Ambassador Spotlight: Lisa Travis
Helping Horses Think, Focus, and Succeed with StressLess®
Lisa Travis, owner of Main Stone Riding Academy in Lakeland, Florida, has spent her life working with horses, from teaching beginners to developing upper-level eventers. Her philosophy is simple but powerful: set horses up for success, never force them, and communicate in a way they can understand. At her academy, Lisa focuses on eventing and dressage, and she has built a strong lesson program that helps riders connect with their horses, teaching them to speak “horse language” so that every interaction is clear and positive.
For Lisa, incorporating StressLess® into her program was a game changer. She first learned about the product through her trainer, Hilda Donahue, who suggested it for Lisa’s fiery horse, Dante. Known affectionately as “the fire-breathing dragon,” Dante had a reputation for being reactive and difficult to manage. Lisa tried StressLess®, and the transformation was immediate. Dante’s behavior calmed, and he became more focused and responsive without ever being dulled or sedated. “It helps horses think and keeps them calm, allowing them to use the thinking part of their brain instead of reacting impulsively,” Lisa says. The difference was so impressive that she quickly began recommending StressLess® to everyone she knew, and it has remained a staple in her program ever since.
Today, Lisa uses StressLess® with several horses, including her eventing horse King’s Ransom, her dressage horse Sophie, and even a student’s young, anxious mount. The product has proven particularly helpful with horses that tend to be tense, reactive, or easily distracted. By reducing mental stress, it allows them to focus on training and absorb lessons more effectively. For Lisa, this aligns perfectly with her long-standing training philosophy: break tasks into small, manageable steps and always create situations in which the horse can succeed.
Lisa’s passion for thoroughbreds shines through in her approach. Having owned thoroughbreds since she was ten, she understands their intelligence, sensitivity, and quickness. “Thoroughbreds are smart, reactive, and quick-moving,” Lisa notes. “You need something like StressLess® to calm the noises in their head so they can think about what you’re asking them to do.” With Stress Less integrated into her regimen, even highly reactive horses can settle into their work and make meaningful progress.
Beyond her own training, Lisa actively shares her experience with StressLess® in the broader equestrian community. At shows, she talks with fellow riders about the benefits of the product, provides educational materials, and encourages others to try it with their horses. Her advocacy stems from firsthand results: horses that are calmer, more focused, and able to perform at their best.
For Lisa, StressLess® is more than a supplement, it’s a tool that supports her holistic training approach, helping horses feel secure, confident, and ready to learn. By combining natural support with careful, thoughtful training, she continues to help her horses and her students thrive, proving that calm minds make better athletes.
Connect with Lisa on social media at https://www.facebook.com/MainstoneRidingAcademy
StressLess® supports horses across all disciplines and temperaments, helping them feel confident, calm, and ready to learn. It is available in 30- and 60-day tubs on Amazon and can also be purchased directly from us at Inspire Equine..
