Riding to Success

Lesson Program

Equestrian adventures await you in the peaceful setting of our private farm. As you learn how to become a horse's "herd leader" from the ground up, you'll enjoy a step-by-step process that allows you to work in harmony with the horse.

People brand new to horses and experienced riders find learning to work cooperatively with horses can be an exciting confidence-building journey of self-discovery! Your mind, body and spirit are simultaneously engaged as you solve problems, overcome fear, manage anger, and maintain focus. In fact, you may find that the more you teach the horse, the more the you learn about yourself.

Whether you simply want to enjoy improving your horsemanship or you seek the emotional and physical benefits of this compelling work, individual sessions are paced to meet your specific needs and learning style.

Additional Services

If requested, equine experiential activities can be used to reinforce treatment servicces provided by counselors, occupational therapists, psychiatrists, psychologists, or other professionals. Children and adults can enjoy practicing skills with horses that prepare them to "ride to success" in their school, work, or personal life.

Equestrian tasks include:

Grooming

Curry combing, brushing, picking hooves, etc. are more than just cleaning tasks. Grooming provides important time to relax, connect with the horse, and assess the horse’s readiness for learning.

Groundwork

Groundwork establishes your role as the horse’s herd leader and provides a mental and physical warm-up for both you and your equine partner. You'll learn how to use groundwork to relax the horse and prepare him for riding.

Group Programs

Group programs are offered periodically to bring together riders of similar interests and skill levels. Previous groups include our Junior Horse Trainers Clinic for young riders, a Riding/Writing Workshop, and a Pizza with the Ponies Ride. Our newest group class is Pony Express Reading.

Riding the Horse on the Lunge Line (long rope)

On the lunge line, you learn how to use your seat, legs, and weight to influence the horse’s movement. You’ll learn how to stop a horse with just your seat and move the horse sideways and forward with your legs. Reins are added when you no longer need to balance yourself with your hands.

Independent Horseback Riding

Once you feel balanced and understand the basic cues (including the important emergency one-rein stop!), you will ride off the lunge line. You’ll begin riding in a round pen; when you’re ready, you’ll ride in the large arena. Riding activities include walking, trotting, and cantering. At all gaits, you’ll learn how to use reins effectively and how to use your seat, legs and weight to communicate with your horse. As you progress, you can refine your riding skills by challenging your horse with trail obstacles or introductory dressage work.

Trail Riding

You’re ready to hit the trail once you have excellent balance and confident leadership of the horse. Riding outside of the arena provides interesting challenges for both horse and rider, fostering problem-solving skills and confidence.

Dressage

If you dream of going beyond the basics, you may want to refine your relationship with the horse through dressage. French for “training,” dressage enhances the beauty and strength of the horse through progressive elements of training. Some people think of this precise work as horse and rider dancing together as one. At Riding to Success, you’ll learn effective, peaceful methods to help the horse learn the introductory elements of dressage. This harmonious approach to dressage also promotes rider awareness, confidence, and performance.