“There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” – Winston Churchill
In the world of horsemanship, a timeless sentiment encapsulates the profound bond between horses and humans: “Every horse deserves, at least once in its life, to be loved by a little girl.” This quote, often attributed to author and equestrian Pam Brown, speaks to the universal truth that horses have a special place in children’s hearts.
At our ranch, we wholeheartedly embrace this philosophy and practice Natural Horsemanship with all of our clients, especially the little ones. Natural horsemanship is a distinctly American method of horse training that emphasizes gentle handling and building a relationship based on trust and respect.
Rooted in observing America’s wild horse herds and the interactions between mares and foals, natural horsemanship has been championed by legendary trainers such as Tom and Bill Dorrance, Ray Hunt, and Buck Brannaman. These visionaries understood that horses are intelligent, sensitive creatures that respond best to patient, compassionate leadership.
But why do we choose to practice Natural Horsemanship, especially with young riders?
Natural Horsemanship, practiced here at the ranch, offers a holistic approach to horsemanship that is perfectly suited for children and young riders. By cultivating trust, respect, and empathy, we empower children to become confident, compassionate equestrians who cherish their horses as cherished friends and partners.
Our head trainer and Cedar Ridge Ranch co-owner, Merrill, has a lifelong love affair with horses. She began her riding career at age five and has since trained and coached a new generation using the tenets of Natural Horsemanship. Embrace the magic of Natural Horsemanship with us and celebrate the timeless bond between horses and the little riders who love them.