Halcon Ranch Equestrian & Private Guided Beach Rides

New

About

I am a lifelong equestrian and retired Marine Corps Lawyer! I teach Therapeutic Horseback Riding lessons for kids and adults with physical, emotional, and developmental disabilities and also run a Veterans Program for Veterans and First Responders to come together and ride as a team.

In additon to teaching therapeutic riding, I also teach riding lessons at the Santa Barbara Polo & Racquet Club and am the instructor for the Santa Barbara Polo Pony Club! I love working with children and beginners and can teach all disciplines of riding and focus on a well balanced seat, exposure to bareback riding, English, and Western riding and believe that the more fun you have while riding, the better you become!

I am confident I can get any rider to competently and confidently ride. I have never worked wijt a student who did not come out as a much stronger and better rider and who did not develop exceptional horsemanship skills.

I am committed to using a variety of approaches to help every learning style and like to creatively teach my students to feel comfortable, safe, and content!

Highlights

3 employees

9 years in business

Serves Goleta , CA

Payment methods

Credit Card, Cash, Check, Venmo, Paypal, Square, Zelle

Specialties

Riding styles interested in

I can make recommendations, Western, English

Have a horse

Students who have a horse, Students who do not have a horse

Student's interests and goals

Fun and relaxation, Trail riding, Show jumping, Dressage, Cutting, Reining

Experience level

No experience, Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

How often

Once a week, Multiple times a week, Recommendations available

Student's age

Under 5 years old, 5 – 10 years old, 11 – 13 years old, 14 – 18 years old, 19 – 25 years old, 26 – 45 years old, 46 – 65 years old, Over 65 years old

Photos and videos

No reviews (yet)

Ask this teacher for references. There's no obligation to hire and we’re here to help your booking go smoothly.

Frequently asked questions

What is your typical process for working with a new student?

I have students arrive and help groom and tack the horse or pony as we discuss the days plans. Then we walk to the arena, do our safety check (helmets, saddle, tack, etc) and then start with a thorough warm up.

We will focus on a variety of activities to learn and develop new skills and reinforce previous ones. I can teach to a variety of different learners and will keep working until I am sure that my student feels confident and comfortable and happy before proceeding to the next level.

Besides being safe, my overall goal is for my students to enjoy their classes and to learn to become very competent riders!

What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?

I have certifications in therapeutic riding and many years experience teaching a variety of topics and disciplines with human-horse partnerships. In addition to private or group horseback riding lessons, I also teach Horsemanship, Ground Work, Join-Up, Equine Therapy, and love to accommodate my clients with a Personalized and Curated Ranch Experience. We also offer private guided beach rides and trail rides. Our beautiful ranch is a peaceful and welcoming treasure in the Santa Barbara Foothills. We would love to share our passion, expertise, and professionalism with you.

Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.

I charge $150 for a private lessons that last between an hour and a half and two hours. Discounts available for two students or more. Private beach rides and off-site trail rides rates available upon request.

How did you get started teaching?

Retiring from a law career in the military, it was my passion to work with Veterans with PTSD and their equine partners. I have been honored to work with and teach individuals benefiting from therapeutic riding and specialized equipment. I enjoy the opportunity to work with riders of all ages, backgrounds, and specific interests.

What types of students have you worked with?

Veterans First Responders Toddlers Kids Teens Adults Seniors Physically Disabled Visually Impaired Students with Autism Therapists and their patients Fearful or Anxious Students Professional Groups School Groups Hospice Patients

What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?

Look for a facility where you can receive individual and customized instruction. Not only is the quality and nature of the horses you will learn to ride, but the location should be welcoming and focused on your individual needs and comfort.

Services offered

Horseback Riding