Foundations of Horsemanship
At Silver Oak Stables, we believe that the foundation of a successful riding school is built on horsemanship, groundwork, and a comprehensive education on horse health and wellbeing. Our philosophy centers around the holistic care and keeping of horses, ensuring that both horses and humans thrive in a safe, respectful, and nurturing environment.
Our unmounted horsemanship lessons offer a unique opportunity for students in Sonoma County to connect with horses on a deeper level. Horses are much more than sporting equipment; they are incredibly empathetic creatures with complex social and emotional lives. They have their own needs and desires, and when we attune to our horses, we create a deeper bond. Whether your goal is to spend quality time together or to partner in equestrian sports, understanding your horse on a personal level is key.
Traditional riding schools often focus solely on the mechanics of riding, sometimes overlooking the many hours of care needed to maintain and nurture our horses as individual beings. Taking the time to get to know each horse, learning how they express their wants, needs, and emotions, is a wonderful journey that enriches our connection with them and helps us grow as equestrians. This practice builds trust, empathy, and compassion, and enhances our non-violent communication skills, which we can also apply to our human relationships.
Our unmounted horsemanship lessons are designed to provide a way for people of all abilities to experience the joy of horsemanship. Whether you face physical, emotional, or mental limitations, we provide a safe and welcoming environment for you to learn and enjoy the companionship of horses.
What you can expect: each week, you will gather with a small group of students and horses to learn the art of horsemanship through structured unmounted lessons. We use a curriculum called HorseSense Learning Levels that provides a clear path of learning objectives for you to advance through each level of training.
Once a month, you are also given the option to attend a group playday with the horses where we play games, go on walks, or even have a casual potluck.
Join us in creating a warm, understanding bond with these magnificent animals, and experience the many gifts they have to offer.
Learning Levels Curriculum
We use the HorseSense Learning Levels curriculum, which provides a structured progression plan for each student.
It gives students clear, achievable milestones.
It gives instructors, students and parents a way to measure achievement outside of the show ring.
Students who aren't able to ride can still have unmounted learning goals and rewards.
It encourages students to devote time to fundamentals, flatwork, and their unmounted education, all of which are an important part of our philosophy on horsemanship.
Students in group lessons easily form bonds with other students and encourage each other to learn.
It helps both students and parents understand requirements for advancement.