Training and Lessons

"The horse you get off is not the same as the horse you got on. It is your job as a rider to ensure that as often as possible the change is for the better."
~Anonymous

General Lesson Information:

We teach both English & Western riding at Big Oak Ranch. Students learn good horsemanship, not just how to ride. We have private & group riding lessons available Tuesday - Saturday, teaching all levels of instruction from beginning to advanced. No horse? No Problem! We have a number of resident school horses available.

We do not believe in teaching a person how to ride without teaching all aspects of horsemanship (i.e. anatomy, physiology, nutrition & basic veterinary care) and we are glad to share our knowledge and experience with you.

Riding Lessons at Big Oak Ranch provide:

• A safe & fun approach to learning about horses
• Qualified, experienced instructors with training in English, & Western disciplines
• Gentle, well trained, responsive lesson horses
• Safe tack & equipment used for lessons

We feature easy to understand lessons that teach:

• Safety around horses
• Better riding techniques: using a balanced seat & correct cues
• Instincts & behavior of horses: why they act the way they do
• Good grooming & tacking up processes
• Horse health issues
• Good feeding & stabling procedures
• How to care for a horse in general

Safety:

Students & parents must understand that riding & being around horses is inherently dangerous. Safety is our number one priority at Big Oak Ranch & have an excellent safety record. Our lesson horses are hand picked for their disposition & patience, especially with beginner riders. In the interest of safety for themselves & the rest of the group, students who behave in an unsafe manner or fail to follow directions from the instructor will be asked to leave.

Required Safety Equipment:

• Jeans or long sturdy pants
• Boots: All riders are required to wear hard sole boots or shoes. Boots or shoes must come up over the ankle and have at least a one inch heel.
• Riding helmets (For all persons under 18 years of age. Current federal approved youth bicycle helmets are acceptable.)

Adult Riding Lessons:

We specialize in the adult beginner who has always wanted to learn to ride & didn't have the chance as a child. We recognize the special needs & concerns of the adult beginner & we will help you realize your dreams. We have weekday evening & Saturday classes available for all levels of proficiency.

Then, when (and if) you decide to get involved in showing, our trainer is skilled in specialties & breed showing such as Western Pleasure, hunter/jumper, trail, and other specialties.

Youth Lesson Plans:

We have a variety of plans to suite the young rider. All levels of proficiency are covered in a number of scheduled lesson activities.

Introduction to Horsemanship Program: In this program students will learn about the equipment that is used & how to it is used. They will get hands-on experience haltering, leading, tying, & grooming the horse. They will also learn how to saddle & bridle the horse how to mount, & dismount & prepare the horse to be returned to stall or pasture.

Terrific weekend for girl scout troops: Earn Horse Lover, Horseback Rider, or Horse Sense badges. Great for any group with 15 or more participants

For More Information:

For more information, please contact us.  If you have any questions about lessons, don't hesitate to call 408-540-4668, or go to the trainer's website at rhondaheiner.com .

We hope to see you soon!