NH = Natural Horsemanship

Saddle-Fitting Assistance: You and your partner's comfort are important in Natural Horsemanship. Having the right Tack for the right reason improves cooperation and performance. Classes will be offered to learn more about saddle-fitting savvy.

Classes and Courses

Introduction:

Naturally On-Line (groundwork): Become natural with horses through attitude, communication, knowledge and psychology rather than force, fear or intimidation. Understand your human role as a partner not a predator. Understand your horse's role as a partner not a prey animal. This course is essential to understanding the Natural Horsemanship method as a life-long relationship that will benefit all aspects in your life. Learn communication and Leadership through games and play. By the end of the course you will know the games horses play and essential ground manners. Your partner will know how to approach and accept "scary" objects and hook-up with you on-line.

Minimum attendance: 3 or more

Who should attend: Anyone who wants to experience maximum horsemanship and build a foundation for life.

Equipment: Natural Horseman's Halter, 12-foot lead rope, 6-foot stick with string, and a good attitude (Items available until ordered)

1 1/2 hour class/$65.00

Introduction to Balanced Seat Riding: This course introduces you to "Balanced or Independent Seat." "In classical (riding), the movements performed are representations of natural movements that a horse might do at play or in courtship or territorial displays. This has been the central element in describing the classical riding approach—that is , that the movements must complement nature, and what is natural for the horse." (Riding Towards The Light, by Paul Belasik pg.91).

Whether your style is Western, English, Polo, Eventing, jumping etc., this series of classes open up the possibilities of riding through feel, communication, and balance. The student will be able to apply this knowledge and proven techniques to any discipline of riding. Learn how to feel the horse through your seat. Learn the techniques to achieve light leg and hand aids. A series of bareback lunge-work exercises will improve your balance and riding skills as well as rhythm, balance and suppleness. Pilate exercises will be introduced to assist in developing the muscles needed to maintain suppleness.

Who should attend: These classes are designed for serious individuals interested in becoming "Masters" in riding.

1 hour Private or Group: $50.00/hour or $270 for 6 prepaid ($45.00/hr)

Advanced Balanced Seat Riding: This course is designed for riders that have completed the tasks in Intro Balanced Seat Riding. Here, the horse and rider practice patterns to further develop rhythm, balance and suppleness. When the rider is ready, the saddle will be added to practice the balanced seat. Groundwork and Cavelleti will be introduced to build strength, rhythm, balance and suppleness in your horse.

Who should attend: Students interested in keeping and maintaining optimal fitness for themselves and their horse in as little time as possible through specific exercises and tasks.

Prerequisite: Intro to Balanced Seat Riding

1 hour Private or Group: $50.00/hour or $270 for 6 prepaid ($45.00/hr)

From Rail-to-Trail Group Lessons: This Introduction series of classes will prepare you and your partner for Trail Riding. From the arena to the field, mounted police techniques have been carefully converted to Natural Horsemanship to prepare your partner for the unexpected. Learn how to reduce threatening horse behavior, how to pony another horse and be ponied. Understand the importance of when to yield on the trail.

Who should attend: Any rider interested in competitive or pleasure trail riding. Students with horses with minimal exposure or experience on the trail.

Prerequisite: Advanced Balanced Seat Riding or riding competency

Private Trail Training: These classes are held off-site at a local park or trail setting. The focus of these exercises is trail manners and etiquette with other riders. Learn how to stay independently safe around other trail riders, dogs or people on the path. Safety is a key focus in the exercises practiced on the trail.

Who should attend: Any rider interested in competitive or pleasure trail riding. Students or horses with minimal exposure or experience on the trail. This is a great class for young or green horses.

Group Trail Training: Once you've mastered your skills with one horse, more horses are added to practice important group skills. These exercises are designed to assist you in preventing dangerous situations. Your partner will learn critical safety skills that address specific herd behavior often troublesome on the trail.

Prerequisite: From Rail-to-Trail. Private Trail Training and Advanced Balanced Seat Riding or riding competency.

Who should attend: Any rider interested in preparing their horse for adverse situations common on today's trail rides. Riders interested in participating in fun rides to be scheduled periodically.

Off-Line Liberty classes to be announced. Please inquire on an individual basis.

Any rider is welcome to challenge the rider competency requirement for advanced work. A half hour evaluation time will be scheduled to assess and pass competency (rider must be able to stop with light seat or rein aid, walk, trot, canter at a variety of speeds while maintaining rhythm and balance and demonstrate proficiency at the one-rein stop and disengage the hindquarters).

Cost of Classes:
Private classes = $50.00/1hr $65.00/1.5 hrs
Group classes = $50.00/1hr $65.00/1.5 hrs
Private off-site Trail Training = $50.00/1hr $75.00/2hr