Riding lessons begin at the end of April/beginning of May and run through mid December for approximately 32 sessions per year. Although Instructor, Pam Allen-LeBlanc was formerly a classically trained Pony Club instructor, studied Dressage and grew up showing Draft Horses, she has since discovered Natural Horsemanship and has worked hard over several years to learn as much as possible about this innovative and effective approach. She began studying Monty Roberts, the original horse whisperer’s techniques. This was followed by formal instruction from cowboy and noted natural horseman, Kevin Crane. Then Parelli, John & Josh Lyons, Buck Branaman and Clinton Anderson left their impression. Sally Swift, Dr. Miller and Linda Tellington Jones among others have also had something to offer to our lessons.

Natural horsemanship is the philosophy of working with horses by appealing to their instincts and herd mentality. It involves communication techniques derived from wild horse observation in order to build a partnership that closely resembles the relationships that exist between horses. Because this method comes naturally to the horses, stronger communication is possible between horse and rider and it occurs much faster than with classical methods. In fact, because of our methods, it’s not just the horse that learns faster, riders naturally learn and develop faster and more easily as well. Feel free to read our testimonials.

Our goal with our lessons is to give you a comprehensive understanding of the horse – not just of riding - so that you will be prepared to have your own horse some day. And so that you will be inclined to keep them according to the natural conditions which allow them to be so healthy and happy. We often hear that our horses are happy. Happy to see students. Happy to see us. And we know they are healthy. We’d love to show you how a horse wants to be treated. And how you too can enjoy a wonderful relationship with them.

We teach more than just riding – in fact, at first, riding is a very small portion of our program as we attempt to give you an understanding of these wonderful creatures before getting you up on their backs. Then when you do ride, it is without fear - instead you are comfortable – and so is the horse.

Our riders build a relationship with a specific horse and our lessons are designed to foster that relationship. There are approximately 32 lessons in each segment of our program – and approximately 32 lessons per year taught. We try to break up the lessons so that every 4th or 5th riding lesson is a trail ride. That way, both rider and horse can relax, enjoy themselves and remember why we are taking the lessons.

Lessons are one hour in length. This includes grooming and tack up time – so the actual riding is approximately 45 minutes to ½ hour of the lesson. We do learn about whispering, T-touch, etc. as well as traditional lessons, such as how and why to properly groom a horse. It is a wonderful base to begin working with these beautiful creatures and many of our students find the lessons almost a therapy session – and a welcome reprise from the stresses of our hectic world. We certainly find the animals offer therapeutic benefits, and release us from the common stresses so prevalent in society today – and there is a significant body of research which supports this.

Currently, lessons are given Wednesday afternoons and evenings and Sunday mornings. Students pay $25 per lesson and a $30 one time annual insurance fee due at the first session.

If you are considering taking lessons, but are not sure if it is for you, we offer a free mini-lesson, invite you to watch our current students and/or invite you to make an appointment to visit the farm and meet our animals. Please contact us through our website, or call 506-451-2274 to arrange a lesson today.

All I pay my psychiatrist is the cost of feed and hay, and he'll listen to me all day.   ~ Unknown