The Riding Program

The Riding Program at Aspen Ranch is a stepped program, taking the students through a series of modules that include class work, stable work and riding.

Some students come to Aspen Ranch having never seen a horse, and others have been riding for years. Everyone starts with the basics, and then they can move through the program as slowly or quickly as they are willing or able.

All of the students start out riding bareback. This is a real challenge for many of them, even experienced riders. Their goal then becomes to get their saddle. In order to do that, they have to complete the Equine Safety packet, where the students learn how to be around the horses and how to handle the tack and barn equipment; and the Saddle packet, where the students can earn their saddle and begin learning more riding basics.

After earning their saddle, they move on to the Trail Rider packet. Here students learn more advanced riding skills such as leg cues - how to guide the horse just using the legs and feet. They can also learn to do some jumping. All students learn to ride both English and western style.

Once the students achieve a certain level on the ranch, they can go out on weekly trail rides. They also have the opportunity to do some real cowpunching because one of our staff has a herd of cows on the mountain. There are also scenic rides and campouts.

Finally, there are two very advanced modules that students can elect to complete. One is the Assistant Instructor packet, where the experienced student helps bring along newer students coming into the program. It's a chance for them to give back to the community. The other is the Trainer packet, where they actually learn to train a horse from scratch. They'll teach the horse to tolerate a halter, walk on a lead rope and take it all the way to riding it for herding, barrel racing and things like that.

All of the packets have therapeutic applications in addition to the practical and, dare we say, fun elements of the program.

The average length of stay for a student at Aspen Ranch is nine to 12 months, and most students can complete at least a good portion of the program in that time.

Based on an Interview with Scott Peterson, Aspen Ranch Equine Assisted Psychotherapist