About
I specialize and teaching beginner students how to safely work around horses, care for horses and ride horses in and out of an arena
Horses can teach us so much about leadership, clear communication and trust if we take the time to listen to what they have to say. Horses are always honest. They tell you when they understand what you're asking and when they don't. They let you know when they can trust your decisions and when they can't. They will only follow leaders that they trust. I love helping people learn how to be a good leader and gain confidence in themselves and their horses.
I started teaching people to ride 2001. We opened a 501C3 (a non-profit) camp for kids with disabilities and serious medical issues. We ran the day camp for 10 years before moving to Arizona. I am also a CHA certified level 1 riding instructor. I stopped giving riding lessons for about 5 years while I was a wrangler in the Cave Creek area. I loved guiding rides thru our beautiful desert but after a while I decided it was time to return to my first love teaching. I believe that good riders have a strong foundation and that is what I strive to teach. I want them to have a strong secure seat and be able to clearly communicate with the horse so they can confidently ride any horse. I do this in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.
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Jennifer K.
Jamie Y.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
We start with on the ground safety then proceed to horse handling and grooming keeping safety in mind at all times. We then learn the correct way to mount and sit on a horse. I always start the riding with learning how to stop a horse first, then walk and turn.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have 15 years working with beginner riders and horses. I am a level 1 CHA riding instructor
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
For a private one on one lesson it's $45.00 per hour. For a lesson with 2 people in it it's $65.00 an hour. I don't teach lessons with more then 2 people per lesson.
How did you get started teaching?
We wanted to have horses on our own property but wanted them to serve a purpose greater then our own pleasure. We wanted to also use them as a way to thank God for providing us the opportunity and means to have these magnificent animals. So we started a non-profit riding day camp called Solid Rock Christian Ranch. We spent the weekdays teaching or giving kids the opportunity to be around and ride horses.
What types of students have you worked with?
I've worked with all types of students from 5 year olds up to adults. I've worked with adults with fear issues and children with physical and mental disabilities.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure you like them as a person and as an instructor. Make sure they can teach you in a way that you understand and feel safe doing. If you start lessons with someone and after a few lessons you feel like it's not a good fit look for someone else. Horseback riding lessons are expensive and there is a risk involved in it so you need to feel like your not only getting your moneys worth but that they really care about your safety too.