About
We teach not just riding but horse stewardship as well. This includes learning to show up for the horses as our best selves- calm, centered, and ready for partnership. We learn how to listen to our horses, not just tell them what we want them to do, and work towards true unity.
I love teaching riding and horsemanship so much that I left my previous job teaching elementary school to do the horses full-time. Instead of feeling tired after a day of teaching, I feel energized and refreshed from it!
Highlights
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Student's interests and goals
Experience level
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marissa P.
Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
New students may opt for a free barn tour, or may schedule a first lesson. Lessons include grooming, tacking up, ground work, and riding time. We will set goals for the lesson or for multiple lessons and work toward them together with the horse, always using the nature of the horse to bring us closer to the goal.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been riding for 25 years and have trained and re-trained hundreds of horses in this time. Since Once Upon a Rescue became an incorporated nonprofit we have rescued and retrained dozens of horses to become useful and wanted companions. My students have gone on to become better riders, and often remark on how our work together with horses has made them better people as well.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lessons are $60 per hour per student. We teach mostly in pairs, although will start new students individually. You may enroll as a pair (even if you have different levels of experience) or we can match you with someone in the program after getting to know you.
How did you get started teaching?
I began teaching riding as a teenager working at a summer camp for youth, and continued my education in instruction at OSU's Equine Coaching program.
What types of students have you worked with?
I work with beginning and expereinced adults and children (I am also a licensed elementary school teacher), and adults who are returning to horses after a time away. We are not a therapy program, but I have had a number of students, mostly children and a few adults, who are on the autism spectrum.
Describe a recent event you are fond of.
We have recently moved our program from the west side over to Damascus, and we are extremely excited to get to grow at our new barn.
What advice would you give a student looking to hire a teacher in your area of expertise?
Make sure they are setting goals with you and moving you toward them. If you don't feel comfortable asking questions, it's probably not a good instructor for you.
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
What kind of commitment are you willing to make? Riding horses is a sport and sports take practice and commitment.
Are there fears you hold and are you willing to share them with your potential instructor? Would you say no if you were asked to do something you didn't feel ready for?
What are you looking to get out of riding?