The horse is an archetypal symbol which will always find ways to stir up deep and moving ancestral memories in every human being. —Paul Mellon

Instructor: Ms. Booth

The rasp of an old saddle, the musk of the animal, the joy of a slow walk through an aspen grove. The world looks better from the back of a horse. The Ute Indians of the Rockies once said, “The way to heaven is on horseback.”

Horseback riding is a mystical, powerful adventure. Let’s ride deep into rugged country, places where only horses can take us. In our modern chaotic world, it’s important to find ways to relax. Horseback riding can do that. Horses are a direct bond with nature that we can all share. When you ride a horse, you find both companionship and solitude at the same time.

Exciting Features

💪 Physical: We will take three epic trail rides in the East Mountains, along the Rio Grande, and in Santa Fe. When we ride, we develop all kinds of skills. Horseback riding is a two-way process. You can’t just sit back and do nothing, you must interact with the animal with physical and verbal cues. As a result, riding develops subtle communication skills. Riding also develops balance and coordination. Your core gets a workout, and you must stay focused on where your body is in space. After a long ride, the next day you can truly feel it, aches in muscles you didn’t know you had.

📔 Historical: Humans and horses have a long history together, a productive relationship that has lasted centuries. Before machines, horses were the machine, they were a power that helped pull our civilization together. Before cars, horses carried us across the land. We will explore their historical impact through film while we give our backsides a break.

🧠 Biological/Mental: There is something therapeutic about horseback riding. Studies have shown that we truly connect with the animal. Brain waves slow. We even change our breathing to match up with the horse. The slightest movement, a turn, the twitch of a muscle, it’s all communication. The horse understands without words. It’s a feedback loop, animal to animal, a real time relationship. We will connect with each other through comradery in volunteering at a local horse rescue and horse therapy locations.

Requirements

• Ability to relax and unwind by connecting with nature and each other.
• Ability to follow directions – any students who cannot behave properly around the horses will immediately be excused for the rest of the Discovery
• Comfortable clothing for riding (shoes, boots, pants, etc.), hat, and sunscreen.
• Physical ability to horseback ride for up to 2 hours.
• Must provide transportation to a few locations in the East Mountains and Running Horse Ranch.

⚠ Help Needed

At least 1 parent volunteer

Donations of snacks and water

💵 Cost: $400 (Includes: 3 trail rides (~2 hrs. each), two bus rides)