Late Fall & Winter Classes!
Designed to complement our horsemanship classes by providing learning time related to healthy horse-keeping practices and related subjects, these classes are intended for a broad audience ranging from complete beginners to experienced horse owners, both children and adults. Read more...

Let Em Ride has begun!
Take a look at last year in this short video clip.
http://www.mvriding.org/programs/#videoclip

Student Profile - Lily Holston





Lily at 10 years old



 Lily began riding when she participated in the

Let Em Ride program seven years ago. For many years she had made it clear that there was NO WAY she would get on a horse. And then, once she did, there was no holding her back!



Lily at 15 years old

 Now, at almost 15, she  confidently catches, grooms and tacks up her own horse.  She rides independently at the walk and trot and canters on the lunge line. Currently she is learning some dressage figures and CONSIDERING riding in a dressage show next June. What progress this young lady has made!  Look at that nice position ... heels down, straight line from elbow to bit ... which takes such hard work and focus to maintain.  We are so proud of Lily!

Fall Session

The days are starting to get a little shorter, so it's time to start thinking about fall riding here at the ranch.  Deadline for registration is September 5th.  Fall Session will run from September 10- October 26th.  MVRU will also be offering Four Friday's to riders who are 5 & 6 years old.  To download the registration information go to our website www.mvriding.org

Feel & Influence

A note about horse riding and feel from Dr. Glass, MD, who practices at Northwest Child Neurology in Bothell and Bainbridge island. Horseback riding today:
 "More modern, classical equitation refers to the essential roles of "feel" and "influence," and these two elements serve as foundation for riding today.
"Feel" is the ability to perceive-subconsciously and consciously-the sensory input from the back of a horse: movement, speed, symmetry, position, tension, and many other attributes. After having felt this input, a rider may then "influence" the horse, and the horse's response will be largely determined by the appropriateness and clarity of the individual aid, calmness of the rider, focus of attention, and, most importantly, the timing of communication or readiness of the horse.
Influence occurs by the feeling the right time and the right manner. Like a toddler developing greater autonomy, understanding, and intention, a horse cannot rightfully be forced "to do", but a rider can set the stage and cultivate best choices in such a manner as to positively influence the horse's desire to perform.

Hence, riding is not simply a process of backing a horse and moving along, but rather a complex process of integrating sensory input ( the feel), motor output (the influence), communication (largely nonverbal, between horse and rider), and finally, the spiritual element that is paramount but more difficult to measure.

The Passing of Brownie

Two Sundays ago our beloved friend and teacher, Brownie, passed on to greener pastures. He was 24. Brownie was the very first school horse for MVRU 18 years ago. He was a generous soul who touched the hearts of scores of children and adults over the years. We are grateful for having this wonderful horse in our lives for so many years.

Who we are ...

Methow Valley Riding Unlimited is dedicated to providing high-quality instruction in horsemanship programs that bring horses and people together to foster joy, learning, healing, compassion, respect, responsibility, cooperation and personal growth. Offered within the natural splendor of Moccasin Lake Ranch, our educational, therapeutic and recreational horsemanship programs build connections and memories that last a life time.