Mountain Rose Horsemanship Training logoMountain Rose Horsemanship Training
Courses —

Courses are greater than one day in length and may have prerequisites. Participants are encouraged to bring their own horse, or a lesson horse may be reserved. A health certificate and negative Coggins may be required for outside horses. Participants must be registered and have paid in full prior to the course start date. Class size is limited to ensure individual attention. Visit the Horsemanship Instruction page for specific details and rates and the Calendar for upcoming dates and offerings.

Discover Your Leader Within
Discover Your Leader Within

Do you feel trepidation or uncertainty at the idea of demonstrating leadership to your horse or the horses in your life? Do you desire to have a consistent and positive connection with horses, one that is characterized by safety, understanding and respect?

To enjoy safe, successful, and thriving relationships with horses, we must be welcomed by them as their respected and trusted leader. It can often feel difficult, however, to communicate assertively and with the clarity needed to establish ourselves as a worthy and capable leader in the horses' mind.

Discover Your Leader Within will help you identify and eliminate whatever is blocking the full expression of your confident inner leader who is congruent in mind, emotion, and body. You will study the horse's natural language, learn valuable communication skills and techniques, and connect with horses and yourself in a profound and gratifying way. You will be introduced to using feel, timing and intent as you ask a horse to respond in partnership through round pen communication. Join us as we open to the horse's terrific wisdom on the journey toward our best self and ultimate partnership with the horse!

This course is designed for those who wish to further develop their leadership skills, build or sharpen their groundwork communication, enhance their overall relationship with the horse, or discover the joy and artistry of horsemanship for the first time. Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about Discover Your Leader Within.

Course is optional, but highly recommended prior to Horsemanship 101.



Horsemanship 101: The Principles of Partnership
Horsemanship 101

Do you wish for a relationship based on mutual understanding and trust with your horse? Are you and your horse clear about the individual building blocks that make up a successful communication? Do you know what to go back to when a problem or challenge presents itself in your relationship?

Horsemanship 101 provides you and your horse the foundation from which to build a harmonious and long-lasting partnership. You will learn the groundwork and leadership skills necessary to establish a relationship based on mutual respect and trust. You'll benefit from extensive discussion on equine psychology and herd behavior, the knowledge of which enables you to communicate using the horse's natural language. You will learn how to be a clear and trustworthy leader for your horse while deepening your awareness of yourself and of your horse.

This course is designed for those who wish to build or sharpen their groundwork skill, enhance their overall relationship with their horse or discover the joy of horsemanship for the first time. Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about Horsemanship 101.

Completion of this course is required before further advancement in the MRH program.



Horsemanship 201: Advancing Communication and Partnership
Horsemanship 201

Are you able to identify and empathize with your horses emotions? Can you consistently respond in a manner that meets your horses needs and promotes safety, succes and understanding, whether on the ground or under saddle?

Horsemanship 201 will take your and your horses relationship to the next level and solidify a respectful, willing, and connected partnership that is rooted in mutual trust and respect. You will learn how to read and properly respond to your horse's emotions; how to use your knowledge of the equine language and foundational groundwork skills to increase your horse's confidence and curiosity; and how to empower your horse to tackle more challenging obstacles. You will continue to hone your awareness of intention and timing as you prepare to take these skills into the saddle. Grooming and saddling in partnership will be introduced, as will the use of the riding aids and the development of a balanced and independent seat. Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about Horsemanship 201.

Prerequisite: Horsemanship 101



Develop an Independent Seat
Develop an Independent Seat

Do you aspire to ride in harmony with your horse? Do you wonder what it would be like to ride with fluidity, allowing a one-ness between you and your horse to emerge? Have you ever wished to feel more balanced, easeful and secure in the saddle?

The better you ride, the better your horse will move. The better your horse moves, the more you will enjoy your ride and the more easily you will be able to use your aids!

Develop an Independent Seat will provide you with the knowledge and skills necessary to become the kind of rider your horse will want to carry. Topics will include: horse and human anatomy, the kinesthetics of our bodies in motion, and proper alignment and use of the aids. You'll learn body awareness techniques and exercises to improve muscle memory and control and will have the opportunity to benefit from focused body awareness work and immediate body feedback on the lounge line.

This course is designed for anyone wanting to improve their seat and ability to ride harmoniously with their horse or for students new to riding who desire to develop a correct and balanced seat from the start. Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about Develop an Independent Seat.



Horsemanship 301: Riding Refinement
Horsemanship 301

Do you desire to know and understand the subtleties of communication with your horse in the saddle? Are you clear on what aid directs what part of the horse and how to problem solve accordingly? Is it your wish to become a competent rider capable of clear leadership and communication to your horse?

Horsemanship 301 will refine your horsemanship skills allowing an exhilarating new layer of connectedness to shine through. You will learn essential exercises for developing mental, emotional, and physical collection in both yourself and your horse. Refined maneuvers will be taught, including localizing parts of the horse's body, lateral work, and leads. You will learn how to ride with a greater level of fluidity, finesse, and influence, enabling the horse to achieve self-carriage and natural collection. Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about Horsemanship 301.

Prerequisites: Horsemanship 101, Horsemanship 201, Develop an Independent Seat



Training for the Trail
Training for the Trail

Do you dream of enjoying ultimate partnership with your horse on the trail? The kind of relationship where you can go anywhere and do anything?

Trail riding is a wonderful way for you and your horse to enjoy each other's company, but without prior and proper preparation it can quickly become an unpleasant and potentially unsafe experience.

Training for the Trail equips both horse and rider with the skills necessary to enjoy a safe and successful outing on the trail. Together, you will build your confidence and agility by navigating obstacles, riding various terrains, and encountering experiences common to the trail all from the safety of the ranch. Trail etiquette, equipment safety, and proper trailering guidelines will also be discussed. On day two, you will then enjoy a trail outing to practice and solidify your new trail riding skills. Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about Training for the Trail.

Prerequisites: Horsemanship 101, Horsemanship 201, Develop an Independent Seat, Horsemanship 301



Introduction to Western Dressage
Introduction to Western Dressage

Are you interested in further refining your communication with your horse from the saddle? Do you dream of enjoying your horse at that next level of finesse and understanding? Are you curious about the new discipline of Western Dressage and how it can benefit you and your horse?

Then join us as for the Introduction to Western Dressage Clinic as we combine the study of classical dressage with the philosophies of western horsemanship to further balance, cadence, understanding and over all self-carriage in both ourselves and our horse. You will learn common dressage terminology; dressage arena geography; skills and maneuvers foundational to dressage and become familiar with both reading and riding dressage tests. Extensive discussion will surround both the similarities and differences between western and classical dressage as it relates to our horses movements. You will have the chance to practice the skills learned on day one through the riding of practice western dressage tests on day two.

This course is designed for those new to the world of dressage altogether or simply new to the world of western dressage who want to further refine and benefit the relationship with their horse. Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about Introduction to Western Dressage.

 
Clinics —

Clinics are one day in length and, unless otherwise noted, do not have prerequisites. If applicable, participants may bring their own horse, or a lesson horse may be reserved. A health certificate and negative Coggins may be required for outside horses. Participants must be registered and have paid in full prior to the clinic start date. Class size is limited to ensure individual attention. Visit the Horsemanship Instruction page for specific details and rates and the Calendar for upcoming dates and offerings.

From the Horse's Point of View
From the Horse's Point of View

Have you ever wondered what horses think and feel or how they see the world? Have you ever felt confused or perplexed by your horses behavior and felt at a loss for how to respond? Do you wish you could be the best partner possible to your horse?

Then join us for an enlightening evening of photos, videos and discussion about the mind and nature of these magnificent, yet at times, mystifying beings.

In From the Horse's Point of View you will learn how horses think, feel and what they instinctively crave. Discussion will include: understanding the mind and nature of the horse and how it both relates to and differs from ours; how horses communicate; how to relate to the horse in their natural language; and empathetic problem solving from the horse's point of view. This knowledge and understanding gained will further your ability to connect with and relate to the horses in your life in your pursuit toward ultimate partnership. Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about From the Horse's Point of View.



So, You Want to Buy a Horse...
So, You Want to Buy a Horse...

Have you dreamt of enjoying the joy and companionship of a horse partner of your own? Is it important to you to ensure safety in the looking process and to feel confident that the horse you bring into your life is the best match for you?

You and your future equine partner deserve to be set up for the best relationship possible. Ensuring this good match requires adequate preparation.

The "So, You Want to Buy a Horse?" clinic will equip you to be an informed and discerning horse buyer and will prime you for what to except as a horse owner. Topics covered include: identifying your goals, riding style, and experience level; what to look for in a horse; questions to ask a potential seller; understanding a pre-purchase exam; where to find a horse; ensuring your safety in the looking process; finding a suitable trainer or instructor; and what kind of costs you can expect as a new horse owner.

This clinic is suitable for anyone looking to purchase or adopt a horse or for those who have recently come into horse ownership. Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about the "So, You Want to Buy a Horse" Clinic.



Equine First-Aid
Equine First Aid

Would you know if your horse or the horses in your care were sick or in need of medical attention? Would you know what to do and the steps to take to best support them? Have you ever tried to talk with a vet only to feel at a loss for what they were talking about?

When it comes to the health and well-being of your horse, it's better to be prepared with knowledge and not use it, then to find yourself in an emergency and not know what to do. This clinic will discuss and demonstrate the proper treatment for the common ailments that affect horses. Topics will include: general wound and injury treatment; what kind of wound needs vet attention; recognizing a healthy versus a sick horse; proper bandaging; signs of and how to handle colic; discussion of common horse diseases; and more. There will be multiple demonstrations as well as opportunities for participants to practice the skills learned on live horses.

This course is highly recommended if you spend any time around horses, even if you are not a horse owner. Just think - with this information you could save a horse's life! Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about the Equine First-Aid Clinic.



Trouble-Free Trailer Loading
Trailer Loading Clinic

Do you or your horse lack confidence with trailer loading? Is your horses willingness and aptitude to load prone to vary? Have you ever had somewhere to be, but couldn't get your horse in the trailer?

Trailer loading often has a reputation of being troublesome or challenging, but it certainly does not have to be!

The Trouble Free Trailer Loading clinic will enhance your and your horse's confidence in and around trailers so that trailer loading will become both safe and pleasurable. You will use the groundwork skills learned in Horsemanship 101 and Horsemanship 201 to prepare your horse for loading. This preparation will include teaching your horse to tie safely and using obstacles that mimic the confinement of the trailer. You will learn how to assist your horse in becoming a willing and confident partner with the trailer.

This clinic is perfect for horses that are difficult to load or those that have had traumatic experiences with trailers, as well as for anyone looking to enhance their horsemanship and the relationship with their horse. Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about the "What Trailer?" Trailer Loading Clinic.



Western Dressage I
Western Dressage I

What would it be like to have your horse ride with balance and ease and be responsive to the lightest of suggestions? Would you like to feel proficient in the show ring or just have a top notch riding partner?

In Western Dressage I you will further refine your riding skills and increase responsiveness to the aids, balance, suppleness and self-carriage in their horse. The concepts and skills learned in Introduction to Western Dressage will be furthered and refined and gymnastic movements foundational to Classical Dressage will be introduced allowing horse and rider to greater balance, flexibility and self-carriage.

This clinic is designed for anyone wanting to enjoy a better and more responsive mount, whether in or out of the show ring. This clinic will as well prepare horse and rider for the Introductory and Basic level WDAA Western Dressage tests.

Prerequisites: Introduction to Western Dressage



Truck and Trailer Safety and Handling
Truck and Trailer Safety and Handling

Are you at the stage of considering truck and trailer ownership? Does the idea of purchasing a suitable truck and safe trailer feel daunting? Much less, the task of hooking up, backing and driving?

In the Truck and Trailer Safety and Handling Clinic you will learn the basics of proper truck and trailer maintenance to ensure safety and longevity for your rig as well as for your horse. Topics covered include: hooking and unhooking techniques; how to back up; and courteous driving skills; You will have the opportunity to hook-up and drive both a bumper-pull and gooseneck trailer. Discussion will also include how to appropriately pair truck and trailer and safe loading and unloading of horses.

Give yourself and your horse the gift of trailering with safety and confidence through prior and proper preparation! Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about the Truck and Trailer Safety and Handling Clinic.



Find and Fine-Tune Your Feel

Why partake in a horseless horsemanship clinic? Well, have you ever said yes to one (or maybe all!) of these? . . .
Do you ever feel clumsy or uncertain with the "tools of horsemanship" (halter, leadrope, training stick, reins, etc.)? Do you find managing the equipment (much less the horse) tricky, if not downright cumbersome? Have you ever wondered if the message you are sending your horse with your body, aids and energy is a clear one Do you aspire for increasing refinement in your communication and understanding with your horse?

If so, then that is exactly why to attend a clinic sans horse!

In this clinic you are sure to walk away with an enhanced comfort, improved understanding and increased skillfulness with the tools of horsemanship. Through discussion, demonstration and simulations you will gain a greater understanding of the natural energetic feel in your body and how that can be put to the most positive use with your horse. The clinic will offer skills habituation and simulations to better your "feel" on the ground. and will guide you in taking your new found feel into the saddle and provide insight into how our body and riding habits either block or benefit our horse's movement. Eye-opening realizations and some jaw-dropping moments are guaranteed! Photo Gallery

Read what participants have had to say about Find and Fine-Tune Your Feel.



Create Your Own Clinic
Create Your Own Clinic

What are your dreams and aspirations with horses? How far and wide do you want to excel in your pursuit of partnership with horses?

Let Emily Johnson help you in turning your dreams with horses into a reality. Emily is available to come to your facility to help you improve any and all aspects of your horsemanship. She can create a clinic suited specifically to your needs or take the MRH Wholeness Through Horsemanship™ program to your group or facility. Contact Emily at emily@mountainrosehorsemanship.com for further details, and to inquire about scheduling and specific rates.