| RIDING INSTRUCTION |
 |  |  |
We offer instruction in balanced seat riding, which can be applied to any
discipline. Emphasis is placed on safe, effective riding and horse handling
skills. Riders will learn to be aware and in control of their position on the
horse, plus be aware of the many subtle communications coming from the
horse from moment to moment. Safe horse handling, grooming, and tacking
up are also covered in each lesson.
Lesson horses are provided for students who do not have their own horse.
More advanced riders may choose more specialized instruction in dressage,
jumping, and trail riding skills.
All lessons are private, approximately one hour in length.
Typically a rider's first lesson will take closer to 90 minutes.
discipline. Emphasis is placed on safe, effective riding and horse handling
skills. Riders will learn to be aware and in control of their position on the
horse, plus be aware of the many subtle communications coming from the
horse from moment to moment. Safe horse handling, grooming, and tacking
up are also covered in each lesson.
Lesson horses are provided for students who do not have their own horse.
More advanced riders may choose more specialized instruction in dressage,
jumping, and trail riding skills.
All lessons are private, approximately one hour in length.
Typically a rider's first lesson will take closer to 90 minutes.
| 1-Hour Private Lesson - $50.00 Lesson format and length can be tailored for very young children - please inquire. |
About Western vs. English riding -
Many people ask about what style of riding I teach, so here's my take on riding styles. First, I'll talk
about the horse's perspective on this. Horses don't know about riding styles. They just want to be
comfortable physically and want their rider to communicate clearly and in a fair and patient manner.
Western horses are typically taught to "neck rein." This means that steering is accomplished by
holding both reins in one hand and laying one rein against the horse's neck to "push" the horse into a
turn. The reason for this type of steering is so a rider can use his other hand for roping, typically. A
horse must be very well trained to neck rein well. Most horses are not well trained, unfortunately.
Most casual riders will never need to have a horse that neck reins, unless they plan to rope off their
horse. All horses, when they are first trained to be ridden, are taught to steer by "direct rein." This
means that the rider holds one rein in each hand and pulls one rein to position the horse's head to
the side to initiate a turn. If the horse will be taught to neck rein, this will happen later in the
training. Likewise, all properly educated riders should start by learning to use a direct rein.
Sometimes neck-reining can cause stiffness in a rider's back or shoulders, because holding the reins in
one hand causes twisting in the back and overuse of one arm.
The skills that the very best riders use to communicate with their horses are universal, whether they
ride English or Western. Good riders have control over their lower back, pelvis, hip joints, and the
muscles that support those structures. They coordinate their movements to coincide with the motion
of the horse's back. Their hands and lower legs are used only for subtle cues. These are the skills and
the level of body awareness that I teach, because this is how a rider develops a secure, effective
seat, and that's what matters to the horse.
Many people ask about what style of riding I teach, so here's my take on riding styles. First, I'll talk
about the horse's perspective on this. Horses don't know about riding styles. They just want to be
comfortable physically and want their rider to communicate clearly and in a fair and patient manner.
Western horses are typically taught to "neck rein." This means that steering is accomplished by
holding both reins in one hand and laying one rein against the horse's neck to "push" the horse into a
turn. The reason for this type of steering is so a rider can use his other hand for roping, typically. A
horse must be very well trained to neck rein well. Most horses are not well trained, unfortunately.
Most casual riders will never need to have a horse that neck reins, unless they plan to rope off their
horse. All horses, when they are first trained to be ridden, are taught to steer by "direct rein." This
means that the rider holds one rein in each hand and pulls one rein to position the horse's head to
the side to initiate a turn. If the horse will be taught to neck rein, this will happen later in the
training. Likewise, all properly educated riders should start by learning to use a direct rein.
Sometimes neck-reining can cause stiffness in a rider's back or shoulders, because holding the reins in
one hand causes twisting in the back and overuse of one arm.
The skills that the very best riders use to communicate with their horses are universal, whether they
ride English or Western. Good riders have control over their lower back, pelvis, hip joints, and the
muscles that support those structures. They coordinate their movements to coincide with the motion
of the horse's back. Their hands and lower legs are used only for subtle cues. These are the skills and
the level of body awareness that I teach, because this is how a rider develops a secure, effective
seat, and that's what matters to the horse.
Riding Apparel for Safety and Comfort
The ranch maintains a limited selection of riding helmets and riding boots. All students must wear
appropriate head protection and footwear. If the ranch's selection of boots and helmets does not fit,
the rider will be required to supply their own.
Riders should wear comfortable long pants. These can include jeans, riding breeches, or close-fitting
stretchy pants (such as tights made of heavier material).
In the colder months, RIDERS SHOULD DRESS FOR WARMTH. This means wearing several layers of
clothing, gloves, extra socks, scarf, and hat.
Warm Weather Riding - Bring Water
All students are urged to drink water BEFORE as well as during their lesson.
Children are especially at risk of overheating.
The ranch maintains a limited selection of riding helmets and riding boots. All students must wear
appropriate head protection and footwear. If the ranch's selection of boots and helmets does not fit,
the rider will be required to supply their own.
Riders should wear comfortable long pants. These can include jeans, riding breeches, or close-fitting
stretchy pants (such as tights made of heavier material).
In the colder months, RIDERS SHOULD DRESS FOR WARMTH. This means wearing several layers of
clothing, gloves, extra socks, scarf, and hat.
Warm Weather Riding - Bring Water
All students are urged to drink water BEFORE as well as during their lesson.
Children are especially at risk of overheating.