Who we are

At Sagebrush N Saddles, we believe life’s better with a little dust on your boots and a horse under you. Based in Marriott-Slaterville, we specialize in riding lessons, colt starting, and tune-ups — all rooted in respect for the horse and a healthy dose of humor.

Our owner, Rye De Laet, has been horse-crazy since she was seven years old. (Her parents probably thought it was a phase. Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.) She studied Equestrian Science at Southern Utah University before taking her learning out of the classroom and into the arena, training with professional horsemen and women across multiple disciplines. Rye’s passion for good horsemanship and lifelong learning runs deep — and yes, her name does sound like “Ride a Lot.” Coincidence? We think not.

Rye’s right-hand riders, Katie D’Agostini and Brock Schade, are longtime students turned instructors who share her dedication to developing confident horses and capable riders — with plenty of laughs along the way.

And then there’s Kevin, Rye’s husband and our resident farrier. He didn’t grow up in the horse world, but after marrying Rye, he didn’t really stand a chance. (We call it occupational love.) Now he keeps our horses’ feet — and our operation — running smoothly.

At Sagebrush N Saddles, our mission is simple: make horses accessible to everyone. We believe that no matter your age, background, or experience level, you deserve the chance to connect with these incredible animals. Horses have a way of grounding us, humbling us, and healing us — and we’re here to help you experience that magic firsthand.

So whether you’re learning to ride for the first time, starting a young horse, or just looking for a good tune-up, we’ll meet you where you are (probably somewhere between the saddle horn and a big grin).

Come ride with us — you’ll leave with new skills, a bigger smile, and maybe a little horse hair on your clothes.

A brown horse with a white stripe on its face, wearing a bridle and a saddle with a saddle blanket, standing inside a barn on sandy ground, looking at the camera with its tongue slightly sticking out.
  • A woman is riding a large gray and white horse on a dirt field with clear blue sky and snow-capped mountains in the background. The woman is smiling and dressed in a green plaid shirt and jeans.

    Rye De Laet

    Founder/ Owner & Instructor

  • A young woman smiling and wearing a black cowboy hat riding a brown horse with a white stripe on its face in an outdoor setting with green grass and trees.

    Katie D' Agostini

    Human Instructor

  • A man with curly hair and a beard riding a brown horse on a farm, with a red barn, fencing, and open field in the background under a partly cloudy sky.

    Kevin De Laet

    Sanity Manager

  • A young man riding a brown and white horse in an outdoor arena with trees and power lines in the background.

    Brock Schade

    Equine Instructor

  • A woman with blonde curly hair standing outside during sunset, with mountains, vehicles, and a fence in the background.

    Michelle Clements

    Human Support

  • A man with a mustache and gray hair wearing a wide-brimmed hat, white shirt, red bandana, and beige vest, smiling while holding a walking stick outdoors among green foliage.

    Ray Zediker

    Resident Cowboy

  • Brown horse with braided mane standing in a dirt paddock on a cloudy day.

    Dream Machine "Armani"

    The Resident Royalty 👑

    Armani is Rye’s personal stallion — and he knows it. A stunning 7-year-old Azteca imported from Spain, Armani brings both Spanish flair and Quarter Horse grit to the Sagebrush & Saddles herd. Confident, athletic, and just a little dramatic, he’s the kind of horse who turns heads everywhere he goes (and fully expects compliments).

    Occasionally, he lends his royal presence to our intermediate and advanced riders for lessons — but only when he feels like gracing us with his talent. Underneath the showmanship, Armani is intelligent, kind, and deeply connected to his people. He loves showing off his fancy moves, learning new things, and proving that yes, he really is as special as he looks.

    When he’s not working, Armani enjoys head scratches, posing dramatically in the pasture, and attempting to steal anything shiny left within reach. He’s as charming as he is handsome — and he’s very aware of both.

  • A young girl leading a brown horse with a saddle and bridle in an outdoor riding arena on a sunny day.

    Holly

    The Pocket Powerhouse ⚡

    Holly might be the smallest horse in the herd, but don’t tell her that — she’s absolutely convinced she’s at least 17 hands tall. This 18-year-old Quarter Horse mare has a heart (and attitude) that more than makes up for her size.

    A beloved favorite in our lesson program, Holly is endlessly patient and willing, with just enough personality to keep her riders on their toes. She greets every dismount with the cutest little nicker, as if to say, “Good job, human!” — and she has a funny habit of clacking her teeth when she’s bored, even though there’s no bit in sight.

    Small but mighty, Holly proves every day that confidence isn’t about size — it’s about heart (and just the right amount of sass).

  • A young girl wearing a helmet and pink shirt riding a brown horse in a sandy outdoor riding arena with a metal fence, trees, power lines, and buildings in the background.

    Mariah

    The Matriarch in Charge 🕊️

    Mariah is our resident boss mare and self-appointed barn manager — and she takes the role very seriously. At 25, she’s technically semi-retired… but don’t tell her that. We’ve tried letting her relax, and she just won’t have it.

    Brave, steady, and endlessly kind, Mariah carries the wisdom of a lifetime spent teaching riders and mentoring young horses. An old leg injury keeps her on light duty these days, but she still insists on leading short lessons and reminding everyone how it’s done.

    She has a soft spot for kids — her favorite students — and somehow always knows when a little rider needs an extra boost of confidence or a comforting nuzzle. Mariah may have earned her rest, but she’s not quite ready to hang up her halter. Some horses are born to lead, and she’s one of them.

  • A brown horse with a black mane and a white star-shaped mark on its forehead, standing in an indoor stable. The horse is fitted with western tack, including a saddle with a patterned saddle blanket, a bridle, and a halter.

    Dusty

    The Sassy Sage 🌪️

    Dusty is a 12-year-old Quarter Horse mare with enough personality to fill the whole barn (and then some). One of our go-to lesson and trail horses, she knows her job inside and out — though she’s never shy about sharing her opinions on how it should be done.

    Smart, sassy, and just a little ADHD, Dusty likes to remind us she’s “too smart for this,” yet somehow always steps up when it counts. She’s carried Rye thousands of miles over the years, and their bond runs deeper than hoofprints on the trail.

    Dusty might roll her eyes at your mistakes, but she’ll take care of you every stride — and probably sneak a snack when you’re not looking.

  • A brown horse with a saddle and blanket stands in an outdoor riding arena, tied to a green fence, with a large building and trees in the background on a sunny day.

    Chance

    The Class Clown 🤠

    Chance might not wear a crown like Armani, but he’s definitely earned the title of barn comedian. This 12-year-old buckskin Quarter Horse gelding stands a solid 15 hands and brings sunshine (and a little chaos) wherever he goes.

    Still in training, Chance approaches life with boundless curiosity and a healthy sense of humor. He’s the first to investigate anything new — whether it’s a training cone, a hose, or someone’s unattended snack. His playful goofiness makes him a barn favorite, even if it sometimes earns him a few extra groundwork sessions.

    He’s got a unique look thanks to a small bony growth on the right side of his face — we call it his “distinguished feature.” It doesn’t bother him at all, and honestly, it just adds to his character. Underneath the antics, Chance has a kind heart and a real desire to please. With time and patience, he’s shaping up to be a one-of-a-kind partner who keeps everyone smiling.

  • A light brown horse with a dark mane and tail standing in an indoor riding arena.

    Mo

    The Golden Guardian 🌻

    Grace, wisdom, and a touch of sass — that’s Mo. This 22-year-old buckskin Quarter Horse mare has been the cornerstone of countless riding lessons, guiding beginners with the kind of patience only time can teach.

    Mo is the ultimate steady-eddy: calm, confident, and endlessly kind. She’s taught nervous kids to trust, helped timid riders find their balance, and shown that true partnership is built one quiet step at a time. But don’t mistake her experience for slowing down — Mo still loves to move out and remind everyone that age is just a number.

    With her golden coat and soft eyes, she embodies the heart of the herd. Dependable yet full of life, Mo is the gentle guardian who holds the barn together — one steady stride at a time.

Contact us

Interested in working together? Fill out some info and we will be in touch shortly. We can’t wait to hear from you!