Please note that there are no refunds or transfers although missed classes can be made up on the current Saturday series by RSVP and depending on space available.
Drop In's are an option if there is space, please RSVP by emailing sara@silverhorse.org
$45, $40 2nd sib.
Saturday Morning Horse Series for 3 and Up
10am to noon
In this series children will experience gentle bareback riding.
Children will be taught how to move safely around a horse
and how to approach, touch and groom. As the classes progress
everyone will become comfortable and aware
of how to be with horses in an enjoyable and concious way. We teach
Please note that there are no refunds or transfers although missed classes can be made up on the current Friday series by RSVP and depending on space available.
Drop In's are an option if there is space, please RSVP by emailing sara@silverhorse.org
$45, $40 2nd sib.
Check out our Kid's Horse Whispering Summer Camps,
and our FREE Saturday morning Horse intro's Go here for more info'
Drop-ins are an option for any of the classes listed here depending on availabilty. Drop-ins are $10 more, and $5 discount for 2nd sibling. Friday and Saturday classes $45 and $40 for 2nd child. (each day) Email sara@silverhorse.org or call 310 466 3955 to book a drop in.
learning how to ride on a bareback pad
petting Silver
Information about our 2 hour Children's group horse classes.
These classes are organized as a series of eight. When you arrive at the ranch, children will have the opportunity of riding a horse. The riding is on top of a bareback pad or treeless saddle. There are no stirrups, the child holds onto a surcingle (sturdy handle).
The horses used for riding are experienced and very gentle. The horses are led by experienced staff members. There may be some waiting time as every child gets to ride for approximately fifteen minutes. Each week children will be given a picture of a horse to paint and color. Children are welcome to play with the horse toys provided, use the swing and eat food etc (not provided).
The second part of the class is dedicated to introducing children to horses on the ground. This includes approaching, touching and grooming the horse. Children will learn about the nature of horses and communication with horses.
This part of the class is great for children who hold any fear of horses as once they connect with the horse through touch etc they begin to feel at ease.
As the classes progress children will be led on a horse up and down hill. They will learn how to walk a horse with and without a halter. There are exercises the children do such as finding their own 'animal magnetism'.This entails allowing the horse to approach the child through the horses own free will.
The principles in this class are based on natural horsemanship, tapping into the willing nature of the horse in order to create a harmonious relationship.
We teach children to respect horses as another species rather than an inferior being. We challenge the concept of horses being treated like slaves to horses being valued for their generous natures in as far as teaching us about ourselves.
Our focus is on 'relationship' skills as opposed to 'performance' or 'competition'. SHHR is not a riding school per se. We are interested in creating a space where humans and horses can connect in a deep and meaningful way benefiting everyone involved. We are 'process' orientated more than 'progress' fixated.
If you feel that these classes will be beneficial to you and your children and would like to enroll in one of the series below please fill out our on-line application form and submit. We will respond within 24 hours.
Please visit our FAQ page and read our Contract for these horse class series.
In this SHHR children's horse program children learn how to understand horses through:
*Observation
*Movement and Rhythm
*Play
*Touch
*Nurturing
*Appreciation
*Gentle bareback riding
Children who will benefit from SHHR Horse Program
If your child loves animals and especially horses and wants to develop a mutually respectful relationship with them but has had a traumatic experience in the past with a horse such as: a fall, horse running off with them, kicks or bites, this horse program offers a gentle reconnection with horses.
Often times the child takes the incident personally and carries shame or guilt feelings in that the horse didn't like them or that it was the child's fault.
Once children understand the way horses think and the reasons horses do what they do, this can change the energy behind any previous horse trauma and support resolution and healing for the child.
Sensitive, empathic children do particularly well at SHHR. In contrast, children who love horses potentially can have a traumatic experience by going to a trail horse rental or a traditional riding school.
The horses at these facilities not all the time but often times can be stressed out and miserable. Imagine being yanked at from the gums, kicked in the ribs and being forced to do the same routine day after day. Sensitive children easily pick up the emotions and energy of the unhappy horses. This can happen at a feeling level but mentally may be un-identifiable by the child.
At SHHR the well being of the horses comes first.
The horses enjoy their interaction with clients and are never bullied by a staff member or client.
No forceful equipment or methods are used to make the horse respond to client or staff member demands.
Children are taught how to tap into the horse's willing nature to gain co-operation and a reciprocal relationship.
There is no pressure put onto the child or the horse to do things that is stressful to the child or horse.
Fees for Children's Private Horse Sessions
Package of four one hour sessions $400
Individual sessions:
30 mins $60
1 hour $120
Sign up and recieve SHHR monthly newsletter for periodic discounts on children's horse package deals.
