By
Britain Powers
Photography by
Katherine Kocian
In the traditionally male-dominated field of Western horsemanship, Celeste Hudgens is inspired to showcase feminine leadership and talent at her stables. She founded Rocking H Stables LLC in 2004, and over the years, her stables have become a supportive environment where women can excel in equine training and riding.
Nestled between the outskirts of El Paso and Las Cruces, with a stretching, scenic view of the Franklin and Organ Mountains, Rocking H Stables boards 70 horses and is run and operated primarily by women.
Rocking H Stables offers a wide range of services, including horse boarding, training, riding lessons, and show riding and recreational services. The stables support communities throughout the El Paso/Las Cruces area, fostering inclusivity for riders of all levels, including beginners, recreational riders, show riders, and those with disabilities. In addition, Rocking H Stables partners with organizations such as the Wounded Warriors Project and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, providing tailored programs and services for those in need.
Hudgens has gained extensive equine experience worldwide, starting in South Africa at the young age of four. She rode for the Transvaal Junior eventing team in South Africa before moving to the United States in 1983 to continue her education at NMSU.
While at NMSU, Hudgens joined the university’s first equestrian team and took a colt starting class at the Agricultural College. After finishing her studies, Hudgens noticed a lack of neutral spaces in the horsemanship community where women could compete on equal terms with men.
This motivated her to open her own stables, where – through plenty of trial and error – Hudgens discovered that she performed best with a team of women under her wing.
Over time, Rocking H Stables grew into a thriving female-led operation, with Paola Talamas serving as the head trainer, supported by Andrea Terrazas Arce and Emma Carreon, who train and ride under her guidance. Together, they form a close-knit team of women who share a passion for horsemanship and a commitment to excellence.
Hudgens believes there are numerous benefits to employing women in the field of riding, training, and starting colts.
“We enjoy working with women as they are patient with the horses and clients, and tend to be more empathetic. We have a group of ladies right now with a great work ethic who function well as a team,” she explains. “Demographically, we live in an area of the United States where it’s hard for men to take leadership from a woman in an agricultural business. It’s a tough business, and you have to be tough!”
Hudgens is quick to mention that she looks up to and respects men in horsemanship, as many of her mentors and teachers have been phenomenal male riders.
However, she also strives to pave the way for women in the industry, emphasizing the importance of gaining education and expertise.
“For a woman in the industry, gaining respect amongst peers is huge. How you gain respect is your skillset,” she says.
This perspective has shaped the culture at Rocking H Stables, where each team member – regardless of gender – is encouraged to grow and develop their skills while also respecting the knowledge and contributions of others. Hudgens believes that both women and men bring valuable qualities to the horsemanship community, and at Rocking H Stables, the focus is on fostering a collaborative environment where everyone can excel and contribute.
When it comes to hiring new trainers, Hudgens looks for individuals with extensive equine experience due to the inherently dangerous nature of working with green horses.
“This is not a job for beginners,” Hudgens cautions.
She seeks riders who are in excellent physical condition, as the work is demanding and often involves long hours outdoors in harsh weather conditions.
Hudgens’ commitment to developing both skilled riders and a supportive environment has been
key to Rocking H Stables’ success. The focus on education, teamwork, and mutual respect has not only attracted clients from the local community but also helped build a solid foundation for women in the equine industry.
“You have to be brave and confident in yourself, but without ego. You must be prepared to fail, pick yourself up, and keep on going. You have to have grit!” she says.
