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…
Building curiosity and confidence with Inflatable Flamingo
River, Rockstar, and Regina enjoyed some liberty time with Inflatable Flamingo. Rockstar had never seen it before, while River was an old pro — this was her third time giving it a ride. How do your horses do with unusual objects? Our program helps you learn how to develop your horses’ curiosity and to be…
Youth field trip to the trail
Our youth students have put a lot of dedication and effort into developing their horsemanship this year. They put it to the test on the trail and everyone did great! They learned how to prepare their horses emotionally, physically, and mentally for the trail. They learned how to pack the trailer with all of the…
Horsing around outside the arena
Our trail preparation lessons aren’t just for trail riders. Getting out of the arena is important for all equine pursuits — and if you put the relationship first, the outside playtime will improve your arena skills as well. Our ranch offers a safe and controlled environment in which to explore different terrain, choreograph new patterns,…
Trail readiness lessons for you and your horse
Stay safer and have more fun when you increase confidence, competence, and connection on the trail! Our trail readiness lessons take advantage of our arena obstacles and the varied terrain on our ranch. Contact Erin at (530) 559-1602 or murphy-erin@comcast.net to schedule your sessions. What we do depends on you, your horse (or your lesson…
