Riding / Horsemanship Lessons at Laughing Buck Farm
Riding Lessons at LBF
Riding lessons at Laughing Buck Farm are geared towards reaching each individual rider's goals whether you are a first time rider or have an experienced background with horses. We embrace and incorporate many teaching techniques, but we are mostly geared towards Natural Horsemanship and the biomechanics of both horse and rider. Students build a strong relationship with their equine partner while safely fine-tuning their skills on the ground and in the saddle.
During a one-hour lesson, you can expect to learn -
1 hour private- $65
1 hour semi private / group- $50
Young Riders Lessons (30 minute session)
Younger riders are more suited to shorter lessons where we cover the basics while we wait for their attention spans and legs to grow! Our Young Rider lessons are specifically focused on safety around the pony, grooming and being comfortable with their new equine pal! The last half of the lesson, the Young Riders will get the chance to be lead around on the horse, and when they are ready, around a series of cones to practice steering, balance and posture. These shorter lessons are filled with silly games and learning fun. Children at this age vary widely in physical and emotional development. You can speak with our instructor to decide when your child will be ready for hour long sessions.
Young Riders Lesson Cost:
30 minute session - $40
Missed Classes/Lessons:
Unless discussed and set up in advance with Rosemary for payment, lessons will be sold in monthly packages to be paid within the first week of the month online.
If a student misses/cancels a lesson, a makeup can be discussed/scheduled with Rachel within a week of the missed lesson, for a makeup class within 3 weeks of the original missed class. If this is not done, the original payment for the missed lesson is forfeited. This is because Rachel's schedule and livelihood depends on the consistency of lessons. This is consistent with other class sessions you might sign up for in the community.
Makeup classes can be scheduled during existing class times. Makeups may potentially be group lessons and may include riding horses for conditioning or horse care or a mix of both. Because this is when Rachel will be doing conditioning rides and care, students will be helping Rachel with whichever horses need care and riding. The riding will be to improve the horses' training and condition. The goal during makeup lessons will be to give back to and care for the herd, which is a valuable skill as an equestrian.
Riding lessons at Laughing Buck Farm are geared towards reaching each individual rider's goals whether you are a first time rider or have an experienced background with horses. We embrace and incorporate many teaching techniques, but we are mostly geared towards Natural Horsemanship and the biomechanics of both horse and rider. Students build a strong relationship with their equine partner while safely fine-tuning their skills on the ground and in the saddle.
During a one-hour lesson, you can expect to learn -
- How to properly catch, lead, tie, groom and tack up your horse/pony
- Warm up your horse and yourself in the saddle using engaging exercises
- Understand and recognise the temperament, instincts and body language of the horse
- Correctly use leg, seat, voice and hand aids to cue a movement or motion through the gaits
- Strengthen posture, confidence and body awareness
- Build a safe, FUN and lasting relationship with your horse/pony.
1 hour private- $65
1 hour semi private / group- $50
Young Riders Lessons (30 minute session)
Younger riders are more suited to shorter lessons where we cover the basics while we wait for their attention spans and legs to grow! Our Young Rider lessons are specifically focused on safety around the pony, grooming and being comfortable with their new equine pal! The last half of the lesson, the Young Riders will get the chance to be lead around on the horse, and when they are ready, around a series of cones to practice steering, balance and posture. These shorter lessons are filled with silly games and learning fun. Children at this age vary widely in physical and emotional development. You can speak with our instructor to decide when your child will be ready for hour long sessions.
Young Riders Lesson Cost:
30 minute session - $40
Missed Classes/Lessons:
Unless discussed and set up in advance with Rosemary for payment, lessons will be sold in monthly packages to be paid within the first week of the month online.
If a student misses/cancels a lesson, a makeup can be discussed/scheduled with Rachel within a week of the missed lesson, for a makeup class within 3 weeks of the original missed class. If this is not done, the original payment for the missed lesson is forfeited. This is because Rachel's schedule and livelihood depends on the consistency of lessons. This is consistent with other class sessions you might sign up for in the community.
Makeup classes can be scheduled during existing class times. Makeups may potentially be group lessons and may include riding horses for conditioning or horse care or a mix of both. Because this is when Rachel will be doing conditioning rides and care, students will be helping Rachel with whichever horses need care and riding. The riding will be to improve the horses' training and condition. The goal during makeup lessons will be to give back to and care for the herd, which is a valuable skill as an equestrian.
Instructor Rachel
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My name is Rachel, and I have been working as an instructor at Laughing Buck Farm since 2021.
A little about me: I have a background in hunter/jumper and dressage, and a BS in Equine Science from CSU, where my Honors Thesis was on misunderstood equine facial expressions. I have spent several years guiding and packing in the Zirkel wilderness for guest ranches, as well as hitching and driving teams of draft horses for guests. I have been teaching or in the Adaptive Riding field for 22 years now, and am a certified CTRI from PATH Intl, as well as a Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning. I've been in business as a donkey and horse trainer for about ten years and recently started a rescue, where I rescue, rehab, retrain, and rehome donkeys, particularly ones with behavior issues. I also am a published author with a book series on donkey care and training that has sold over 1000 copies worldwide. It is hard to out-stubborn me! Needless to say, I am passionate about kids, riding, equine health and behavior, and have dabbled in just about everything! I am always continuing to learn and expand my knowledge, and I love encouraging children to do the same. My biggest thrill is getting students to the point in their horsemanship and equestrian skills where they can start thinking about how to be a trainer themself--how do you evaluate, adapt, and work with each animal to fit that animal's needs? What sort of rider do you need to be that day? |
Instructor Belinda |
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Belinda: I moved from Kansas a few years ago and was fortunate to have connected with Laughing Buck Farm where I'm getting all my "needs" met at one place. In Kansas I farmed 80 acres and ran a 21 horse riding school after my full time job as a special education teacher. In the summers I lead Horsemanship and Pioneer Camps on our farm. In my spare time I was the county-wide 4-H horse leader.
My strength is breaking down skills and tasks into small steps and encouraging students to progress through these as fast as they are comfortable. I like to teach a skill and then use it in a game, so I prefer to teach in small groups of 2-4 students. I stress groundwork,balance and control. As a youth,I participated in jumping competitions and as an adult I learned Western riding. I love to see students increase their competence and widen their experiences by setting goals and reaching them! I'm also passionate about encouraging family bonding through sharing interests in equine activities. Other than riding myself, my favorite thing is teaching other horsecrazy kids and I'm very excited about being involved in the Equestrian Club as well. |
Instructor Milo
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Milo: I started out as a riding student at Laughing Buck in 2018, after working a summer as a horseback trail guide I returned to Laughing Buck as an intern and riding instructor in training. I am now a full instructor here and having been here for so long I know the horses very well. I love being at Laughing Buck farm because it is a very welcoming and understanding environment, and we find a way for everyone to have fun and participate. I love helping students learn and become more confident in their skills and seeing the unique relationships students form with the horses. In my lessons I like to encourage being a team with your horse, listening to their body language and finding ways to work together safely even on rough days. Equines are my passion; I'll try pretty much anything, there is always more to learn and more fun to be had. |
What to Wear
Please come prepared for your lessons wearing long, comfortable pants and boots or shoes with a heel. Tennis shoes and open-toed shoes are not appropriate for riding. You may bring your own certified riding helmet or borrow one of ours. Bike helmets are unsuitable for riding. You may also wear riding gloves, which help the reins to stay firmly in your grip, but they are not a requirement.
Client Testimonials
"Our daughter, Sofia, adores her lessons at Laughing Buck Farm. She has made such wonderful progress and is learning so much about proper horsemanship. We could not be happier!" -Kelly C.
"Laughing Buck Farm has provided exactly the kind of introduction to horsemanship I hoped for my 5 year old daughter. The complete horse and rider are addressed. The instructor has a special way with connecting with children and horses that, in turn , connects the child to the horse." - Ray A.
"Laughing Buck Farm has provided exactly the kind of introduction to horsemanship I hoped for my 5 year old daughter. The complete horse and rider are addressed. The instructor has a special way with connecting with children and horses that, in turn , connects the child to the horse." - Ray A.
Under Colorado Law, an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in activities
resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to section 13-21-119, Colorado Revised Statutes.
resulting from the inherent risks of equine activities, pursuant to section 13-21-119, Colorado Revised Statutes.