I teach 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, and how to give clear, precise cues
to the horse. 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.
Advanced riders may choose more specialized instruction in
dressage, jumping, and trail riding skills, or just improve their
coordination, timing and feel.
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, and how to give clear, precise cues
to the horse. 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.
Advanced riders may choose more specialized instruction in
dressage, jumping, and trail riding skills, or just improve their
coordination, timing and feel.
WESTERN VS. ENGLISH
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.
WHAT TO WEAR
All students must wear appropriate head protection and footwear.
The ranch maintains a limited selection of riding helmets and riding boots.
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). Pants must be long
enough to completely cover the ankle.
In the colder months, riders should dress for warmth. This means wearing several layers
of clothing, gloves, extra socks, scarf, and hat.
WHAT TO BRING
WATER - All students are urged to drink water BEFORE as well as during their lesson.
Children are especially at risk of overheating.
All students must wear appropriate head protection and footwear.
The ranch maintains a limited selection of riding helmets and riding boots.
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). Pants must be long
enough to completely cover the ankle.
In the colder months, riders should dress for warmth. This means wearing several layers
of clothing, gloves, extra socks, scarf, and hat.
WHAT TO BRING
WATER - All students are urged to drink water BEFORE as well as during their lesson.
Children are especially at risk of overheating.
LESSON FEES
$50 - One-hour, private lesson on lesson horse
$40 - 3/4 hour private lesson on lesson horse - geared for children
$30 - 1/2 hour private lesson on lesson horse - for children under 6 yrs.
If you have your own horse, my base hourly rate is $40. Travel fees may apply.
Please inquire.
$50 - One-hour, private lesson on lesson horse
$40 - 3/4 hour private lesson on lesson horse - geared for children
$30 - 1/2 hour private lesson on lesson horse - for children under 6 yrs.
If you have your own horse, my base hourly rate is $40. Travel fees may apply.
Please inquire.
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