Hidden Meadow Horsemanship

Lessons & Camps

Horseback riding is an athletic activity which engages the mind, heart, and body of each student. Horses inspire passion and affection. There are few things as thrilling as to watch a horse run. One of those few things is to watch a horse and rider moving in harmony. Riding in harmony with a horse requires patience, persistence, and increasing athleticism. Horseback riding develops muscles.

Horseback riding develops confidence. In a horse-rider pair the rider must be the leader. There is nothing that makes a rider feel taller and more humble than to have a big beautiful animal trust and follow.

Natural Horsemanship

Natural Horsemanship is the art of working, training and riding with horses in a manner which works WITH the horse's behavior, instincts and personality in an easy and kind way so as to develop clear, almost invisible communication between a rider and a horse. The goal of Natural Horsemanship is that horse and rider enjoy the riding experience, and progress to challenging situations, fun and games, and even competition.

Lesson Schedule You may bring your own horse. Lesson fees are the same, but may be increased if the horse requires additional class time.

Beginning Riders	Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays	10:30 AM 1:30 PM 3:30 PM
Adv Beg and Int Riders	Tuesdays, Thursdays	10:30 AM 3:30 PM
Home School Groups	At least 4 students - Any day	As arranged
Independent Riding	Fridays, Saturdays, Sunday	By App

Beginning Riding Lessons (BEG)

In the Beginning Riding class we learn first the basics of moving our horses from the ground: leading, turning, moving through gates and around obstacles. Our primary goal is learning about horse behavior and human safety. Our second goal is hand control: learning to give light, consistent signals to our horse to avoid confusion. Our third goal is balance, so that we can stay in the saddle and do fun things, and be able to use our body to give the horse consistent signals. A student has completed the beginning level when s/he can halter a horse alone, warm it up on a 12’ lead rope, mount confidently, and guide the horse through obstacles at a walk.

Lesson Fees A 5% discount is offered for riders who pay monthly by the 10 th of the month. ($171 & $152) Five-week months $214 & $190.

Fees are payable at each class, unless prior arrangements aremade.

1 or 2 riders			Paid Monthly by the 10th
	Weekly	$45	$171
	Every other week	$50	$95
	Twice/week	$80	$300
3 to 6 riders
	Weekly	$40	$152
	Every other week	$45	$171
	Twice/week	$70	$266

Helmets & Boots

Riding helmets and riding boots with a smooth bottom and heel are required. We have both helmets and boots available for rent and sale.

Go to Helmets & Boots

Advanced Beginner Riding Lessons (AB)

In the Advanced Beginning class we reinforce the basics of Natural Horsemanship: moving our horses with clear, gentle signals, remaining balanced in the saddle, and being the leader in the rider/horse team. Our goal in the Advanced Beginning class is to play games on horseback. We will learn to maintain balance around corners and as terrain changes, do most of our work at a trot, and begin cantering. We will do some jumping and lots of obstacles and games.

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Driving distances

50 minutes north of Seattle
8 minutes from all major shopping
Dogs welcome
Lots of walking & jogging options

Independent Riding Fees & Schedule

	Duration	Days	Fees
IRs	2 hours	F, Sa, Su	$40
Work offset (2 hours)	unlimited	As scheduled	$25
HMHRC	unlimited	As scheduled	$60/month

Intermediate Riding and Independent Riding (IR)

Intermediate Riders are confident riders who are able to go out to the pasture and catch and halter a horse, tack it up, and mount unattended. An HMH IR rider canters confidently and keeps his/her seat over a jump. IRs have demonstrated common sense in unexpected situations, and have consistently shown responsibility about closing gates and taking care of their horses after a ride. IRs may schedule independent riding times, and come to the ranch to ride on their own (with an IR buddy).

Hidden Meadow Ranch