"They feel your energy. They sum you up immediately. The cool part about that is you can't fake it," said Jeanne Jamison, while grazing her stallion's mane in the barn of Charlotte Equestrian Club. This equestrian facility, owned and operated by Jamison, offers services from riding lessons to private events at a farm property just 15 minutes from the bustle of Uptown Charlotte.

"Horses are such great teachers because they make us be better humans," Jamison shared with City Editor Jack the lessons she has learned during her career in the company of horses — taking her across the country and training underthe tutelage of Olympic riders, including George H. Morris, Chris Kappler, and Frank Chapot.

"They create a good work ethic, and understanding you have to put something else in front of you," said Jamison. "You didn't eat before your horse was fed and put away."

Aside from just responsibility, Jamison desires for her clients to understand the powerful emotional remedy horses can provide for humans. She vows it is a bond any rider can reach — from children to adults hopping on the saddle for the first time.

"You feel better around them, because they feed your soul," said Jamison. "They give you confidence because they teach you how to control your emotions. They're almost like a moving meditation."

Interested in learning to ride? Charlotte Equestrian Club offers lessons for riders of all skill levels.

60 minutes — $90 (semi private / small group)
30 minutes — $90 (private)

Editor's note: All beginners must start with a 30 minute private lesson and there is a 24 hour cancellation policy on all lessons.

While talking to City Editor Jack, Jamison brought out her beloved stallion, Rhai Rhai. Little time passed before the horse's long snout gently nuzzled her shoulder, like two old friends being reunited. Laughing, Jamison perhaps gave the perfect reason why this timeless bond between humans and horses has lasted throughout history. "They will do anything for you if they trust you."