We often get this question when new students find us online or come to the ranch for a tour. Typically, they are asking if we do “Western” or “English.” Sometimes experienced horse people ask us if we teach a sport or discipline, such as reining or jumping or cowboy dressage. The answer is – we…
Another successful Rally and Agility competition!
We are once again impressed with the dedication and enthusiasm of our students! The event began at 7 AM with everyone cooperating to get the horses ready for the first contestants to enter the arenas at 8. We especially appreciate all of the families who got here early to get parked and set up their…
SOLD: ‘Fergus’ gentle giant trail buddy [Video]
Fergus is a registered Clydesdale gelding, 16 years old, 17 hands, 1500 pounds. $6000 The ultimate husband horse! He is sound, has excellent ground manners and has a gentle presence. If you are looking for a trail riding/camping buddy he is the best! He is an excellent confidence builder and will take care of a beginner…
SOLD: ‘Juliet,’ a supreme trail horse [Video]
Juliet is a registered Appendix Quarter Horse, 11 years old, 15 hands, 1000 pounds, grey mare. $2,000 Juliet is priced at only $2000 because she is serviceably sound. She has no trouble with walk, trot, or canter on the trail, but she does not prefer circles in the arena. She has a mild intermittent left…
Slide Show: Agility and Rally competition
One thing we loved about the day is how many smiles we saw, and how everyone put their horses first rather than get overly focused on completing a task. That is why students can earn up to 10 points per task for horsemanship, compared to up to 5 points for completing the task. Horsemanship —…
Equine Partners: The Next Generation
Our advanced students are getting an opportunity that you won’t find in many lesson programs. They’re helping us develop our new lesson partners — the next generation of equine teachers and companions. On any given day you’ll find Gizmo, Aspen, and Raven practicing new skills with our most advanced students, under our direct supervision. Ground…
Lesson program Rally, Agility competition in full swing
This year, our youth and adult students have the opportunity to participate in four competitions to put their horsemanship to the test and demonstrate their savvy to family and friends. Here’s how it works. We designed an Agility course and a Rally course, each of which has about a dozen tasks, performed in order with…
Sign up for Youth Summer Program
We have five sessions of youth horse camp this year! Each camp includes a variety of activities, from grooming and ground games to riding and playing on the ranch. Each session runs Tuesday through Thursday from 11am to 1pm. Dates are: Session 1: June 18, 19, 20 Session 2: June 25, 26, 27 Session 3:…
For Sale: Star, Missouri Fox Trotter, Gelding, 19 years
Born 5/26/1999 Registered Missouri Fox Trotter, gelding, 15 hands, 950 pounds, jet black with a white star. He is sound, has excellent conformation, good bone and feet. $3900.00 Contact Lisa Murphy at 530-263-1878. History and experience It is my pleasure to tell you about Star. I have known him and been his trainer since he…
Challenges stimulate creativity, laughter in group lessons
Our adult students are advancing their partnerships through simulations and puzzles that challenge both horse and rider. Much learning and laughing for all!
Youth learn trail skills with the buddy system [video]
You’ll often see our students riding with a buddy, especially on their first rides out of the arena. A little ground support goes a long way toward helping riders (and horses) build confidence. Plus, it’s just fun to take a herd hike around the ranch.
Focus gives you feel
Some of our advanced adult students worked on their focus in a recent group lesson. This included riding along as if nobody was throwing balls at them or waving pool noodles at their horses. Or bouncing the giant soccer ball. Or flapping a tarp and doing jumping jacks. When the riders focused on their destination…
