Riding Through Life with Tori: Finding Balance In and Out of the Saddle

At Haven Hill, stories don’t just live in barns or arenas, they echo in every hoofbeat, every quiet moment between horse and rider. Today, we’re sharing a glimpse into the life of Tori Bentley, owner of Haven Hill and a dedicated rider of 26 years, a lifelong equestrian whose story is about much more than just riding. It’s about partnership, patience, and the small shifts that make all the difference.

Horses as a Way of Life

For Tori, riding isn’t just a hobby, it’s a lifestyle. Her days often begin at the barn and end with the quiet companionship of her horses. More than just a routine, riding provides her with a sense of grounding and a rhythm that guides her life.

Tori grew up around horses, and that early start gave her a strong foundation in horsemanship. Over the years, she’s developed her own way of connecting with each horse, learning their quirks, their moods, and how best to communicate with them. It’s a relationship built on trust, and it doesn’t happen overnight.

The Saddle That Changed Everything

As an experienced rider and teacher, Tori puts a strong focus on her students and the tools that help them succeed. One of her top choices in equipment is the Equiline Saddle Scott Stewart Hunter Edition, a saddle she now uses and recommends regularly.

“I love that it’s lightweight, the horses seem to like it, and they’re super easy to move,” she shared. “Other saddles feel like moving a couch.”

“I feel like it frees up the horses’ shoulders a lot.”

“The saddle is super supportive, without making it feel restrictive.”

A turning point in Tori’s story was her experience finding the right saddle. She had used several that never quite felt comfortable or supportive, but the moment she found the one that truly fit, her rides transformed. The change wasn’t just in how she sat or moved, but in the way she connected with her horse. The ride felt smoother, more intuitive, and more enjoyable.

Tori noted that the improved saddle fit didn’t just make her more comfortable, it helped her horse move more freely too. “I could feel the difference in his trot,” she explained. “ It reinforced for her how important good equipment is, not just for performance, but for well-being.

Learning Patience in the Process

This journey taught her patience. She realized that even minor discomforts can build up over time and create tension, not just physically, but emotionally as well. Addressing them meant listening carefully to herself and to her horse and making adjustments without rushing.

Tori also emphasized the importance of checking in regularly not just with gear, but with her horse’s body language and behavior. She’s become more attuned to subtle changes, using them as clues to make her training more compassionate and effective.

Beyond the Arena

More than just a trainer and rider, Tori deeply values her relationship with each horse. “I feel very close to the horses,” she said, emphasizing the emotional connection that fuels her work.

Tori also spoke about the balance required to maintain her horse life alongside everything else: relationships, work, and daily responsibilities. It’s a lot to juggle, but for her, it’s worth it. Whether she’s out on the trail or just spending quiet moments grooming her horse, those connections bring a sense of peace that she carries into the rest of her life.

She’s found that her time with horses makes her a better version of herself, more grounded, more patient, and more present.

“The saddle is simple, it’s elegant, and a pleasure to ride in.”

Tori’s story is a reminder that growth often comes in subtle shifts, a new saddle, a better understanding, a more patient approach. These are the things that transform not just our rides, but the way we move through life.

For riders like Tori, the barn isn’t just a place, it’s a refuge, a learning ground, and a space where real-life lessons unfold one ride at a time.

Watch Tori’s Full Saddle Story: