Rides with Skye

01/14/2025

In regards to the last post, here is a clear explanation of what this act will do.

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8FuDofJ/

01/14/2025

All my horse lovers, friends, trainers, barn mates, students, etc. This is the link to the petition to remove the rules being set in place by the "Horse Protection Act". You will not be allowed to use FLY SPRAY or LINIMENT at any shows. No padded shoes, wedges, etc. This does not apply to rodeo or races, but I know so many who show English disciplines that it does apply to.

Western Justice Legislative Fund is a membership-based 501(c)(4) Nonprofit organization engaging in political action to preserve and protect the western lifestyle, livelihood and events. ​

01/03/2025

Lessons will be canceled 1/4 through 1/7 due to low temps. Please remember that if temps or windchill is below 20°, I will cancel. Lessons will not need to be paid due to weather. Weather is out of anyone's control.

01/03/2025

Happy new year students, parents, and future students! This month we are doing a package deal, 8 lessons for $200. Lessons normally run $30 each. Please reach out if you are wanting lessons for yourself, sibling, friend, or child.

12/28/2024

Lesson and lease contract renewal will be available 1/2/25. I will be reaching out to everyone for 2025 contracts then!

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas from the OG lesson pony, Vixie!

12/13/2024

I have seen lots of nervous and scared students, and I have seen them achieve the parts they are nervous and scared of. That smile and confidence boost is why I teach beginners.

12/05/2024

Friendly reminder that I will call lessons if wind chill is 20° F or below and/or actual temperature is 20° F or below. That is too old for myself, horses, and students. Lessons can be made up on a warmer day, even on non-lesson days (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday).

Also, I no longer offer 6pm lessons and will not offer 6pm lessons going forward. This decision was made in July after the tornado.

11/30/2024

I will be canceling lessons trough Monday! It will be too cold to ride. I do not want anyone getting frostbite and I do not want the horses to hurt. Lessons will resume Tuesday.

11/21/2024

We will not have closures this year for holidays. If you have lessons scheduled that fall on a holiday, they will not need changed. If you wish to change the day of that lesson, please let me know as soon as possible.

10/28/2024

Lesson horses are not your top of the line show jumper, fastest racer, cowiest rancher, or even your national champion. Lesson horses are often frowned upon in big shows, breed shows, and at the professional level. But why? Because they didn't make the cut to be considered great by the pros. But what the pros seem to also forget is that lesson horse is where they started. A majority of riders and equine professionals started with a lesson pony who wasn't the top winning horse. Lesson horses are the best at being gentle for the little ones, the best at understanding and forgiving mistakes, the best at being your best friend. Lesson horses are special.

Vixie, my main lesson pony, will never be a top of the line anything. She has medical issues, she has poor breeding, and she truly is a walking vet bill. But she is the best at taking care of her students, even if she is being spicy. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body. She does challenge students at times, but those challenges are the best learning opportunities! She is the best lesson horse I've trained because of how she teaches her students. My job is to help the students give her the correct cues and sit properly, she does the rest of the teaching.

10/24/2024

Horsemanship lessons giveaway. This is for 1 in person beginner lesson. We are in Lincoln, NE. To enter for the giveaway, comment what your favorite thing about horses is or your favorite horse (living or past). Winner will be announced Oct 31st 1pm CST. No horse experience necessary. Message us with any questions.

10/23/2024

I have gotten a lot of people asking "what horse should I buy?" I always say, do not buy until you are ready and know what you are doing.
How? Talk to local trainers who won't jump down your throat to buy this horse from them today. See if you can learn what goes into feeding, costs of feeding, vet and farrier expenses, trailer upkeep, hay differences and costs. Also talk about different breeds and what you want a horse for.
Why? Horses are expensive. Upkeep is expensive. Equipment for them is expensive. You also need to do you research on breeds that would best suit what you are wanting to accomplish, do, ride, etc.
What? You will need buckets, hay, pitchforks, bucket hooks or straps, a trailer or good relationship with someone with a trailer, vet, farrier, bedding, a place to keep a horse (1+acre), first aide kit, shelter, halter and lead, scissors, knife, grooming kit, and an adequate water source just to start. That is for horses who do not work or ride. There is so much more for horses to work, drive, or ride.
When? Never. There really never is the best time to buy a horse. Opportunity just knocks and you need to know if now is a good time to invest. Horses are an investment, most of the time they never pay out. You need to have everything you need before purchasing.

10/19/2024

I will be challenging my students balance in November! Each lesson will have a stretch where students will be asked to drop their stirrups. No stirrups November is almost here!

Dropping stirrups helps the students find balance and use their legs/thighs how they should. Too many people use stirrups to balance when they need to use their thighs, seat, and core (I have been guilty of this). This will be done in short bursts during a lesson, not done for the whole lesson. Students will be sore either later in the day or the following day, this is to be expected. They are using muscles they do not normally use when they have stirrups. I even get sore on leg day!

10/04/2024

💥RAFFLE💥
This year I will be raffling off a Helmet and winter riding gloves. The helmet and gloves will be ordered to size once I draw a winner. This can be for a child rider or adult rider! The helmet will be an Ovation brand helmet and gloves will vary depending on size. Once spots are purchased there will not be an option for refunds even if you don't win. This raffle is being put on solely by myself with no sponsorship. Spots are $10 each and I have 15 spots. Once all 15 spots are filled, I will draw a winner! The winner will need to provide their shipping address, so their items can be directly shipped to them! Photos are stock photos, product may vary slightly based on preference and size.
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10/02/2024

Lesson giveaway! This is for a half month tuition (4 lessons). These will be beginner lessons for ages 6+ for active and current students. I will draw the winner on Halloween day!
To enter:
1. Like this original post
2. Comment your favorite lesson horse in our program!
3. Share our program with your friends!
4.2 free entries for every friend who signs up for a lesson.
5. New students get 1 entry.

Active and current student need not purchase any extra lessons. New students need to purchase at minimum 1 lesson. Tiny tot lessons are not included in the giveaway. Lessons are $30 each normally with monthly tuition of $200 (8 lessons). Giveaway lessons will be redeemable between November 2024 to March 2025. The indoor arena allows us to ride all winter.

10/02/2024

On November 2nd, we will be hosting a fun show at the barn after lessons! All students are welcome to participate with either Valor or Vixie. We will have a Costume contest, Spooky Trail, and Paint your pony! This will be potluck style, so bring a side or treat with you.
Please RSVP with myself by October 25th so we can have enough prizes.

10/01/2024

It's spooky season! My favorite! Keep an eye on my page for a ton of happenings this month. We will be giving away a lesson package, hosting a fun fall game day, and there may be a chance to win a new riding helmet with winter riding gloves!
Stay tuned and stay spooky!