Horseback Riding Lessons for individuals, groups or day camps for children at Saddle Soar Ranch
Saddle Soar Ranch is a proud member of the Certified Horsemanship AssociationSaddle Soar Ranch is proud to be an Accredited Site Member of the CHA.

CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) was founded in 1967 to develop a means to test and evaluate riding program staff for risk management skills, teaching ability, horsemanship knowledge and professionalism.

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 We have been teaching at this location for over 13 years
 and we specialize in Teen and Adult Beginning Riders
 Call Today For Your First Lesson ~ (253) 927-6899
Gift Certificates Available!
Call 253-927-6899 to order one today!

Individual or group horseback riding lessons are available. Call today for more info! Meet the Instructors
Owner/Instructor
Darleen Finnigan
CHA & ARIA
Certified Instructors
Bill Finnigan CHA
Laura Pauls
-- Saddle Soar Ranch Handy Tips --
"What Is Horseback Riding?"
To the inexperienced, riding a horse seems very simple and undemanding in the efforts or skill. It is often thought that "anyone" can ride a horse, just get on and let the horse do the work. Sadly, many long time horseback riders still feel this way, and because of this, there are thousands of sore-backed, overworked, broken spirited horses used and over-used among horse owners and "dude-ranch" owners. There are also many older riders who, because of poor riding balance and posture, find they have sore backs and other body parts (as do their horses) after even brief rides.

A skilled horseback rider, whether English or Western, learns to use his body in a balanced, rhythmic manner working with the horses' movements and helps the horse understand the desires of the rider. The balance part of riding is of utmost necessity, enabling the horse to move and perform well, the rhythm makes it possible for this balance to keep steady.

Therefore, Saddle Soar Ranch instructors teach with these goals (in progressive order):
  1. Safety for rider around and on the horse.
  2. Safety and comfort for the horse.
  3. Correct communication with the horse, using five
    body parts: voice, eyes, hands, seat and legs.
  4. Balance and posture in riding with the horse.
  5. Riding in rhythm with the horse.
  6. Directing the horse to the rhythm you want.
    (This final goal is often only attained after many
    years of practice with the first 5 goals.)

A person starting riding lessons, even with years of unsupervised riding, can find they require just as much instruction because they often bring with them incorrectly learned habits (creating pain for horse and rider eventually) which requires much discipline to change.

Because of the above goals, Saddle Soar Ranch has the motto "Helping the Horse by Educating the Rider" so that both horse and rider can indeed feel as if they are "soaring in the saddle" when they are riding.

 Lesson Times:
 Monday-Friday...2 p.m. - 9 p.m.
 Saturdays..........9 a.m. to Noon
 Closed on Sundays
 Summers:
 June - August....some morning classes available depending
 on the instructors availability.
 Special party groups planned per private arrangements
 for prices and times.
 Rates: ~fees are subject to change without notice~
 Cash or Checks ONLY. We cannot accept either
 credit cards or debit cards at this time.
 *Price rates do not apply to children under 10 years of
 age. Please inquire at 253-927-6899. Closed on Sundays.

 There is a one time enrollment and orientation fee of
 $40.00 for all new or returning students. This fee covers
 the advance session held before riding lessons begin to
 review safety and policy procedures with students and
 student's parents.
 Private: Four 1 hour lessons.......$160.00 per month

 *Semi-Private or **Group Rate:
    please read * notations below the prices for these classes.
    2 - 4 students in each 1 hour class.
   Four hours per month.......$120.00 per each student
   in the group
  *There can be no make-up classes or schedule changes
    unless by the instructor for holidays.
    There will be no credit given for missed classes in the
    Group Classes.

 **New and returning students must start in private
      lessons FIRST.

 Horsemanship 101: 1 eight hour class.
  Saturday seminar. Hours: 9 - 5:30.
  Held once a year in the Spring.......$75.00
  Children 14 and under must be accompanied with
  parent or legal adult in class.

 

 Our facilities offer an outdoor arena with lights for evening classes and a pea-gravel footing.
 We are located in Edgewood WA, 5 miles south of Federal Way and 4 miles north of Puyallup.
 See MAP for directions to our ranch.
 Please come and visit our facilities and view a lesson in progress!

 Call for an appointment - 253-927-6899. Closed on Sundays

 11810 County Line Rd. E.
 Edgewood/Puyallup
 WA 98372
 (253) 927-6899 [Office Hours are Monday - Friday ~ Noon - 8 p.m.]