Horseback riding lessons

As part of our mission to share our animals to teach animal care and connection: Adaptive Horseback Riding Lessons are offered at Cheyne Ranch!

Horseback Riding Lessons at Cheyne Ranch

Our Mission:

  • We share our animals to teach animal care and connection.

  • We are not a traditional sports barn.

  • We do not focus on horse shows.

  • We welcome all students, prioritizing inclusivity and accessibility.

Looking for a Competitive / Show Barn?

  • We can refer you to local barns specializing in competitive riding.

Key Features of Our Lessons:

  • Focus: Beginner skills, safety, horse connection, and care.

  • Age: Minimum age 5 (individual evaluation). No maximum age.

  • Lesson Format: 60-minute group lessons with 2-3 students. Includes horse care before and after riding. Saddle time is approximately 30 minutes for most lessons.

  • Flexibility: Lessons are all planned out, but ultimately vary - based on weather, horse health, and learning needs.

Instructor Policy:

  • Instructor preferences considered, but not guaranteed.

  • All lessons planned by Sally, adapted by experienced instructors.

  • Focus on high-quality instruction using a documented curriculum.

Horse Policy:

  • Students may ride different horses to enhance learning.

  • Horse health and well-being are always prioritized.

  • Horse selection is always at the discretion of the instructor or Sally.

Riding Level Policy:

  • Skill progression (walking, trotting, cantering, etc.) based on readiness and safety.

  • Horse health and availability may influence progression.

  • Not a jumping barn: Focus on horsemanship, connection with the horse, and our human role in this partnership.

  • Yes, falling off a horse does happen. I wrote a blog post: chra.us/fall

Small Group Lessons:

  • Our lessons are group lessons, in 2-3 students, grouped by age, skill and goals.

  • Benefits include:

    • Social: Builds community and connections with fellow riders, shared experiences create camaraderie

    • Observational learning: Improves confidence from watching others

    • Improved horsemanship: Develops essential skills such as spatial and situational awareness

    • Responsibility for one's actions: Riders learn to be responsible for their own actions and how they impact others in the group.

    • Well-being: Provides breaks for both horse and rider.

Expectations & Agreements:

  • Inclusivity: We welcome students of all abilities.

  • Weather Policy: Lessons occur rain or shine (unless dangerous conditions).

  • Payment: 8-week sessions, $400. Payment plans available. No refunds for missed lessons.

  • Make-ups: We try our best to offer 1 rescheduled lesson every 8 weeks.

  • Yes, falling off a horse does happen. I wrote a blog post: chra.us/fall

PALS Program:

  • PALS Program: Our unique PALS program is a GREAT place to start for anyone not obsessed with riding, but still wanting to be around animals and learn how to care for them.

Horsemanship Philosophy

Cheyne Ranch focuses on teaching the art of horsemanship, which countless authors have written books and attempted to define. To oversimplify, it refers to the bettering of the rider, so the rider can better communicate and partner with the horse. It is about the rider being aware, acknowledging & accepting how they are communicating with the horse, and how the rider can continuously improve their side of this partnership.

  • NOTE:

    One of the most beautiful things about spending time with horses (both in and out of the saddle) is that we can spend our lifetimes striving to continuously improve our communication, clarity & confidence, all of which makes us a better partner with our horse, ourselves and our community. There are no age or time limits on this journey and every step forward helps us improve ourselves.

Learning Levels Curriculum!

NEW!! AS of Summer 2023!!

We use a curriculum called Learning Levels!

  • There is a LOT to this curriculum, we are rolling out different pieces slowly.

  • The curriculum is slightly modified because every trainer / horse owner has some of their own preferences, but we follow this pretty closely. Read more here

  • We are currently following the ENGLISH curriculum, we will roll out the Western curriculum in the near future.