VanOosten Show Horses

03/17/2025

✨HORSE RIDING LESSONS✨
We offer horse riding lessons for all ages, and teach disciplines such as western, huntseat, and saddleseat. We will cover all basics from taking care of the horse to basic everyday riding or even to show ring ready riding. Whatever you need we can help!

If you are interested or have any questions please contact us.
Holly:616-299-0227

01/25/2025

It’s hard as a trainer not to get caught up in progression when horses are only here for a month. Push, push, push to get the most out of them.

Especially when starting a horse we can get caught up in them being able to do a certain amount in a months time.

Here’s a secret though, the best trainers won’t push your horse to do the “most” in a month, instead they will build your horses confidence, teach them the steps they need, and also give them the mental breaks they need.

If a horse gets something perfect when I’m working with them it’s not uncommon for me to step off and put them away right there. I recently had a horse that could NOT get his right lead, instead of trying over and over again I worked on fundamentals every day and didn’t even ask for him to lope. One day I asked for his lope to the right and he got it right away. This was only about 10 mins into our ride and I STEPPED OFF and put him away. The next ride was amazing he got his lead every time I asked.

The benefit to training this way is that you are building a mentally sounder horse. It’s really just the cliche saying “live in the present” don’t be concerned about what you need to accomplish in a certain amount of time, instead stay in the present training session. Focus on what your working on for the day and you might accomplish even more then you imagined. Pc

01/06/2025

"A well-trained horse is like a fine-tuned instrument, but you still have to learn to be a musician."

This quote emphasizes the crucial role of rider skill in horse training. A well-trained horse is only as good as the rider's ability to communicate effectively and bring out its best qualities.

As riders, we must continually develop our skills, balance, and timing to get the most out of our horses. This requires a combination of technical knowledge, physical ability, and mental focus.

The art of horse training is a complex process that involves both horse and rider. By recognizing the importance of rider skill and continually working to improve our abilities, we can achieve better results and build stronger partnerships with our horses.

~ 24K
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01/01/2025

✨Happy new year!!!✨

12/25/2024

12/25/2024

🎄Merry Christmas to our family to yours🎄

11/28/2024

Happy thanksgiving from our family to yours!

11/25/2024

It’s that time of the year again! Contact us today to get a gift card to gift to your horse crazy loved one and come join our team!!

10/30/2024

Everyone is home a recovering from a fantastic and tiring weekend at the 2024 ICCF Halloweekend horse show. We had many new teams and many new rider to the show world. Bristol and Ashtyn showed A Lovely Expression in saddle seat and had great rides especially being Bristol’s first horse show, Ashtyn and Bristol did the costume class dressed as ghosts. Zoe and Felicia showed Concho’s Kiddy in western pleasure and we couldn’t be prouder, Zoe ended the show with a 5th and a 6th at her first ever horse show, Felicia ended the horse show with a first place ribbion and a third place, we also had our very own cowboy and Batman Xavier showed Concho’s kiddy in lead line also his first ever horse show and did the costume class dressed as Batman and his Batmobile. Mecah and Neveah showed Toying with Fire, this was Neveah’s first time showing someone other then our lesson horse and she did amazing, she really proved how strong of a rider she really is, she also won the costume class dressed as Barbie and her Barbie car, Mecah ended the show with a couple fourth place ribbions and a third. We couldn’t be prouder of our barn family and can’t wait for more, thank you to everyone who put on this show it was so much fun and we can’t wait for next year!!

10/27/2024

We had such a great day. At the Halloweekend open horse show. Everyone do such a great job.

Mecah got 6th place in huntseat and had an amazing job. Toying with fire.

Neveah had such a good ride on toying with fire.

Ashtyn did a great job with her saddleseat class and sweepstakes.

Felicia did a fantastic job she got first place in western with Concho Kitty.

Zoe did a good job in western she got 5th place.

Bristol did great job to 4th in saddleseat.

Great job to everyone.

10/26/2024

We started of with a great day at the @2024 ICFF halloweekend open horse show. Everyone did a fantastic job and had so much fun.

Xavier got first place in lead line and got a toy with Concho Kitty. And dressed her up as bat man.

Mecah got 4th and 5th place in huntseat on toying with fire and had a great ride.

Ashtyn got first in saddleseat with a lovely expression and did a great job.

Neveah did an amazing job in huntseat 10 and under toying with fire. And won her costume class. As barbie.

Bristol got 4th and 5th place in saddleseat with a lovely expression. And dressed her up as a ghost.

Felicia did a fantastic job going in western with Concho Kitty. It also did amazing job with the equitation class.

Zoe did good job to in Western and equitation. And dresses deva in Harry Potter.

10/25/2024

Set up and ready to go at the Halloweekend horse show. We are excited for a fun weekend with new riders and new teams!! We start off today with lead line!

10/12/2024

Thursday night lessons turned into game night! Lots of giggles and smiles and ended the night with watching the northern lights!!

09/08/2024

A good coach plays multiple crucial roles that directly impact the growth and success of their riders. Some of these key roles include:

Mentor – Beyond just sport, a coach helps riders grow personally, sharing valuable advice and wisdom from their own experiences.
Motivator – They inspire and push riders to reach their full potential, fostering a mindset of positivity and determination to meet their goals.
Teacher – Coaches educate riders on techniques, strategies, and the rules of the sport, enhancing both their skills and understanding.
Strategist – Developing effective game plans, coaches leverage riders’ strengths while working on areas of improvement.
Communicator – Clear and effective communication is vital. A coach provides clear instructions, feedback, and support, ensuring riders fully understand their roles.
Disciplinarian – By enforcing rules and maintaining high standards, they promote discipline, respect, and structure within the team.
Supporter – Coaches offer emotional and moral support, helping riders handle pressure, setbacks, and success with resilience.
Evaluator – Regularly assessing riders’ performances, they set goals for improvement and help riders recognize areas for growth.
Role Model – Coaches lead by example, demonstrating sportsmanship, integrity, and a strong work ethic, shaping the attitudes and behavior of their riders.
Team Builder – By fostering camaraderie and teamwork, coaches create an environment where riders feel connected, valued, and supported.
Each of these roles plays an essential part in shaping athletes both in sport and in life.

However, one of the most critical traits of a great coach is the ability to handle the unexpected. Things rarely go as planned, and managing unforeseen challenges in a calm, efficient manner—especially around horses—is, in my view, the most vital quality a coach can possess

09/08/2024

Do you want a pony at your daughter/son birthday party for pony rides? Deva can come to your birthday party for pony rides.
Additional mileage charge for more than 20+ miles.

Holly:616-299-0227

09/04/2024

HORSE RIDING LESSON OPENINGS!!!!
We do have two open lesson spots on Wednesday and one on Thursdays and Fridays if anyone is interested in joining the fun. We promote a very fun,laid back, yet safe and family friendly atmosphere. Get the kids (heck even yourself) away from electronics and come spend time with our fun group.