McKenzie Nielsen - Head Instructor
McKenzie is the head trainer and instructor at Manes & Reins Academy. She comes from a rodeo family and has been riding horses since before she could walk. McKenzie has a deep love of horses that she is instilling into to her children. She and her husband, Jordan, raise their kids alongside a variety of other critters on their property in picturesque Lewiston, Utah. She is dedicated to down-to-earth country living, thrives on learning new homesteading skills, and believes horses are one of the purest ways to connect to your best self.
McKenzie is currently working toward her Parelli certification and is an adamant advocate of Natural Horsemanship. While her riding experience focuses primarily on Western Pleasure, McKenzie has also enjoyed being a strong competitor in collegiate shows with the Utah State University English Equestrian Team. With a Bachelor’s degree from USU in Psychology, McKenzie is passionate about using her academic education and personal experience to strengthen the intimate interaction between people and horses.