Tru Horsemanship & Workshops - Cochrane, AB

06/09/2024

05/31/2024

A few shots of our awesome riders gaining confidence and strength as they progress….

05/12/2024

Hats off to Miss E who is 7 and started riding with me last October. She navigated obstacles and other riders like a pro - no hesitation, just smiles!

05/04/2024

Saddle up for an informative evening with Lauren Friedl, a top veterinarian from Moore Equine! Learn all about horse anatomy, essential husbandry tips (think feed, water, shelter, and hoof care), routine vet care, and how to handle emergencies like a pro.

🗓️ Wednesday, May 29, 2024
📍 County Hall
⏰ 6:30pm-8:30pm

This workshop is filling up fast, click here to register now ➡https://ow.ly/A3ce50RvY5Y

04/15/2024

I will have two or three exceptional riding horses available for a partial lease at our ranch. Lease includes everything you need, including tack, lessons and ample time to ride our 40 acres or attend clinics.

Only those who are willing to work with me and ensure safety and proper treatment of the horse and tack will be considered for this awesome opportunity.

Leases open to rider ages 10-99. Must have your own personal riding equipment, insurance and be willing to respect our privacy and expectations while on property. There is a three month minimum commitment.

We are a family owned and operated facility, and our main focus is on Western riding, horsemanship, mental health for both horse and rider, and physical/mental conditioning.

Plans for a heated indoor arena are progressing. Lease packages will depend on the horse, experience, lesson program, and desired time to ride weekly. We will taylor a program to suit your needs and budget.

We are located 12 minutes from downtown Cochrane.

04/15/2024

That split second when your heart horse is slowly walking away after an evening ride, and you look up and realize this is a photo that’s impossible to stage. Quickly, you open the camera app on your phone only to see this.

Still… Impossible to stage and once in a lifetime shot.

Kudos to my ultra good looking and completely devoid of any shame gelding Dante

04/13/2024

Special treat today… after many hours in the arena over the winter, we were able to get out and ride the trails!

04/07/2024

UPDATE : SOLD OUT
NEXT WORKSHOP SERIES IN JUNE

Adult Introduction to Horsemanship and Basics of Western Riding, starting in May!
SIGN UP: https://forms.gle/KhwPPDKWwmSRojGX6

Get out of the house and learn something about yourself and the incredible world of horses. Hands on with our experienced herd of equine teachers; learn about basic care, communication, handling and safety while you make memories and move about in the fresh air. Catching, saddling, bits and bridals, tying and intro to riding all included in this four week program. 2 hours each week. Max 6 clients - awesome with a friend or partner. Introductory price of $299 includes everything you need. Please pm for more details and time availabilities.

12 min from town.
Insured and experienced.
Fun, safe atmosphere.
Focus on safety and education.

Sonya Aven - certified EAL facilitator, 35 years experience riding and 5 years experience teaching horsemanship, certificate in counseling skills, 2000 hours practical training in counseling/ communication skills.
Sign up here: https://forms.gle/rJZXU5iqRUhWp3ga6

04/01/2024

https://www.cowboyshowcase.com/horse-terms.html

Cowboy's Glossary of Horse Terms

03/23/2024

We had such an amazing morning today! With the arrival of some of my horses from BC, our group had a lot of laughs and some learning.

Even parents got involved with a challenge to catch and halter the horses after they ran loose in the arena. The girls transformed themselves into coaches immediately, yelling out very helpful suggestions to the parents.

Plus, we welcomed our new junior assistant, Amy!

03/17/2024

https://www.facebook.com/stories/201042460586932/UzpfSVNDOjE2NzEwNjQxMzAzNjcyMjY=/?view_single=1&source=shared_permalink&mibextid=W9rl1R

03/09/2024

I won’t be at the barn this morning for lessons - please pm me or text to reschedule.

03/03/2024

Spring babies…. It’s wonderful to have animals around again!!!

01/09/2024

Mama and son got to ride together - I loved seeing Matheus show his mom some of the skills he’s working on!

12/09/2023

Are you missing someone… it’s been a few years of staggering loss for me and my kids. The horses are healers… I literally see people’s bodies and faces relax when they are in the presence of horses.

They bear witness and hold space in the most majestic of ancient ways.

“ Holding Space”
This painting by the amazing artist MJ’s Equine Art Studios, LLC who had lost her sister…..Maggie is the most amazing…. Raw …. Talented …. Beautiful soul❤️

This painting sums it up my grief more than I can put Into words…

This hit me like a brick wall when I seen Maggie’s post …. She calls this work of art …..”Holding Space”❤️💔
Head over to her page to order a print of this moving painting ❤️

This is where I was when I got the news that they found my sons , Kyler, body…
I was in my stallions (Shiners Got Swagger) , pen feeding hay…
I dropped in the feeder screaming in pain… and this horse ….. my Angel without wings….sat over me and nussled my hair … not scared of my emotions… and stayed with me till I could catch my breath…
Hard to believe the anniversary date of when Kyler passed is coming up so quickly, December 16th…. Same day my Dad passed away several years before Kyler… brings me a little peace knowing they are together ❤️💔

Sometimes in the quiet of the morning sunrise the reality hits like a brick wall that Kyler is truly gone…
It is easier to stay busy during the day to keep the waves of grief from washing over me…
But occasionally…a walk through the grocery store and seeing his favourite foods…
Or this time of year … seeing his favourite things that I always got him for Christmas presents… he loved new socks… cologne…. fuzzy soft pj pants…Knocks me to my knees and I have had to leave a store as I can’t fight back the tears…..
Time doesn’t heal Grief but I am learning how to carry grief a little more gracefully than I did in the beginning…

But as time goes by…I have also learned to not avoid “grief “ but to sit with it when it visits… embrace it…feel all the feels….allow the waves of tears…just don’t drown in them…and get up a little more gracefully then I did in the beginning and carry on with my day

I always thought grief and happiness were two totally separate emotions and you could only have one or the other
I Am now learning they can go hand in hand….
I am learning grief… and gratitude
can exist simultaneously…
The grief of loosing my son ….and also being grateful that I had him for 25 yrs…as many that have reached out to me have lost their children waaay younger 💔
Hope and heartache can live in the same space…..
The heartache of the reality he is really physically gone ….and then seeing the beautiful signs he gives me makes me feel a small amount of gratitude …
Sorrow and Joy can both be present sometimes both in the same breath….
Grateful for the 25 yrs I got to be his Mom… and grateful for the signs he still sends… just wish for one more hug… one more I love you Mom

For those of you grieving the loss of a loved one this holiday season…. I see you… I understand….I hold space for you…be kind to yourself… know that it is ok to not be ok… it’s ok to be sad…. It’s ok to be happy …. Be kind to yourself ❤️
For those of you who haven’t lost a loved one … please be patient with those of us who have… for you it may seem like for ever ago… but for us it is every day….

My wish for all of you is….
Make sure you hug your loved ones a little tighter … a lil longer…
Say the I Love you’s…
Make the phone call..
Don’t take time for granted…
Live your life to the fullest
Be kind…. Always be kind… you have no idea the hell a person might be going through…

This artist captured what I couldn’t put Into words… Maggie you are AMAZING ❤️

12/09/2023

Lovely morning with some incredible ladies - excellent riding, everyone! ❤️❤️

12/06/2023

Lessons done for the day! Finished with a super couple who are preparing to buy their own horses and want to get the basics down - they rocked it tonight. From catching in the field to saddling and liberty work to understanding pressure and release.

12/03/2023

I am LOVING being back in the arena! Working with some amazing new horse enthusiasts and seeing huge progress. I still have a Saturday morning spot for an adult and a Tuesday afternoon spot open… other times might be worked in as well.

11/30/2023

Huge thanks for your support! We’ve seen amazing progress in both our big and little riders! Confidence is soaring, muscles are building and new memories and new ways of being brave are all developing

11/23/2023

I have a slot open to ride with Rosa Tuesdays at 2 pm.
⭐️ Perfect ⭐️ way for some self care, exercise and decreasing stress while developing a new skill!
(You did amazing today, Rosa!)