About Us

Zella Schnitzspahn is the owner, founder, and head trainer of Bay Star Sporthorses. With over a decade in the industry and 5+ years of coaching experience, she is dedicated to helping horses and riders reach their full potential through a kind, thoughtful approach. While specializing in the hunter/jumper discipline, Zella’s background spans everything from dressage to ranch riding, giving her a versatile perspective that treats every horse and rider as an individual athlete.

Zella’s philosophy centers on a correct foundation and proper horsemanship. Drawing from her own experiences overcoming challenges and milestones in her equestrian journey, she focuses heavily on the mental side of riding to foster confidence and overcome training hurdles. She prides herself on her ability to listen and guide horses often considered "misunderstood" or difficult, and aid riders in truly enjoying their horses, always aiming to leave every horse and rider better than she found them.

A 2026 Honors graduate from the University of Kentucky in Equine Science and Management with a certificate in Agricultural Leadership, Zella is currently pursuing a Master’s in Agricultural Economics as a Fellow in Extension. She brings over two years of therapeutic riding instruction experience in addition to traditional riding instruction, and is currently working toward her PATH Int. Therapeutic Riding Instructor Certification. 

Zella is a Credentialed Instructor through the United States Hunter Jumper Association and is fully insured for on-site, travel, and virtual training. Visit our services page to learn more or contact us to schedule your first session!