Let 'Em Ride !

Over a dozen lucky kids from the Methow Valley School District spent 5 afternoons at Moccasin Lake Ranch in April and May, honing their horsemanship skills, building self-confidence and making connections with community members. This program, for qualified students, has been funded by the Methow Valley Public School Funding Alliance since September of 2005. Students learn to care for the horses and do ranch chores, while also learning more sophisticated horsemanship skills including how to halter, lead, groom and tack up their horses prior to riding. They are exposed to bareback, English and Western riding, and 'vaulting', balance and gymnastic exercises performed on the back of a moving horse. A collaborative effort by MVRU, the MV schools, Moccasin Lake Ranch and community volunteers is what makes this program work.