The word “horse” can mean a lot of things. It can mean your best friend, show horse, means of transportation, companion, business partner, teacher or playmate. For some, a horse may evoke a sense of freedom, spirit, independence, nature or spirituality. There are so many aspects to horses. A rider can enjoy the peace and quiet of a long trail ride, get their heart pumping at a show, or sit out in the pasture and share secrets with their horse.
As the Equestrian Center Manager, I believe it is important to obtain a good relationship and develop good communication between a rider and their horse. More often than not, people tend to blame their horse for why they didn’t win, or why the horse didn’t behave right. Believe it or not, most of the time disappointing shows or training is due to human error. Horses are amazing because they put so much trust in their riders. They allow their rider to tie them up, strap a heavy saddle to their back, stick a metal bit in their mouth and climb on their back. Like any relationship, the best thing any horse rider can do is to connect with their horse and build trust. Once the horse and rider get on the same page and develop trust and good communication, any horse will run from the lightest kick, or stop on a dime with the slightest tug from the reins.
When I was learning to ride, my mentor would tell me, “Horsemanship is not a destination. It is a journey.” That is a saying that I carry with me every day. One of the most amazing aspects of riding horses is that every horse will challenge you and teach you something new. Even the best of the best horseman learn new things everyday from the many horses they get to ride.
George Strait said it right when he sang, “We ride and never worry about the fall; guess that’s just the cowboy in us all.” Horses teach us to never give up. That is a life lesson that applies to every day of a person’s life.
I hope to share my knowledge and expertise with the kids, teenagers and adults of Cordillera Ranch. I am working towards expanding the lesson program at the barn and getting kids more involved. I hope to hold a monthly get together at the barn, develop some competition and host Play Days, and teach kids and adults not only how to ride but how to work together with their horse. Caring for and riding horses is also a wonderful social activity! Some of the fondest memories are made side-by-side with a horse. Horses are a great way to teach kids how to manage responsibility, build teamwork, learn to overcome challenges, and, best of all, create a lasting friendship!
I have had so many wonderful opportunities and experiences since I began my journey with horses. I have competed in barrels and speed events, hunter jumper, horse judging, reining, cutting, and team roping. I have had the opportunity to work for a large animal vet where I assisted in surgeries, learned about wound care, and how to diagnose and treat many common illnesses. I have also worked as a ranch hand and assistant trainer on a horse breeding and training ranch here in Boerne! Throughout the years I have had 70+ students and trained over 3 dozen horses. I invite all of our members and their guests to join the horse lovers at the Equestrian Center! There are 7 beautiful and sweet horses to choose from for lessons, trail rides, and even to lease!
Our goal at the Equestrian Center is to teach horsemanship, equine safety, English and Western riding skills to children and adults to ensure a lifetime of pleasure around horses.
