Blue Heron Ranch offers 'Horsense - Educating Humans for Horses'. Owner and instructor, Randee Fox, and her horses have worked together as a team since 1997 to create a progressive and education-based horsemanship program teaching people the joys of handling, riding, caring for and loving horses.

This fun, rewarding and methodical approach is used to teach all ages (8 and up) about horses. All equestrians start on the ground, learning how to communicate safely and be a leader for the horse, determining the gaits of the horse and the sequence of the hoof patterns as well as the rhythms of the gaits. Students are taught to safely handle, lead, groom, saddle and bridle the horses. Then through lunge line exercises (like Yoga on horseback) students are taught to find their balanced seat in the saddle. Then slowly, at their own pace, they learn to ride independently handling their horse teachers properly, safely, and respectfully. After students can safely handle the horses in the arena there are trail ride lesson options since there are miles of trails from the ranch. Horsense uses classical riding techniques with western equipment and direct reining (using both hands). Riders learn to cue the horses with voice, mind and body cues.

Rates: 4-lesson package $240.00 on first lesson.
Lessons are generally weekly.
For more information contact Randee Fox at randee@randeefox.com

NIA! EQUESTRIAN FITNESS PROGRAM: Nia is an excellent fitness practice for equestrians. Increase your core strength, cardiovascular fitness, flexibility, balance and strength. Offered by Certified Nia teacher and riding instructor, Randee Fox. For weekly schedule go to Moving Arts Page.

The Nia Technique on horseback: Sense your body, sense the horse's body, improve your rhythm, your horse's cadence, your riding fitness level and your communication skills. Using the principles of The Nia Technique, you'll learn to connect more deeply to your body, mind, emotions and spirit thus connecting into the magic and power of horses. Private lessons and workshops for all levels of riders, even non-riders who are curious about horses. For more information about this exciting approach contact Randee at randee@niaseattle.com or for The Nia Technique info go to Moving Arts page.