Horseback Riding Lessons
with Merrill Johnson
“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become.”
Natural Horsemanship Riding Lessons
What is Natural Horsemanship?
Natural horsemanship is a distinctly American method of horse training that emphasizes gentle handling and a relationship with our horses.
Through careful observation of America’s wild horse herds and the interactions of mares and foals, trainers including Tom and Bill Dorrance, Ray Hunt, and Buck Brannaman developed methods that work fabulously.
Why Natural Horsemanship?
We believe a strong partnership built on trust and respect with your horse is the foundation to a safe, enjoyable, and memorable riding experience. Horses raised with natural methods are calmer around people and more at ease out on the trail.
Riding Lesson Rates & Packages
- A-Z Initial lesson – (Everything from client history, catching, herd behavior, grooming, leading, lunge line, riding usually 1hr and half)
- A-Z + Trail ride – approx 2 hours & Sundowner Experience approx 3 hours
- First 5 lessons – A package can be purchased if otherwise – After 5 lessons (in a calendar year) 1hour lessons are available
- 5 years of age or younger: Initial lesson – Starter lesson package includes first lesson hour then 2 (½) hour sessions. Start with 1hour lesson then 30 minutes sessions progress up to 1hr (all based on attention limit)
- Wee Riders/Pony Rides (ages 3-7)
- Any/all spectators for anyone who wants to watch a lesson
- Lessons Packages & Group Lessons**
- 6 Lesson package with School horse or with with own horse
- 10 Lesson package with School horse – with own horse
Call or email to inquire about lesson pricing
Group Lessons
1hr 30 minutes Max of 3 riders grouped with same level
- 1st Level: All students must be able to independently ride walk and trot gaits and be proficient in 1 rein stop, bring in horse from pasture and groom.
- 2nd Level: All students proficient in ground work, walk, trot, canter. Saddle and tack up horse and return to pasture.
- 3rd Level: Mount and dismount independently, strong sense of diagonals and leads, One rein stop at canter, trail ride independently, worked on fear and has strong healthy response tools of breathing and able to keep riding.
rider with school horse/hr
rider with own horse/hr
Call or email to inquire about lesson pricing
**All Packages must be used in the same calendar & are per rider. Initial lesson must be completed before package purchase. There is a 24 hour cancelation policy and full payment is not refundable.
Try it for yourself!
We provide Natural Horsemanship demonstrations followed by opportunities for our guests to do ground work with their horse. The foundation of Natural Horsemanship is built through ground work – the person works from the ground with the horse on a lead rope or free in a round pen. Ground work is lots of fun and sorely lacking from many equestrian educations. How often do you get time to love on a horse?
Testimonials
“I have been looking for the right person to give my 11 year old daughter riding lessons for several years and finally found her in Merrill. Merrill’s approach is organic and empowering. She teaches so much more than just how to ride a horse. She teaches you about the horse, signs the horse gives you, energy of the horse and rider. She also pays attention to addressing the confidence of the rider. My daughter expressed that she learned more from Merrill in one session then she learned in a week of riding camp.” – Lauri Rubinstein 05/2019 
“We are so pleased with Merrill Johnson and Cedar Ridge Ranch! She is knowledgeable and kind and ensures that the my sons have fun while they are learning about horses, including safety, grooming, riding, etc. Hers is a comprehensive program where people can learn all about horses from the ground up in a safe, positive environment. Her horses are just the right combination of bombproof and responsive, perfect for brand-new riders or those wanting to hone their skills. In addition, Merrill is flexible and easy to work with in terms of scheduling. Cedar Ridge Ranch’s facilities, including a lovely indoor arena, are a dream. We feel lucky to have found Merrill and Cedar Ridge Ranch!” – Mary 
“I feel so incredibly lucky to have found Merrill and Cedar Ridge Ranch after moving to the Valley from Maryland. I tried a few barns in the area, but there’s really no one else who is more passionate or talented than Merrill. Merrill has a true gift in the way she works with and understands horses and how she helps each rider to build strong relationships with their horse. After riding English exclusively for the past 5 years, starting off riding bareback has been so refreshing and fun! I’ve never felt more centered and balanced while riding to the point that I’m now jumping bareback, which is something I never imagined doing. I also love that she is able to work with both English or Western riders. Although I plan to continue riding English primarily, I’m excited that I have the opportunity to learn to ride Western too. Most importantly though, Merrill’s joy and excitement when you learn something new or things click is absolutely infectious. She is always so positive and encouraging which has helped me become a much more confident rider, and I love that she is willing to challenge and push me to learn new things. I’m just so happy that I’ve found my barn home in the Valley.” – Liz Edwards 
“I cried leading Merrill’s horse in slow circles as the sun climbed the dark mountains and broke through the arena window. I wish I could say that was the first time horses have opened up the flood gate, but this time was different: I was crying from feeling relief. My first lesson with Merrill Johnson at Cedar Ridge Ranch completely transformed my horsemanship experience and allowed it to include deep healing. Merrill is incredibly skillful at addressing challenges unique to each student and guiding her/him through a healthy and safe process of improvement. She has a holistic approach that includes physicality, an in-depth understanding of horse behavior, and emotional awareness. I am honored to be her student and I can’t recommend her enough for beginners and advanced riders alike. ” – Kim Short 
“I simply love seeing our little girl learning how to ride horses with Merrill Johnson, and of course Nick the palomino! Merrill is gentle, communicates clearly and keeps our four year olds attention the entire time she is working with Nick. I’m sure most parents would agree that is no small feat! Merrill not only teaches riding lessons but also horse safety and loving care. I highly recommend Merrill Johnson’s horseback riding lessons to anyone who is considering giving the gift of loving and riding horses to their child.” – Cholla Nicoll mother of Violet Nicoll 
“A year ago I didn’t know where I would land. My 10-year-old daughter and I are so glad we landed in Colorado. Since our arrival in July it has been a whirlwind of change and adaptation. Having left behind family, friends and most of our support system, it was a gift from the Universe to find Merrill and Cedar Ridge. We immediately felt accepted and surrounded by caring people who were interested in who we are and how to best meet my daughters needs in her horsemanship and riding skills. My daughter left behind a horse “best friend” and felt lost without him but in only a few rides began to bond with Nick and make a new horse buddy. Merrill’s animals are loving and willing to bond with their riders, of any age. Cedar Ridge is an open, loving and accepting place. A place set up to provide my girl room to grow within her skills and her self. We could not have asked for a better place to land.” – Kelly & Maeve Doubleday