This barn and the teachers here have become a place my heart calls home. After several years off from riding, I was looking to get horses back in my life again, but had no interest in competitive sport and was searching for a journey with a teacher who takes a slower, more holistic approach to the partnership between human and horse.
New Moon Ranch focuses on truly understanding horse behavior and language to listen to what they have to tell us, and boy they have a lot to say. Horses are amazing teachers that can help us to understand ourselves, build trust, and grow confidence. The environment here is casual and I love the down-to-earth nature and the judgement-free sense of belonging. An emphasis is placed on natural horsemanship and the guidance to simply ride for pleasure (the low-pressure, fun part!). Many of the horses are ridden with bareback pads, which I've really really enjoyed using to practice balance. The barn itself is in a beautiful setting along the Huntington River, where the trickle of water, birds singing, and breeze on your face offers a sense of peace that seems harder and harder to find.
The instructors/owners Lotta and Hollister are great. They have a special way with horses and teaching you connection to the animal you're making a team with. They are confident in their methods and teach you to be aware of your own state of physical being and mental energy to be the best communicator and partner you can. The other riders in the barn are also sweet and welcoming. I have finally found some healing and more meaning and joy in riding again.
If this sounds like something you're interested in, I recommend these folks and trying out NMR. read more