Narrowgate Sport Horses: Heather McKay, the Horse Fixer

By R.J. Cohn

Growing up on a 600-acre horse ranch in Riverside, Calif., it was impossible to keep Heather McKay, a renowned horse trainer, from not just falling in love with horses but also figuring out what made them tick.

"By the time I was seven, it was impossible to keep me off a horse," said McKay. "I knew there was nothing else I ever wanted to do."

Now 50, the California cowgirl – who grew up on the back of a horse mastering team-penning, polo, and vaulting, while winning enough ribbons to fill 10 tack rooms – is still in the saddle. But now she’s making her living as one of the most sought-after horse trainers in Cochise County, operating Narrowgate Sport Horse equine center for the last 11 years.

Spread across 12 ½ acres off of Moson Road, Narrowgate is both a heaven and a haven for horses and their riders trying to fine-tune their abilities – from trail rides to national competitions and events. For many, it’s also about pulling the reins in on their horses’ temperament and behavioral health.

"People who want to be on the same page as their horse come here," said McKay. "Some come for behavior issues like bucking, biting, and not listening, others need a refresher course for an upcoming competition. They call me and say, ‘Can you fix this?’"

And like a specialized mechanic, McKay – who still competes on a national level – puts in the work and has earned the reputation of the horse fixer of Cochise County.

Her wonderland of a boarding and training facility for horses of all breeds, along with her skill in different disciplines, blends into the nurturing environment McKay has created to bring results. The entire property – which McKay designed – is essentially a training center featuring two round pens, an exercise area, enclosed jump rings, a dressage arena, a cross-country area, and a series of trails throughout. She built 14 pipe corral boarding stalls – 12-feet-by-48-feet – with a tack shed between each one. But her most prized area is the turnout pasture, where for 12 hours a day horses roam. 

"This is where they get to be horses again," said McKay. "The turnouts are like playgrounds where they can hang out when they're not in school."

As tidy as it is, Narrowgate is more than just a premier boarding facility. McKay understands that other equine centers may board horses and might even offer some training. 

"Most barns cater to one riding discipline. We're different in that we are home to horses and riders from a variety of disciplines... and we cross-train. So, you'll often see even our high-level English show horses chasing cows or playing around at a gymkhana, or out on a trail ride. We have well-adjusted horses. And a lot of fun!" she said.

Former co-worker Michelle Hunter has watched McKay develop Narrowgate into a pre-eminent facility and can’t speak highly enough about her as a horse trainer. 

"Heather McKay offers a variety of disciplines and horsemanship skills not otherwise found in Cochise County," said Hunter. "She is a phenomenal rider in both English and Western and has competed at a national level in dressage on horses she has trained for clients from the ground up. Regardless of weather conditions, horses are all fed, watered, stalls cleaned, then groomed from mane to tail at each feeding. Horses all have a chance for exercise daily and get all the TLC you would hope for as a member of your family. Her work ethic and attitude while she goes above and beyond on a daily basis are inspiring."

Despite a seemingly never-ending work schedule, McKay still competes six times a year at both national and local competitions. In March, she and her team of eventers went head-to-head in a 3-day event in Tucson for dressage, jumping, and cross-country.

"For me, the most fun in all of this is getting into a horse’s head, figuring out how he’s wired," she said. "When I’m out riding, I realize how blessed I am that this is what I’m doing for a living. There's just nothing better."

To get in the saddle with Heather McKay at Narrowgate, call 859-230-5542.