Form, focus, feel - ride with purpose. It’s not just “riding”, it’s a partnership in motion. A sport of balance, precision, silent communication, and of course *patience*. It is where strength meets mindfulness. Where grit meets grace. You should train to ride like an athlete, so that you don’t “ride like a sack of doorknobs”. This is how I heard the late great iconic horseman Ray Hunt refer to riders who had neglected their basic skill development. He would use many other terms like it, too. Now, Ray Hunt was not mean-spirited. Quite the opposite - his heart for the horse was enormous. It’s why he dedicated his life to horses and it’s also what made him famous. He was simply fed up. Fed up after a lifetime of trying to “help horses with their people problems”. Fed up because he saw thousands upon thousands of horses suffering on account of their riders (and trainers). He needed to get his point across without sugar coating. Here’s the truth that Ray Hunt preached until the day he died (I watched him coach while connected to an oxygen tank in the summer next to a dusty arena full of 10-15 horses): Your horse is the one who pays the price for your lack of skill. All too often, the horse is the one who takes the blame in the first place. Don’t be too shallow to look at your own shortcomings FIRST, before getting into a wreck. Most people don’t realize this, or even understand what it means, until something bad actually happens to them and their horse, OR until they actually start in a horsemanship-focused coaching program. Then, either way, it will all come to light very quickly. Are you up to the challenge? Are you ready to get in the game? (Or back in it after an accident or time off?) I’m looking for people who want to raise their standards, get serious about their riding, and challenge themselves to be better. (Others need not apply.) Ride a good ride. Respect the horse so that he can respect you. Strong legs, soft hands, sharp focus. The joy is in the journey. Come train with us! Space is limited. If you’d like to give this horsemanship program a try, go ahead and schedule an Intro Lesson through my website so we can talk. You’ll get to ride, too. One of my horses with tack provided, or request to trailer in with your own horse. Boarded training is also available for privately owned horses. 🔗ACHorsemanship.com 📩TheHorsewoman@gmail.com 💬(408)706-8110 📍Latrobe area of Shingle Springs, CA