Big Star Ranch, Inc.





How is Big Star different than other programs?



It is more than riding. It is more than working with a horse. What about the environment? Is it safe? Am I safe?

Questions horses ask all the time are the very same questions many humans have on their mind.


At Big Star is is more than just riding. At Big Star Ranch, we provide an environment that is conducive for learning. People (and horses) learn when they feel safe, so our first goal is to help our student understand how horses think, why they do what they do, and how to become a "partner" with their horse. This involves building trust, quiet confidence, clear communication, self control and awareness.


Working with horses offers so many benefits. We tailor your experience here at Big Star Ranch to meet your specific needs and goals. Most of our sessions are private, allowing you to grow and develop your skills, and enjoy the ride at your own pace.


You'll be learning a new language. The language of "horse" is fascinating and will actually give you better communication skills for your everyday life.





Equine Therapy...
where the horse is the therapist



At Big Star Ranch, Equine therapy is all about providing a special place and private time for those who are experiencing behavioral, emotional, learning and/or physical challenges.


Science has proven working can provide many benefits cognitively, emotionally, behaviorally, socially and physically. All ages enjoy our well trained horses and horsemanship instructor who will work with a student on their specific goals and needs. Students over age 6 are welcome. Anyone who is under the care of a doctor will be considered a horse therapy lesson.





SERVICES





Children/Teens: Ages 8 to 18



Activities and lessons are designed to be fun, educational and always with a focus on safety.


Many parents and grandparents bring their children because they know how powerfully horses can impact a young person, and help them develop in countless ways.


We have seen children overcome fears, improve grades, become better communicators, develop leadership skills, instill self confidence, build core strength, improve muscle tone and balance, and much more. Investing in our young people is the best investment we'll ever make!


We offer individual private lessons and seasonally will offer small group lessons when appropriate.


Home School, Bible Themed, Character and Leadership Development.





ADULTS:
19 and over



People come to Big Star Ranch for many reasons. Some are looking to overcome fear or heal from trauma.


Others come because they've always wanted to learn how to ride but didn't want to prepare for competition.


What we hear most often from our adult students is the appreciation they have for our quiet environment and encouraging ways of teaching.


They enjoy learning at their own pace and ability level.


We have students of all ages at Big Star Ranch!


We place a high value on relationship building with the horses and each other.


Many of our students also become volunteers!



Horse 101:
A beginners course to all things horse



This is a fun and educational

8-week course designed to introduce someone to horses.


We cover a broad variety of topics and always include some hands on learning with a horse or pony.


At the end of 8 lessons you will know how to be safe around horses, how they think and see, how to approach, halter and lead, understand types of saddles, riding skills and more.


This is a great way to start and also makes a great gift for the horse lover in your family.


This can be offered as an individual lesson plan or small group course.



Natural Horsemanship Ground Skills
and Riding



These are our progressive and on-going lessons where your skills and abilities will continue to develop.


We cover many topics as there is so much to learn about horses.


For those who want to some day own a horse of their own, we can teach you the daily activities that will help you along the way.


For those who just love learning and riding, we will enjoy watching you progress into a marvelous horse communicator and rider.




Therapeutic Riding/ Body Strengthening and Exercise



The sport of horseback riding has long been seen as fun and recreational, but studies are showing the many benefits the human body can derive from riding horses.


Their unique movement can stimulate and strengthen muscles, release stress and make us smile like no gym or physical therapy session experience could ever do!


If you need to build core strength, increase balance and coordination, and like to have some adventure, this is the way to do it!



Rising Stars: Equine Assisted Personal and Leadership Development



Small group sessions with course material to help our students develop in areas such as: identifying options, problem solving techniques, non-verbal communication skills, setting boundaries, "reading" others, appropriate responses to pressure and self control.


Horses are prey animals and people are predators. With these dynamics in place, horses can teach us humans a lot about ourselves and building safe relationships.


Student's participation in this course is Horse 101 and approval of the instructor. This is an 8-Week Series with 3 Phases. It makes a great Home School Class!



HEART Series (Human/Equine Awareness and Relationship Training)



In our HEART series, we help our students develop a greater sense of awareness, so that they can better relationships.


The horses communicate in very subtle ways, using tails and ears, head height and attitude. Learning how to read the horse helps our student develop a sense of awareness with the people in their lives too.


We cover topics that include communicating with respect, looking out for others, leadership, trust, how to be a safe person, and developing clear communication skills both verbally and non-verbally.






Team Building
and Special Training Events



Our Team Building events are two to four hours of fun!


They incorporate old fashioned horse and barn activities into communication lessons that will last a lifetime!


Appropriate for teen groups, work groups, sales people, corporate teams, office work groups, ice-breakers for new groups.





bigstarranch@gmail.com
(503)913-8680



Big Star Ranch, Inc.