Our Club Leader - Carola Gelatka

I was born in Germany, where I became involved in the equine industry at a young age. In 1970, I started taking riding lessons in Hamburg, and soon after completed my education in Warendorf, which is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious equine schools in Germany. I have lived in Central Florida since 1989, where I have taught, to children of all ages (including those with special needs):

English (Riding & Showmanship),
Dressage (Training Level & Level One),
Basic / Hunter Jumping,
Western Pleasure, and
Halter Class.

I have been a 4-H leader with the Orange County 4-H Program for the past 25 years, hosting three horse shows per year at the Clarcona Horseman’s Park as well as participating in many others throughout the state. I have taken many rescued horses and their riders to shows with great success.

I have 3 beautiful children who have participated and been successful in both 4-H and AQHA shows and received numerous awards.

We have monthly 4H meetings here at Sky-T; all are welcome to come by and visit our private facilities. The Dirty Jeans 4-H Club is a non-profit organization that relies on both member donations and proceeds from riding lessons to function.

In addition to teaching lessons and caring for our horses, I also co-manage Sky-T, which is located in Apopka, Florida. I am at the barn weekday mornings, weekday evenings, and weekends. I give riding lessons weekday evenings from 6—7 PM and on the Saturday from 8 AM—3 PM, Sunday from 8a.m.- 1p.m.

My goal is to encourage children to develop a sense of responsibility, leadership, and teamwork, and instill in them a love for nature and a passion for animals. It is my hope that the children I work with will become excited about spending time outside, engaging in physical activity, making new friends, and learning to care for our horses.

WE GET A LOT OF FRESH AIR AROUND HERE!