Twins make their dream come true

There's the twin sisters themselves who, at 26, have opened an elaborate riding and boarding center after years of working for others, mucking stalls and carefully managing their money.

Then there's the young girl whose life has been changed by having the Price sisters and their horses move to her East Side neighborhood.

There's also the teen riding star who excels in the show ring, and who was able to stay with the Price sisters last summer when her mother was sick.

And, of course, there are the horses that have been delivered from abuse, starvation and slaughter to the loving hands of the Price sisters and their students.

All of this is happening at the Doubletake Equestrian Center, a 15-acre horse-lovers' dream at 11350 E. Old Vail Road.

"It's kind of like we went from rags to riches in a way," said Jenny Price. "We went from working so hard for someone else to this. It's incredible we have our own place now. It's a dream come true."

Abby said that while they teach English-style equitation and show jumping, horses and riders of all disciplines are welcome at their barn.

They started Doubletake about six years ago — when they were 19 — with a $10,000 settlement from an auto accident. It began small, with a few students and two schooling horses.

"Then, as we acquired more clients, the horses paid their way," said Abby, who said they boarded at several Tucson riding establishments before securing some larger loans and moving to the Old Vail Road property last August.

They set up temporary stalls for their horses — there are now about 10 school horses — while waiting for two new barns and the riding rings to be completed.

Their horses include many rescued animals who arrive not from any one organization, but mostly through word-of-mouth rescues. One gentle mare had been severely beaten by her previous owner and another gelding had been left to starve.

There's also a beautiful chestnut mare — Blossom — who suffered a severe head injury several years ago and had to be slowly nursed back to health. She is now back in the ring and a favorite among the students, especially the beginners.

About a month ago, it was move-in day for this diverse equine family.

The barns, which each have 24 stalls, include automatic watering systems and insulated roofs to help with the heat.

The twins started riding when they were 12 and have won numerous state championships and national medals for their English riding and jumping.

Their mother, Erin Brown, said she was amazed when her daughters "wanted to go to a barn and shovel horse poop rather than hang out at the mall."

Brown, 48, encouraged her daughters' passion for horses figuring it was a good thing for teenagers to be so involved with animals and equestrian sports.

"Hey, it's cheaper than therapy or bail," she said, laughing.

Now Abby and Jenny Price are entrusted with instilling their skills and their love in about 40 students.

Deanna Crosby's 15-year-old daughter, Natalie, was one of the Prices' first students when she started riding seven years ago.

"They never raise their voices. It's nothing but absolutely positive encouragement every time," said Deanna Crosby, 46, of the Price sisters.

Natalie is now one of the twins' star students.

She said she loves the thrill of riding and especially of jumping over fences.

"I knew from the first moment I saw her sit on a pony at the fair that I was in big trouble," Deanna Crosby said. At the time, she said, her daughter was about 2.

Laura Bell, 11, started riding about six weeks ago. She hopes to continue for years to come.

"It's just really fun to interact with animals and do a sport at the same time," she said.

Danielle Schackart, 9, lives across the street from the new riding facility and comes over to the barn every day if not to ride then to "hang out and help feed."

During her lessons, she has been working on walking and trotting the horse and just recently started the faster, rocking gait called cantering.

Eventually, she wants to start jumping.

"It's just fun to get on a horse and feel like you have control and stuff," she said.

Her mother, Michelle Schackart, said the experience has changed their lives and makes each afternoon "feel like summer camp."

Horses and riding were new to them, she said. When they welcomed their new neighbors last year, she never imagined what would unfold, especially for Danielle.

Michelle Schackart, 36, said she doesn't have to remind Danielle to do her homework or clean her room anymore. Danielle takes care of those things quickly now because she doesn't want anything to cut into her horse time.

"It's made her motivated, her grades have improved," Michelle said.

And her 11-year-old son, Kenny, also enjoys being around the horses.

"It keeps them busy. They've learned to work hard and be responsible," Michelle Schackart said not only of her children, but of all the young people who linger at the barn waiting to ride, or for a chance to brush a horse.

southeast side

To learn more

To learn more about the Doubletake Equestrian Center, 11350 E. Old Vail Road, go online to www.doubletakeequestrian .com or call 731-6221.