Meet Barrett Diehl: Certified Trainer, Accomplished Rider, and Equine Sports Massage Therapist
Barrett Diehl is the founder and head trainer at Top Flight Equestrian, offering premier horseback riding instruction and Equine Sports Massage Therapy in the Austin, TX area. She is an United States Eventing Association (USEA) Certified Instructor, an experienced barn manager, and a successful upper-level Eventing competitor with over two decades of hands-on equestrian expertise.
A Foundation Built on Passion and Performance
Barrett began riding at age 7 thanks to a birthday gift that changed her life. By 13, she was captivated by the sport of Eventing, training under elite mentor Marcia Carabell, a Rolex veteran and Olympic alternate. That early exposure to high-level riding shaped Barrett’s sharp eye and technical skill—both of which now fuel her students’ rapid progress.
Trained by the Best, Committed to the Rest
Barrett’s career accelerated when she began working at True Prospect Farm, home to two-time Olympic gold medalist Phillip Dutton. Training alongside Phillip and Olympian Boyd Martin, she absorbed elite-level skills that continue to benefit her students today. Learning from 5* riders like Dutton, Martin, and Brannigan shaped her into a trainer known for accelerating students’ progress—and making it fun.
Certified, Credentialed, and Committed
Barrett is certified in:
- First Aid & CPR
- CDC Concussion Protocol
- SafeSport
- USEA Eventing Coaches Program – Level II (Certified through Training Level)
- Equissage – Equine Sports Massage Therapy
She holds a Bachelor’s in Psychology, which enhances her unique ability to communicate with and teach students of all levels.
A Leader in Riding Instruction
Barrett has trained and coached at all levels across the U.S., including work with the Lone Star Pony Club, Eno River Pony Club, and numerous mounted meetings. Her students regularly note how much faster—and more confidently—they progress under her guidance.
Barrett has also successfully competed multiple horses, including off-the-track Thoroughbred Topper, whom she brought to wins at the Intermediate level. She’s placed well at the American Eventing Championships in the Preliminary division and continues to compete and coach.
Looking for a certified horseback riding instructor in Austin who gets real results, look no further. Click here to reach out today to book a lesson
Beyond the Barn
Barrett also does in person and phone consults on:
Barn design and development, including transforming raw land into fully functional equestrian properties
Horse sales and purchases, helping match riders with their perfect partner
Anything equine!
Click here to book a call with me!
Equine Sports Massage Therapy: Healing From the Inside Out
Barrett is a Certified Equine Sports Massage Therapist, adding a powerful skill to her training toolbox. After seeing dramatic improvements in her own horse following a session with Kodi Evans of Equine Unwind, Barrett pursued certification and began integrating bodywork into her program.
With a trainer’s eye and a bodyworker’s touch, she identifies muscle imbalances, tension, and compensations that may go unnoticed—then offers both hands-on therapy and tailored exercises to restore balance and optimize performance.
Interested in equine massage therapy in Austin, TX? Click here to reach out today to schedule an appointment.
The Top Flight Equestrian Mission
At Top Flight Equestrian, the goal is simple: introduce riders of all ages and experience levels to the joy of riding. Whether you’re riding for leisure or chasing competitive goals, Barrett’s customized approach helps you unlock your full potential—in and out of the saddle.
She has a Trainer’s eye and a Bodyworker’s touch – combine both lessons and massage to really take your riding goals to the next level.