessons with Kali, and riding young stock. Joyann soon became one of the most helpful, kind-hearted, and highest reviewed instructors at Pony Pros. Joyann is patient and one of the nicest people you could ever know. She was often requested by kiddos ages 3-7, and lesson families stay in touch with her years after they move away. Today, Joyann doubles as a dog trainer for Smith Rock K9.
KERI GORMAN
Keri and Kali have been friends since 2010. Keri has an amazing clicker training background, having worked with birds of prey in California, on movie sets with many different species, with guide dogs for the blind, and extensively with horses. Keri has presented multiple times at Clicker Expo, the premier global convention for positive reinforcement training for all species.
Keri is an avid rider with extremely wide ranging expertise. On any given weekend, you could find her at a cattle sorting, riding with the Sheriff's Posse, Fox Hunting, competing over fences, training a Mustang, or horse camping, all of which she does well. Keri is fun, incredibly positive, and always in your corner, whether your a student, an animal, or friend. Keri's positivity is such a joy. She is a wonderful, bight light.