Home of the Incredible, Versatile, Hypoallergenic, and Athletic American Bashkir Curly Horse!!

Private Horse Training and Behavior Consultation -

Here at Skygazer Ranch, while our 'discipline' of choice is English, dressage and jumping; we really specialize in a holistic approach to training horses.  We work with each horse on a one on one, case by case scenario, get to know your horse, build a report.  We go through a series of ground lessons customized for the individual horse.  We are happy to start young horses for careers under saddle.  We work with stallions.  We work with horses who have undergone some hole in their training or trust in their human companions, to rebuild their healthy relationship with humans and lead a whole existence.

We typically have limited openings for your horse to come stay with us, (pasture board, not stalls, with access to shelter), so please inquire as to availability.  We prefer horses be able to move about all day every day for their own physical as well as psychological benefit and ability to focus on lessons.  We are also happy to come to your place to help with any training you may require for you and your horse.  From a systems approach,  we prefer to work with you and your horse together so the whole picture/scenario can be seen and worked through.  Be it riding lessons on your horse or trouble spots you and your horse may be encountering, we are happy to help make your relationship a more understanding, mutually respectful and happy one.  We implement natural horsemanship techniques, using the release of pressure followed by positive reinforcement or reward for correct behavior. Training and Board is $600-/horse/month, any additional feed or supplements aside from local hay is an additional cost to be determined by current price set. 

Individual training sessions at your barn are $50-horse or rider/session within a 25 mile radius of here, after that a per mile fee applies.

Riding lessons at Skygazer Ranch are currently offered on a very limited basis and are  not what might typically be thought of.  From a systems approach of learning, lessons strive to encompass the entire horse - human interrelation.  From first contact in the field to partnering with a horse, grooming, tacking, caring for the horse as well as the tack involved with that horse, ground work, relationship building exercises, and finally also riding, are all part of lesson experience.  Exercises and stretches to improve rider fitness and flexibility are also built into each lesson.  Lessons incorporate teachings from some of the greatest Animal communicators, Horsemasters, and trainers of our time; such as Clinton Anderson (Australian Natural Horseman clinician), Karen Pryor (author of Don't Shoot the Dog), Linda Kohanov (author of Tao of Equus), Sally Swift (author of Centered Riding), and Temple Grandin (author of Animals Make Us Human).  Lessons focus on teaching you the most effective communication skills between you and your horse, emphasis is on visualizing and understanding the mechanics of how and why, rather than on the age old "just do it" format.  Lessons will run about an hour and a half, emphasis is on the lesson, not the minutes of the clock, you will need to schedule accordingly and/or let your instructor know if you have a specific time obligation.  Lessons are offered to students of all ages and all levels of experience. 

$45 per private lesson

$30 per person for a group lesson (2 or more students)

Experiential Learning- 

Not all of the greatest lessons learned from horses are from their backs.  There are many lessons to be learned simply in horse watching, in practicing the art of doing nothing, in round penning (much like Tai Chai, moving your energy, but also that of the horse), and just in interacting with horses out in their fields. At Skygazer Ranch, we offer this sort of experience to our students as well.  We find these sessions help You to get more in touch with who You are inside and what your true feelings and intent are. 

It helps humans to be congruent internally with the external interactions of horses.  Experiential learning activities are guided by a mentor in a safe space.  Lessons are offered to students of all ages and all levels of experience. 

TBD based on private sessions vs. group learning sessions.