At Home Ranch, we feel that there is much more to "Horseback Riding" than just getting on a horse and going on a trail. The more "Horse Sense" you have, the more you know about the way he thinks, what he responds to, what he is afraid of, and why he does what he does, the better you will be able to communicate with him.

Classes

If you're interested in improving your horsemanship skills,
you'll enjoy the varied classes we offer during the week.

Saddling and grooming
Saddling your horse correctly is important to ensure a good fit and top performance of both you and your horse. This class takes you through all the steps of preparing to ride, from grooming to saddling your horse. We discuss safe ways of approaching and moving around a horse.

Ground School
This is an excellent class for all levels of riders. We offer the basics of communication through body language and open up a whole new world of understanding between human and horse. The horse will respond to your movements as you lead him through exercises in all directions and at various speeds. Later these movements can be transferred to riding. We teach you how to separate your horse's fore- and hindquarters, pivot, and move in all directions. The class is a marvelous way to establish a great rapport with your horse.

Horse Psychology
This class can be done in the round pen or on the trail. We talk about the basic instincts of the horse and what has helped him survive all these millions of years. Various exercises will demonstrate how the horse wants to respond to you as his leader as part of these natural instincts.

Trail Class
Trail rides can pose many obstacles for horse and rider that can be used as learning tools. We cover such challenges as crossing fallen timber, riding in a straight line, opening and closing a gate while horseback, balancing as you ascend and descend, timing turns with body movement, moving a specific foot, and riding your horse away from the herd. You are encouraged to practice these maneuvers on every ride as well as in our outdoor obstacle course.

Team Penning
Ever have a hankering for herding cattle? It's more fun--and more challenging-- than you might imagine. It is also the most popular activity on the ranch. You learn the rudimentary skills in a few classes during the week, and then apply your skills during the team penning competition Saturday morning. This good-natured contest is a highlight of the week, both for participants and cheering observers. Winners of this timed event receive awards at the Saturday night campfire.

In the spring and fall, the Elk River Valley Home Ranch facility is host to many equine-related clinics including team roping, eventing, colt starting and natural horsemanship.
....  click for more info on the Horsemanship Clinics