Connection First Horsemanship

11/13/2025

Lease horses available at Starbird ranch!

Come enjoy an ALL-INCLUSIVE opportunity to “own” a horse, engage in weekly education on the ground and in the saddle, and enjoy developing a connection with a horse… just MINUS the endless financial pit of horse ownership! 🤩

Whether your goals are in dressage, trails, liberty and Bridleless riding, western sports, or a little bit of each, Starbird ranch has versatile horses who are happy, knowledgeable, and engaged learners. Our lease program includes a process of matching you to the horse that will best suit your goals, but also that will meet you in your work to develop a bond and partnership.

Each lease includes:
🐴 A horse with solid education both on the ground and under saddle — maintained through ongoing professional training so you can enjoy learning without constant roadblocks.
🐴 Use of quality tack and equipment
🐴 Independent study and practice time
🐴 Regular instruction and guidance tailored to your goals (1 lesson per week with option to add additional lessons)

Flat monthly rate: $900 — everything included.
Enjoy the full experience of having your “own” horse without the financial burden or unpredictability of ownership. Your lease horse will receive all necessary vet, farrier, nutritional care, daily care, and regular training to maintain and advance skills.

Enjoy our year-round facility! We have a covered arena, two round pens, large pasture space to ride in open fields, riding paths on property, and access to trails less than a mile down the street!

This is a complete, worry-free lease experience — so you can simply show up, learn, and enjoy. No surprise expenses. No endless financial sinkhole. Just connection, progress, and joy in partnership 🤩

Reach out with any questions!
Limited availability for dedicated, growth-minded riders ready to take the next step in their horsemanship journey.

*there is no guarantee of immediate match with lease horse. Horses are leased based on goodness-of-fit. We can provide education in preparation for a lease if necessary in order to create a safe and happy partnership.

07/27/2025

LAST CHANCE TO ATTEND A CLINIC WITH LINDA PARELLI!

Linda Parelli is coming to Starbird ranch for a clinic on August 2nd and 3rd! The rider slots are all full, but auditors are welcome!!

Linda’s new curriculum is a game-changer in the world of horsemanship. Horsemanship has not evolved in many years… until now. Linda has spearheaded a dramatic pivot and fresh approach to cultivating happy horses/athletes/partnerships. Her teaching is simplistic yet profound, making learning easy, and yielding rapid success. You and your horse are guaranteed to connect in new ways that will support your relationship when you hit the trails, enter the dressage court or jump course, head out to move cows, or wherever you and your horse find yourselves!

Through her unique blend of psychology, biomechanics, and empowering teaching techniques, Linda guides you toward rapid change, empowered leadership, and a more connected and harmonious partnership.

As a personable and empowering teacher and mentor, Linda brings a fresh, powerful approach that focuses on quality, communication, and leadership — allowing you and your horse to grow together in ways you never thought possible.

Whether you attend as a rider or an auditor, you’ll walk away with new insight and inspiration to fuel your training and partnership development.

Don’t miss this opportunity — the results are truly amazing when you learn to communicate and connect on a whole new level!

Please reach out via Facebook messenger or text (515-975-9261) to secure your auditor slot!

Early registration auditor fee: $100 for a full weekend of auditing!
Day of auditor fee: $120 for the full weekend.

We look forward to seeing you all and hosting you at Starbird ranch!

07/11/2025

For those planning to attend our upcoming clinic with Linda Parelli - please complete this brief form!

Hi all! We can’t wait to see you all at the clinic! Please complete this form before attending the clinic as a rider or auditor!

07/10/2025

Rainy days at Starbird Ranch 🌟

07/07/2025

Come ride with Linda Parelli at Starbird Ranch! Only 2 slots left!!

Linda’s new curriculum is a game-changer in the world of horsemanship. Horsemanship has not evolved in many years… until now. Linda has spearheaded a dramatic pivot and fresh approach to cultivating happy horses/athletes/partnerships. Her teaching is simplistic yet profound, making learning easy, and yielding rapid success. You and your horse are guaranteed to connect in new ways that will support your relationship when you hit the trails, enter the dressage court or jump course, head out to move cows, or wherever you and your horse find yourselves!

Through her unique blend of psychology, biomechanics, and empowering teaching techniques, Linda guides you toward rapid change, empowered leadership, and a more connected and harmonious partnership.

As a personable and empowering teacher and mentor, Linda brings a fresh, powerful approach that focuses on quality, communication, and leadership — allowing you and your horse to grow together in ways you never thought possible.

This clinic is designed for those who want to:

✅ Develop a deep, clear connection with their horse — on the ground and in the saddle
✅ Improve their ability to “talk horse” and become a more effective, compassionate leader
✅ Quickly solve problems you may be facing with your horse
✅ Experience the transformation that comes from understanding horse psychology and horse behavior/communication, and improving rider biomechanics.

Whether you attend as a rider or an auditor/spectator, you’ll walk away with new insight and inspiration to fuel your training and partnership development.

Don’t miss this opportunity — the results are truly amazing when you learn to communicate and connect on a whole new level.

Rider slots are limited to maintain an intimate and individualized rider experience! RSVP as soon as possible to ensure your slot!

When: August 2 - 3, 9am-4pm.

Cost: $650/person

Auditor fee: $100/person for access to full weekend of auditing. Please reserve in advance as space is limited.

Venue details:
Starbird Ranch - 21040 Starbird road, Mount Vernon, WA, 98274

Stalls or Turnout Pen available: limited space available for overnight horses (all stalls and paddock are first come first serve). Paddocks (can hold 2 horses) and stalls are available for $100 per horse for the clinic weekend. Please bring your own hay and shavings.

Camping/Staying onsite: There is no hook up available onsite, but if you have you are self-sufficient you are welcome to stay onsite, this needs to be pre-arranged with Elia/Collin.

Food: light snacks, water, and coffee/tea will be available onsite! Please make sure you bring your own lunch, snacks and anything else you might need. There is a fantastic winery that serves lunch less than a mile down the road, and lovely lunch and dinner options in downtown Mount Vernon (12 min drive north).

Auditing: spectators are welcome, and will be invited to join in simulations on the ground and discussions. Chairs and benches are provided so you don’t need to bring your own, however if you have one you prefer you are very welcome to bring your own.

Dogs: We LOVE dogs! But are sorry to say that we do not allow dogs at the clinics.

06/17/2025

Linda Parelli is coming to Mount Vernon, WA for a 2-day intensive clinic!!

Don’t Miss This Opportunity to Learn from Linda Parelli at Starbird Ranch!

Linda’s new curriculum is a game-changer in the world of horsemanship. Horsemanship has not evolved in many years… until now. Linda has spearheaded a dramatic pivot and fresh approach to cultivating happy horses/athletes/partnerships. Her teaching is simplistic yet profound, making learning easy, and yielding rapid success. You and your horse are guaranteed to connect in new ways that will support your relationship when you hit the trails, enter the dressage court or jump course, head out to move cows, or wherever you and your horse find yourselves!

Through her unique blend of psychology, biomechanics, and empowering teaching techniques, Linda guides you toward rapid change, empowered leadership, and a more connected and harmonious partnership.

As a personable and empowering teacher and mentor, Linda brings a fresh, powerful approach that focuses on quality, communication, and leadership — allowing you and your horse to grow together in ways you never thought possible.

This clinic is designed for those who want to:

✅ Develop a deep, clear connection with their horse — on the ground and in the saddle
✅ Improve their ability to “talk horse” and become a more effective, compassionate leader
✅ Quickly solve problems you may be facing with your horse
✅ Experience the transformation that comes from understanding horse psychology and horse behavior/communication, and improving rider biomechanics.

Whether you attend as a rider or an auditor/spectator, you’ll walk away with new insight and inspiration to fuel your training and partnership development.

Don’t miss this opportunity — the results are truly amazing when you learn to communicate and connect on a whole new level.

Rider slots are limited to maintain an intimate and individualized rider experience! RSVP as soon as possible to ensure your slot!

When: August 2 - 3, 9am-4pm.

Cost: $650/person

Auditor fee: $100/person for access to full weekend of auditing

🌟🌟

06/03/2025

Lease Your Dream Horse This Summer

Step into your horse dream—without the hassle. Located in Mount Vernon, WA!

What’s Included:

✨ A weekly lesson tailored to your personal goals and the relationship you’re building with your lease horse.
🐎 Time to practice and enjoy riding with your lease horse at our stunning facility, featuring a covered arena, round pens, and lush onsite trails and meadows.
🌲 Adventure-ready trail access down the road at the beautiful Pilchuck Tree Farm.

You get to show up, ride, connect, and grow—without the stress of horse ownership.

Our horses are highly educated, responsive to light aids, trained in liberty and riding, and deeply value connection in everything they do. They are ready to meet you where you’re at.

What’s Not Included:
Vet bills, feeding, farrier visits, daily care, or any of the unexpected (and expected) responsibilities that usually come with horse ownership.

Just ride. Just play. Just connect.

Come live your horse dream this summer—minus the hassle.

04/29/2025

Is your horse truly connected?

Join us for a Mini Lesson on Connection and discover the difference between a horse that shows up for feed—and one that shows up for you.

Many riders hit a wall in their horsemanship journey because we show up and speak human… but our horses speak horse! In this quick, powerful session, you’ll learn how to shift your conversation and finally connect in a way your horse understands.

You’ll discover:
• How to ask your horse for connection
• How to build connection
• How to read connection in your horse

Our Three Keys to Connection can transform your relationship in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re into trail riding, dressage, liberty work, or just enjoy hanging with your pasture friend, deeper connection means a more willing, excited, and joyful athlete and partner.

Why wait? Join us—and leave with a happier horse, athlete, and friend. Guaranteed.

Spots are limited—RSVP for your slot today!
30-minute mini lessons

WHEN: Saturday, May 10th
To reserve a slot, message us your top 2 preferred times (listed below)! Spots are reserved with a $10 deposit.

10
10:45
11:30
12:15

1:45
2:30
3:15
4

WHERE: Starbird Ranch in Mount Vernon, WA
COST: $50/lesson slot

04/28/2025

Collin with Chester - the horse who raised him 🤩

04/22/2025

On our days off…. we pack up the kids and head to the island 😍