Learning to lead a younger generation

By Kierra Reichert,
MVRU junior team member and volunteer

Kierra assisting a young rider at Little Star Horse Camp

This spring and summer, in addition to riding, I have also been helping with younger kids’ lessons.  I started working in these lessons about two years ago. It’s been a great learning experience and a way to look at my growth as a horse person and part of the ranch. When I was first starting lessons at the ranch, I was always looking up to and following the older girls. They helped me groom the horse, they led me in the lessons, they offered bits of advice and help all the time. Growing up to be one of those girls is a really special experience. I still look up to and follow the older girls who are my role models; but also being able to teach, help, and lead a younger generation in their own love of horses is in itself a learning curve and step up in horsemanship.

Through working with younger ‘horsey’ kids, it has been interesting to see each kid’s interaction with the horses. Some are bolder, and have either been around horses before or are more confident in new situations. Some are much more timid, and don’t gain their confidence until they have spent a significant amount of time around the horses. Sometimes a kid will pick out one horse that they will grow with and build their confidence around, while others like to experience many different horses, learning as they go with each new horse. It is also interesting to see how sometimes, a kid will suddenly decide they prefer a different horse after just seeing it. For instance, when I was helping with the Little Star Camp earlier in the season, I was working with a very timid, quiet little girl, who wasn’t very comfortable around horses yet. She had just come from a lesson on Ginger, who is extremely well behaved and loves little kids, and was now scheduled to ride Little Black. She brought her grooming bucket out to him, and I introduced her.  As soon as she had tentatively patted his shoulder and Annie came by and said “and look- he’s just your size!”, there was a change.  She looked at him, nodded and began grooming him quite enthusiastically. Just because Little Black was about one hand shorter than Ginger, she felt more comfortable. Each day of camp after that, she asked to see Little Black. 

Good friends: Kierra and Little Black

  This demonstrates in many lights how horses will play a big role in the development of people of all ages. Being around horses empowers and builds the confidence of people, while still posing a challenge and also awareness for another animal.  Just like the little girl, sometimes it takes time and just the right words or moments to make a change; or with others, it may happen even more gradually, just through spending time with these exquisite animals. 

Looking back on my progress, reflected in various ways in each of these young riders, it is really interesting to see how their original attitudes affect their first experience, then change, or sometimes build, through more of their time with horses. Working in the younger kids’ lessons has helped me truly understand how to work with the horse, while balancing that with the needs and ability of the rider; important skills that have helped me in my lessons.

Spring Session Is Coming!

Spring Session Registration Information is now available on our website. Visit www.mvriding.org to sign up.

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!

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!

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

Spring Enrollment Information

Hello Methow Valley Families!
We now have available all our information for the Spring Horsemanship Series offered by Methow Valley Riding Unlimited at Moccasin Lake Ranch. These group lessons will commence after Spring Break. Please note the registration deadline - March 28. This is critical for scheduling our busy season.
Moccasin Lake Ranch is 'Open for the Season' March 1 for lessons by appointment. Give your horse-crazy kids a head start on the season! Keep up with your kids ! Parents, want to learn more or be able to help out in your child's lessons?? You are encouraged to gather friends and organize an adult group series for this spring, too.
Looking forward to seeing everyone soon!
Early Bird . . . . April 9-June 1 $270
Regular Spring Session . . . April 16-June 1 $215
Four Fridays . . . April 13,27, May 11, 25 $130
We will be happy to email you our Spring registration packet, contact us at
annieb@mvriding.org

Spring Riding Just Around the Corner

Signs of Spring at the ranch


It all started with a little help from the Moccasin Lake Ranch snow removal team, with their equipment and expertise the arena is clear of snow!!! Although we know that mother nature can deliver a variety of goods in Methow Valley March, we have seized the opportunity to get the horses out on the lunge line and under saddle!!!
Spring session is just about upon us and we want to remind everyone of some very important dates:
Early Bird...April 9-June 1
Regular Spring Session...April 16-June 1
Let Em Ride...April 16-May 21
Four Fridays...April 13, 27, May 11, 25
**Stay tuned for enrollment information**

Fall Session 2011

Fall Session classes are under way! 25 lucky kiddos and several of their moms and other adult riders have begin taking regular weekly horsemanship lessons through MVRU at Moccasin Lake Ranch. September and October are such great months for riding in the Methow Valley.

Fall Session 2011 has begun!