Enjoying Our Winter Season Activities |
We had a busy and fun start to our Winter Season! Our Mustang Learning Program participants did a fantastic job with horse care and barn maintenance. One of the highlights was our time for Herd Observation, where we embraced the stillness and simply became part of the herd environment in the pasture. It was such a special moment when the horses and goats chose to come over and interact with us!
We also had a blast at our Movie Outing to see the new Captain America! Watching in a sensory-friendly setting made it even more enjoyable, ensuring everyone could relax and have a fun time together with friends.
Our equestrians worked hard this season, brushing up on their riding skills! They warmed up by practicing their four core riding skills (see below), matched Valentine cards using clues, and wrapped up their sessions with some steering exercises around the barrels.
We’re looking forward to an exciting Spring Season ahead—stay tuned for more adventures! |
Riding with Balance: The Foundation of Equestrian Success
 At every lesson, our riders focus on four core riding skills to build balance and coordination in the saddle. These skills include: Eyes Forward, Sit Tall, Toes Up, and Two Point. Sometimes, we warm up by reviewing these skills, while other times, we turn them into a fun activity!
Good riding balance is key—not just for our riders’ safety, but also for our incredible equine partners. Just like a piggyback ride feels harder when someone leans too far forward or back, horses feel the same shifts in weight! That’s why balance is so important.
You might be surprised to learn that incorporating the reins isn’t a core skill! While it is important and we instruct our riders on proper hand placement and holding the reins correctly, we are careful they are not using them for balancing themselves or pulling too much. Communicating with a horse for turning or stopping actually starts with the rider’s legs, seat, eyes, and voice—reserving the reins as the final aid.
We love watching our riders grow in confidence and skill, demonstrating their progress each time they ride. Keep up the great work! |
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