Meet The Instructor

Leanne Hoagland MAB, LAC

Montana born and raised Leanne Hoagland started her lifelong equine passion at a young age. As an educator Leanne is a believer in lifelong learning. Leanne attained an AS degree in Agriculture from Northwest College in Powell, WY. It was here she judged horses collegiately and competed at the 1997 Quarter Horse World show leading the team to a Reserve Championship title and a personal top five finish. Upon transfer to Montana State University, Leanne competed on the Intercollegiate Horse Show team while attaining her BS in Agriculture Education. In 2003 Leanne began teaching Agriculture and Equine Sciences at Dawson Community College where she was the program director until January 2016. She now works as an addictions counselor and is the Agriculture/ Welding Instructor at Dawson County High School where she is also the FFA Adviser. She has been a dedicated to 4-H as a leader for over 15 years. She attained a MAB from Kansas State University in 2007. Her passion for horses and their industry has led her to three professional certifications. The first was from the American Riding Instructor’s Association where Leanne carries certificates in Reining, Western Pleasure, English and Driving. Leanne is certified in equine reproduction with Colorado State University and is certified with the Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association (EAGALA) in equine assisted therapy and learning.

Leanne’s experiences have allowed her to gain knowledge in many facets of the equine industry. The most recent is in gaited horses and her work with Tennessee Walkers. She continues to do clinics and online classes in various topics from first aide, training to nutrition to driving. Her program encompasses trust and respectful relationships with the horse that have foundations in natural horsemanship and equine psychology. Leanne has extensive work in reining, equitation, driving, dressage, hunters, pleasure horses and showmanship. She has worked with many breeds from Arabs, Appaloosa, Tennessee Walker and Paints to heavy horses, and enjoys the diversity that comes from each experience. The business offers equine assisted therapy and equine assisted learning sessions in the local community using the EAGALA Model. Lead Changes Recovery & Equine Assisted Therapy Center LLC is the name under which the therapy services are run.
Over the years Leanne has attended numerous clinics, schools and workshops in the equine industry presented by industry professionals.

In 2003 Leanne began raising and showing Shire draft horses. The program is based on sound minded horses with conformation that wins and longevity. Leanne shows internationally and nationally with her Shires. The most recent win was at the Central Alberta Draft Horse Classic where the home raised mare Big Sky All That Jazz was Senior Champion Mare. Jazz went on to win the year end All North American Championship for 2014.
See more of Leanne and her program www.bigskyshires.com orhttps://www.facebook.com/BigSkyShires/

Leanne ‘s husband Brett is a retired Deputy of 20 years and is currently working for MCS. They have a son, Connley, who is involved in FFA and 4-H. The program currently has 17 horses. Four are light horses; one pony gelding (Trigger- who is Master’s best friend) and the rest are Shires including three black stallions. Of the Shire herd we have four Doc daughters and Monty who is out of Jazz and by Doc. Doc was our senior herd sire for 10 years. The family also raises champion Hampshire and Dorset Sheep under the name 7 Mile Hampshires & Dorsets.