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…
Tag: penn valley
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 preparations are in full swing
Several of the adult students are working to build confidence, communication, and connection with their horses in anticipation of hitting the trails later this year. We’ve held group lessons to practice riding in different orders, maintaining appropriate distance between horses, and developing their horses’ confidence within and away from the group. In private and semi-private…
Video: A relaxed and casual liberty demo
Relaxation and connection were the keys to this horsemanship demo!
Video: Youth horsemanship demo
Six of our youth students collaborated in a horsemanship demo at our Open House in September. Each student-and-equine pair showcased the power of communication and partnership as they played with obstacles and performed various patterns. You’ll see quite a range of activities in the video — circus pedestals, weave patterns, jumping over barrels (look at…
Open House September 23, 2017
You are invited to our free horsemanship demonstration and Open House on Saturday, September 23rd, 2017. Bring your friends and family! Get a glimpse into the workings of the ranch with a ranch tour and enjoy the horse demonstrations. Schedule of Events The ranch will be open from 9:30am to 1:00pm. The demos start at…
Playing with Paints — Paint horses, that is!
Finnegan (draft horse) is being started under saddle and Aspen (Quarter horse) is practicing her ground games on this lovely November morning at the ranch.
Students learn cooperation, communication, and leadership at Youth Camp
Photos from last week’s youth camp! The students think they are learning how to stay safe and have fun with horses — and they are. But they are also practicing important life skills like cooperation, communication, empathy, leadership, and problem-solving. We played with the ponies on the obstacle course, learned how to identify different horses in the…
SOLD: Beautiful blue-eyed registered paint mare
We are delighted that Lakota has found a wonderful match in her new partner, Mindi. Lakota will be going on mountain trails, with pack mule in tow, and also working cattle. She’s going to love it! — LUCKY LAKOTA BLUE is a 10-year-old, 15hh, registered paint mare. She was started using natural horsemanship methods on the ground and in…
PLACED! Halflinger mare available to the right home
Updated 15 May 2016 We are so happy that Daisy is joining Wind Horse Sanctuary in Nevada City, California, to become part of the Epona equine-facilitated learning (EFL) program. The Epona program provides a non-predatory approach to social intelligence, leadership, and self-discovery for humans, through partnership with horses. The Epona Approach (EFL) provides an opportunity for participants to…
