Working hard to bring out the best in you and your horse.
About Us
As a graduate of the nationally recognized University of Findlay's Western Equestrian Studies Baccalaureate program, Jessica Pickford has over 17 years of experience in formal riding instruction and 20 years experience in training. The levels of riding lessons offered range from beginner rider who has never been on a horse, to the advanced showman looking to sharpen up. Jessica has led riders to multiple State championships, as well as gaining recognition at the AQHA Novice Championship Show, the AQHYA Youth World Championship, and the AQHA Congress.
Showing
Areas of disciplines offered for horses in training and riders coming for lessons specialize in the all-around events, such as Showmanship, Western Pleasure, Horsemanship, Hunter Under saddle, English Equitation and Trail.
Lessons
Focus is put on not only helping the rider develop their skills in horseback riding, but also developing a better connection with their equine partner as well as developing responsibility, knowledge of the horse and many other areas.
Our Facility
Our riding facilities include a 100' x 60' indoor arena that uses a combination of natural and incandescent lighting. It also features a seating area for friends and family to sit comfortably while you ride either in the arena or a heated viewing area outside of the arena.
Also available is a 100' x 100' outdoor arena with sand/rubber combination footing, both are regularly groomed, for optimal traction and reduced wear on your horse's joints.
Daily turnout in ideal weather is offered to horses alone or in carefully selected groups on grass pastures or dry lots. Fencing is all safe board fencing, no climb mesh wire and/or braided rope.
Horses are turned out daily in good weather, and stalled nightly. The barn features large box stalls, that are cleaned daily. All have rubber mats, plenty of bedding, a box fan in the summer and a heated water bucket in the winter.
Some stalls have windows looking outside to allow for fresh air and natural light to get in to each stall. Most stalls also have bar partitions between them to allow for more ventilation and air flow, as well as normal equine socialization, while others can have a solid wall to separate less social horses.
All horses are fed hay one half hour prior to feeding grain as to allow for a healthier GI tract. Body scoring is done regularly so as to always maintain a healthy weight on every horse. We feed quality grass and alfalfa hay and Buckeye feeds, but if you wish, we are willing to feed a different mix or supplements to your horse that you provide.
Services Offered
Training:
Main areas of expertise are Western Pleasure, Hunter Under Saddle and Trail, but also include Ranch Riding, Showmanship, and other pattern work. All horses in training receive 5 workouts per week, a stall at night and day turnout, hay, grain, supplement and blanket changing care if provided.
Training will cover specific disciplines as well as:
•Breaking out
•Desensitizing
•Pattern work
•Ground manners
• Leading
•Lunging
•Trailer loading
•Clipping
•Tying
We are very flexible to fit any other unique needs of clients.
Weekly lessons are included in the training price for the specific horse in training. Our philosophy, is if your horse is sent home trained, but you're not trained as well, all the work is worthless! We do ask to have at least the first week to work with your new horse alone to get to know it better first. Owners are still more than welcome to come and watch to see what their horse is learning during these times.