The Wonderful World of Horses

The Wonderful World of Horses is a hands on, classroom style learning adventure for anyone eager to learn more general and specific information about horses. This winter four hardy and enthusiastic young ladies 6-9 years old have been attending the class every Wednesday. They are learning about horse breeds, nutrition and feeding practices, and the rhythm and footfalls of all the gaits. They have enjoyed the opportunity to engage with our horses in a different way...from the ground, not up in the saddle! Most importantly, they are connecting the dots, learning things that will maximize the experience of riding lessons later in the spring.

2014 - The Chinese Year of the Horse

We are looking forward to a terrific year!

Even though the snow is here and the horses are playing and resting up, we are planning ahead for Spring Session.

Currently we are hosting a Horsemanship Class for 6-8 year olds, studying horse breeds & sports, nutrition, the rhythm and footfalls of horse gaits and other fascinating things. It is inspiring to see how engaged and clever these young horsewomen are and how quickly they connect the dots! Stay tuned because Registration Information for Spring Session will be posted March 1st!

Happy Holiday Season to ALL! Mother Nature is delivering a VERY white holiday season this week! We are so grateful for another wonderful year of delivering high quality horsemanship programs to our community and friends. This year we are pleased to have served: *37 students between the ages of 4 and 18 in our weekly horsemanship lessons *25 5-8 year olds in Little Star summer horse camps *18 special elementary school students in the Let Em Ride program *16 students in our Horse Care classes. None of this could be accomplished without the generosrity of many volunteers and donors and our fantastic 4-legged staff. Warmest wishes for peace, joy and connection with loved ones this winter. We look forward to seeing everyone in the New Year!

My friend Henry There is a difference between just riding the horse and making a connection with a horse. Henry showed me what it felt like to have a great relationship between horse and rider. Most of the time we were speaking the same language. Henry gave me so much; he gave me the ability to grow as a rider. And trust me looking back at photos and videos I (we) have improved immensely! When I first heard of Henry, I didn’t really know what to think. I heard he pulled A LOT. But I also heard he was a great jumper. I needed desperately for some confidence in jumping. I had just finished my last show with my pony Midnight. And I was ready to move on to another horse, but who? I know this may be hard to believe. But I had a dream about riding Henry. I dreamed about going to my first recognized event on him. (Looking back, I find it weird that I dreamt about riding him and here I am writing about how much he gave to me as a rider!) And so I started to ride him, and I took lessons and spent time with him, so I knew him inside and out. Then I started jumping him. Henry gave me confidence in my riding, to think to myself I can do this, I can conquer all obstacles. And with hard work the two of us, as a team did. As we grew as a team the movements got more challenging. And even though it was hard, especially for him, he kept moving. Henry also showed the fun parts to riding a great horse like him, to go cantering across a field and to feel completely comfortable and free. Through hard work and great times we got to this place that was very special. I understood him, he understood me and we where a great team. If you are a rider than you know what I am talking about. To feel connected to a horse is the best thing ever, to be an inseparable team. It seems not until something is gone from you, you start to appreciate them even more. And how much they gave you. Henry pushed me higher and gave me a true feeling of horse back riding. I will never forget that amazing place we got to; I will never forget the fun times we had. But most importantly I will never forget how much I love him and how far he has taken me. With the confidence he has given me, I feel confident with any horse I jump. And to me that is very important!  Now that I realize he was being ridden by me and used lessons with a neck injury it makes me appreciate him even more!! I LOVE YOU HEN!

Sparks Fly ~ Runner Up for 2012 MVRU Horse of the Year This lovely Welsh/Welsh Cob mare likely received many votes due to her user friendly size and temperament. She is sweet, smart and, obviously, CUTE. Her willing and obedient nature have made 'Sparky' a favorite in summer horse camps and weekly lessons. Her athleticism and smarts also make her a great asset to the Moccasin Lake Ranch Equestrian Team. In addition, she is a terrifc bareback and trail riding pony!

2012 Horse of the Year Results It is only fitting on this election year that we had a close race for Horse of the Year. All the votes have been counted and the winners are .. HENRY

.. and SPARKS FLY !

More horse info...! We have updated pictures and listings on our staff page, take a look! Check out changes on our website: www.mvriding.org/staff