About

Established in August 2020 by Sarah Banks and Mark Hendrikse, Celestial Riding Academy specializes in the three phases of eventing—dressage, show jumping, and cross country jumping—prioritizing a solid foundation in a secure environment. Our offerings include both regular riding and unmounted horsemanship lessons. Join one of our monthly clubs for a deeper experience. Explore our exceptional team below!

Sarah Banks-

Owner & Instructor

Sarah teaches all levels of students, from beginners to advanced riders. She has been riding for over 24 years and teaching for over 14 years. She grew up in Pony Club and has competed in dressage, 3-day eventing, and competitive trail rides (NATRC).  

She helps students build up their confidence while having fun in a safe environment. When students are ready, Sarah loves to take them to horse shows and challenge them. She has experience teaching students with all different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses.

She has two bachelors degrees in Business Management and Accounting, which she uses to help run and manage different businesses. She has her own side bookkeeping business and was a co-founder of Horse Shoe Box, a monthly subscription box for horse lovers.

Sarah’s personal horse is Buck, a 13 year old Quarter Horse that her and her husband Mark love to go out on trails with.

Mark Hendrikse-

Co-Owner, Assistant Riding Instructor & Horsemanship Instructor

Mark first got into horses about 6 years ago when Mark and Sarah got married. He loves being out at the barn with the people and the horses, and he has discovered that he loves going out on trail rides. He also wants to try out eventing.

Mark is excited to help out around the farm with the horses and students and also teaches some of the horsemanship classes. His personal horses are Reno & Franklin.

Destiny Adams-

Team Member

Destiny just graduated from the University of Georgia majoring in Animal Science. She has been riding horses for 19 years. Destiny has been competing in the Eventing world for 7 years and she was a member of the Eventing Team at Georgia. She just got into Vet School at the University of Oklahoma and starts in the Fall of 2023.

Destiny has been teaching lessons for 7 years and also helps to train and work with lesson and client horses. In addition to horseback riding, Destiny enjoys hiking and traveling.