Why is SFH different? 

The program caters to learners of all levels, including those returning to riding after years away and those seeking a supportive environment for overcoming nervousness and learning disabilities.
At this barn, lessons are low-key, fostering an atmosphere of fun and correct learning, in a supportive environment. The barn culture is very neuro-divergent friendly. Understanding, and empathy is a corner stone of our program, however other skills we actively work on, especially for young riders is boundary setting, healthy communication, compromise and more. We always say "mistakes happen, malice is inexcusable" and therefore we do not allow malicious or predatory behavior of any type here. 

 

We do gladly and openly accept LBTQA+ riders and their families but will admit we are actively learning ourselves and sometimes slip up yet we always try to make it right and move on. 

We are very up front and about communication here, and clear communication, self awareness and growth. Most of our lesson structure is based on previous EAL (equine assisted learning) originally through the EAGALA years ago. Though we do not officially offer EAL, many comment on the enriching nature of their sessions in their lives, even outside of the barn. 

 

I meet my students where they are, whether that means a Grand Prix rider having a bad day, dealing with grief and needing a pony ride, lead and a good cry...or you're a beginner who has a great week and is ready to push the envelope and go up a level. 

We don't cater to just beginners, but riders of all levels looking for something different, engaging, that can be applied anywhere, at other barns or on their own horse.
Thinking outside the box, challenging yourself in a healthy manner and learning new skills or revisiting old skills in new ways of understanding happens a lot during our lessons as we build on old concepts and your foundation. We often do obstacles, trail challenges, push giant balls for horse soccer and more. We don't do lesson plans as often as themes of the month, whether it be "collection", "contact", "half halts", "turn on the hindquarters/forehand" and more and each lesson is adapted and discussed at the level of the rider. We have a bridge, a mailbox, and more coming. We do desensitization days. 
If interested, ask and we can set up a time for you to watch a lesson with one of our willing students. 
We also offer virtual lessons, meaning over the internet instruction either while you ride or of a recorded ride you can have a critique. 

I have experience and training in multiple learning disorders, spectrum disorder, mental health issues and more. Although our main goal is to have you get better with riding, that can look different for everyone. I can promise that while we have competitive riders and successful students, some are just starting their riding career and some are coming in years later looking for this type of different. 

My method tends to follow the order of physical safety, emotional safety, learning theory, understanding of the concepts, then and only then do I care about actual status quo "success" or progress of the student. Nothing is learned through tension or confusion, but through curiosity, and guided frustration and help getting to the other side. 

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What about our lessons is different

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At our awesome riding school, we do things a bit differently, and that's where the magic happens. If you get caught up in the nitty-gritty of our setup, you might miss the real enchantment—the "why" and the incredible stuff our students gain.

But hey, don't just take our word for it! Come chat with us in person or talk to our happy clients and read their reviews. We're all about welcoming everyone, including those who might find it tough elsewhere. And yep, even you "normal" folks, we've got a place for you too! So, let's share the magic together! 🐎✨