Linda Hoffmann has been ‘horse crazy’ since she was a young girl
LinRa Stables, owned and operated by Randy and Linda Hoffmann is located in the heart of the Ozarks, Springfield, Mo.
Whether it’s adventure or serenity that you seek, LinRa Stables has it all. Saddle up for a brisk ride to the banks of the James River or lose yourself in the tranquil woods. Fall in love with your horse at LinRa Stables; the perfect equestrian destination.
Linda Hoffmann has been giving riding lessons for almost three decades and has 60 years of experience. Her students are young and young-at-heart. She teaches Saddle Seat and Western Pleasure; however, all endeavors are encouraged. “I truly believe that horses can teach valuable life-lessons and build character that will help a child or adult succeed in life.”
Formerly a certified teacher at Strafford High School, Linda missed interacting with horses, so she followed her heart to the stable.
“I really enjoy being outside and I love being with horses so it was a perfect combination,” she reflected.
Linda fell in love with horses at the age of 3 when her brother got a pony. While showing in halter class at just 6 years old, Linda’s pony bolted and broke away, literally dragging her all around the ring.
“I was furious,” Linda recalled.
“You certainly are one determined little girl,” Linda’s mother remarked after watching her daughter regain her composure after the incident.
“My parents were hoping my ‘horse crazy’ phase would pass, but it never did. Having horses has taught me commitment, determination and to never give up.”
Today, Linda teaches students ages 6 to 70-plus. She currently has a 72-year-old woman, who had never ridden before, now riding twice a week. She’s convinced that horseback riding has improved her quality of life, strengthened her core and she doesn’t fall anymore.
One of Linda’s greatest achievements to-date, was owning her beloved, five-gated horse Greystone’s Flying Monarch.
“He was so fast he literally flew,” Linda noted. “I bought him sight-unseen and showed him all over the Midwest. He truly was a star and won the hearts of everyone he encountered.”
Randy and Linda are very supportive and engaged in the local equestrian community. Every summer they host the Assembly of God missionary “immersion camp” when approximately forty young missionaries descend on the Hoffmann’s property to prepare for the depravation and lack that is so prevalent in third-world countries.
“It’s very primitive,” Linda noted. “They even dig their own toilets. We think their being here is a very important aspect of why we still do this. We enjoy sitting out on our deck and listening to them sing. They’re always welcome and we really enjoy having them.”
The couple help sponsor the annual Back to School Blast All-Youth Horse Show in August at the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield. Linda also started local Horsin’ Around 4-H Club, where she has been very active over the years.
“I really think that intrapersonal relationships began to deteriorate when the car was invented in 1915. Back then, you had to relate to your horse to go to town or even church. I truly believe that horses are a much more integral part of society than we give them credit for.”
LinRa Stables offers: Beginner riding lessons for adults, lesson horses, confidence building for horse and rider, beginning riders welcome, adult and children’s riding lessons, group lessons, horse boarding, family-friendly atmosphere and horse leases.
