RIDING LESSONS TEACH LIFE LESSONS

Join our Ranch Rider’s Team today!

Not everyone rides to the same beat. Contact us for a custom, private riding lesson or group lesson that teaches horsemanship with an English or Western style.

All lessons include grooming, tacking up and riding within the hour. Lessons are taught by experienced staff and take place under covered arenas, in the open arena or along the trails. Riders must be in good physical condition, be at least 5 years old and weigh under 200 lbs.

PRIVATE LESSONS

SADDLE CLUB GROUPS

ADULT LESSONS

Complete the form below to sign up for Private or Group Lessons

NATURAL HORSEMANSHIP

Natural Horsemanship is a philosophy of working with horses based on the horse’s natural instincts and methods of communication, with the understanding that horses do not learn through fear or pain, but rather from pressure and the release of pressure.  We offer English and Western based lessons.

The goal of Horsemanship Lessons is to teach riders how to successfully care for their own horse and make building a healthy relationship the main priority.  Lessons include:

  • Catching

  • Grooming

  • Tacking up

  • Groundwork

  • English/ Western riding

  • Trail Safety

  • Basic care for the horse You will learn

  • Parts of the tack

  • Anatomy of the horse

lESSON fAq

What ages to you teach?  5 and up

What is the weight limit?  200 lbs

What is the cost?

  • Private 1 hour lesson: $50

  • Group: $45

How do I register for a lesson? Lessons are booked online through our client portal. Complete the form above for new students.

How do I pay for my lesson?  The easiest is to allow your instructor to use your credit card on file. They will charge it only after your riding lesson. You can also pay Online under the Express Pay, check or cash.

What do I wear?  Long pants and boots with a heel. Riding helmets can be borrowed or purchased online/locally. Lewis Feed and Western store has several sizes in stock.

What if it rains?  Lessons are held under covered arenas. We will do unmounted work or cancel during lightning.

How to cancel or reschedule a lesson?  Contact the instructor directly OR cancel through the portal.

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We know that horseback riding brings many benefits physically and emotionally.  That is why our facility is CHA site accredited and our instructors have been through the Herdmanship Harmony training programs.  Your safety is our number 1 priority.  Our lessons are based on positive instruction–you will never hear our instructors yell or belittle students.

Equine Professionals @ Bit of Hope Ranch

Featured
Mindy Millsaps, Equine Professional and Program Director
Mindy Millsaps, Equine Professional and Program Director

Mindy brings a wealth of riding and training experience to Bit of Hope Ranch. She began taking English riding lessons at 10 years old and competed hunter/jumpers for over 10 years. Having started riding at a young age she understands how horsemanship teaches direction and responsibility which are important building blocks for today’s youth. She has a passion for working with people and horses and knows the special connection they can share. When she is not at the Ranch teaching she enjoys her time cooking, hiking and camping with her husband Scott and two children.

mindymillsaps@bitofhoperanch.org

Toni Keating, Equine Professional
Toni Keating, Equine Professional

Toni is a seasoned PATH instructor and specializes in students with disabilities. She competently teaches private and group lessons in English and Western for therapy groups as well as recreational students. Her lessons include learning solid horsemanship in the arena and on the trail.

tonikeating@bitfofhoperanch.org

Mackenzie Murr, Equine Professional
Mackenzie Murr, Equine Professional
Emily Phillips, Equine Professional and Volunteer Coordinator
Emily Phillips, Equine Professional and Volunteer Coordinator
Kristina Murphy, Equine Professional
Meg Vanderbilt
Meg Vanderbilt

Meg is a riding instructor/trainer and educator for children and adults. She teaches English/Western and specializes in dressage and natural horsemanship techniques. She has over 3 decades of horse management and training/teaching.

megvanderbilt@bitofhoperanch.org