The Connected Ride
​From Beginner to Advanced levels, our system teaches the rider how to communicate effectively with the horse.  Learn to ride efficiently, and get the most out of your riding. We use all the muscles of the body to control every part of the horse.  No matter which discipline you ride, we can help you be better at it!

Dressage

 A French term,  meaning "training" is a highly skilled form of riding performed in exhibition and competition, as well as an "art" sometimes pursued solely for the sake of mastery.  An equestrian sport defined by the International Equestrian Federation, as "the highest expression of horse training" where "horse and rider are expected to perform from memory a series of predetermined movements".

Pictured right: Cheryl West, Owner, Certified Master Instructor,
​Clinician and USDF Bronze Medalist

​Western, Cowboy Dressage
Reining and Trail

 Evolved from the ranching and warfare traditions brought to the Americas by the Spanish Conquistadors. Both equipment and riding style evolved to meet the needs of the working cowboy in the American West. Because of the necessity to control the horse with one hand and use a lariat with the other, western horses were trained to change direction with light of pressure of the reins, and effective seat and leg cues.
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Pictured left: Cheryl West on Eclipse riding Cowboy Dressage, and
​Brittany Lyons daughter, student,  on Mirage riding Western.

​Jumping

Jumping is one of the most popular, worldwide and perhaps most recognizable equestrian events.  At its highest competitive level, Jumping is recognized as one of the three Olympic equestrian disciplines alongside Dressage and Eventing.
Pictured right: Rachel Anderson, on Onyx, CHA instructor, student of Cheryl West

Vaulting

Equestrian vaulting is most often described as gymnastic dance on horseback, which can be practiced both competitively or non-competitively. Vaulting has a history as an equestrian act at circuses, but its origins stretch back at least two-thousand years. It is open to both men and women, and is one of ten equestrian disciplines recognized by the International Federation for Equestrian. It is also used as an activity for children and adults who may have balance, attention, gross motor skill, or social deficits.
Pictured left: Malia Cockrell, West student

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