Patterson Training, LLC

06/30/2024

Hope everyone is enjoying riding in the arenas with the new sand and the new arena rascal drag.

05/20/2024

Trainer - What day is it
Student - Wednesday
Trainer - What day is it
Student - The 5th
Trainer - What day is it
Student - 😡
Trainer - I kept asking you the same question and you gave me the right answer, but I didn’t accept it as right. So you changed your answer, got frustrated and confused. This is exactly how your horse can feel if you miss the release!

12/16/2023

I was so lucky to have Dr Grandin teach some of my classes at Colorado State University

8 Top Tips for Equestrians from Dr. Temple Grandin

11/23/2023

This will give you a good laugh! 🤣

This is hilarious!

****

Funny for the day....

Have a bad ride? A client driving you crazy? A saddle you want just financially out of reach?

I'd like to take this time to remind you that...

Driving: We weren't content or are too old to ride the horse, so we thought attaching a flight animal to a wheeled vehicle would be a good idea.

Hunter/jumpers: we ride horses in circles and jump sticks for a living and then we let some person tell us our horse did, or did not, jump the sticks as pretty as another horse.

Dressage: we trot in circles and let someone tell someone else to write down whether or not we are circley enough for the circle club

Eventers: we decided jumping out of an airplane without a parachute wasnt exciting enough, so we run at mach speeds towards walls, ditches, and small lakes to see who can do it fastest.

Barrel racers: we spend all of our time fine tuning our ability to turn 3 times faster than anyone else

Ropers: we catch calves that are technically already caught

Steer wrestlers: we wrestle an animal that didnt even know there was a wrestling match coming their way

Team Sorters: even on our worst day, we didnt spend as much as the cutters.

Reiners: see dressage, add speed.

Cutters: we let several people tell us were better, or worse, at not letting calves hang out with their buddies.

Team penners: we take caught calves, and make them a little more caught

Mounted shooters: because we've used this skill ever in the last 200 years

Endurance: we take 10 times as long, and 10 times more money to get somewhere an ATV could've brought us.

Western Pleasure: we poke around at wine sipping speeds in the equestrian equivalent of a ball gown.

Trail riders: cheers. Y'all have it figured out 🤣

It's not that serious y'all, so just have fun!

05/12/2023

ISO – Experienced trainer/rider for position in active, growing lesson barn, offering English and Western riding, Classical and Western Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Working Equitation, and on the ground Horsemanship. Must have experience teaching both private and group lessons in English riding and dressage, Hunter/Jumper and Western riding. Must enjoy teaching children. Be willing to transport to horse shows and coach. Ability to progress riders is essential.
This is a 1099, self-employed position. You will have the opportunity to expand your client base, teaching lessons with both our own school horses as well as students on their own horses. We offer lessons, packages, workshops, camps and clinics.
Personal attributes required: Must be hard-working, committed, responsible, dedicated, self-starter, and good communicator. Sales/Marketing/PR experience a bonus. Clean driving license required.
Patterson Training is located is Star Valley near Payson, AZ. Located a mile high in the Ponderosa pine forest, our climate allows year round riding activities. Our facility has an international size dressage arena, 2 round pens, large jumping arena and Working Equitation Obstacle arena. We can accommodate approx. 70 horses, comprising owner’s horses, lesson horses and boarders. We are immediately adjacent to the National Forest and extensive trail riding is available right off the property. We host clinics, shows, and Equine Trail Sports events.
Please submit your resume and cover letter, including your equestrian goals and ambitions to [email protected]

05/09/2023

04/27/2023

Stop by our Patterson Training Horse Show on Sunday 30th April, and pick up a cool Kona Ice at the same time! 11am-12.15pm. Location: 272 S Sprague Drive in Star Valley.

04/03/2023

Big thank you to everyone that helped get the jumps painted today. They look amazing!

12/28/2022

RANCH HAND WANTED! Large horse boarding/training stable in Payson, Arizona. Cleaning pens and all around care of horses, plus other ranch duties. This is a single person only position. Accommodation included. If interested please call Gary at 208-818-9367

12/21/2022

UPDATE: New Date - Wednesday 4th January!!!Lunch and learn! Wednesday 28th December at noon
Review of Working Equitation Rule Changes and New Dressage Tests for 2023
Location: Payson Restaurant TBD

Come along and enjoy a festive lunch (choose/pay from menu) together with Working Equitation friends. We will discuss the Working Equitation Rule Changes for 2023, as well as a review of the new dressage tests. Avoid DQ in the New Year!

To sign up: Text/call Judy on 303 358 6118 or email [email protected]

12/16/2022

Yes, those horses keep eating up those dollars - and hay/feed price increases have been extraordinary!
Therefore, Lesson prices will increase effective 1st January 2023, as follows:

Private Lessons:
School Horse: $75/hour
Own Horse: $70/hour
Under 5s 30 minute lessons: $35

Group Lessons:
School Horse: $55/hour
Own Horse: $50/hour

Thank you for your understanding.

12/13/2022

FREE!
Kids' Horsey Christmas Party!
Saturday 17th December 2022, 10am-noon
Meet the Dueker Minis, refreshments, horse rides & fun! There's a rumor Santa may stop by to visit us - if he has time!
No age limits!
Location: Patterson Training, 272 S Sprague Drive, Star Valley

Must sign up in advance: Email [email protected] or text Judy on 303 358 6118.

10/09/2022

The Mystery Behind the Dressage Letters
Markings found on the walls of the Royal Manstall (Stables) of the Imperial German Court in Berlin (prior to 1918) suggest that they indicated where each courtier or rider’s horse was to stand awaiting their riders. The Manstallstabled 300 of the Kaiser’s horses. The ‘Hof’ ( stable yard) was large enough for the horses and their riders to parade for ‘morning exercise’ or assemble for ceremonial parades. The ‘Hof’ was three times longer than the width, namely: 20m x 60m.
The markings on the walls of the Manstall were:A Ausgang (Exit).K Kaiser (Emperor).F Fürst (Prince).P Pferknecht (Ostler or Groom).V Vassal (Servant/Squire/Equerry).E Edeling/ Ehrengast (Chieftain or Honoured Guest).B Bannertrager (Standard Bearer).S Schzkanzler (Chancellor of the Exchequer).R Ritter (Knight).M Meier (Steward).H Hofsmarshall (Lord Chancellor).
The German Cavalry is also credited with establishing the letters. The space between the stable blocks in many German Cavalry barracks were measured 20m x 60m. This space was further used for assembly and ‘morning exercise’ and it is not unreasonable to think that the Cavalry would adopt similar markings as used in the Kaiser’s Manstall. However, the German Cavalry Manual,(HDV12, Reitvorschrift (R.B.) 1882, revised 1912 and 1937) shows a diagram of the Reit Bahn (indoor school) as 40m x 20m. With markings A B C D in the four corners and E F on the half school line. These markings were to indicate school figures for the training of riders and not for competition.
As the Cavalry Officers wished to compete with others, the 60m x 20m arenas became the standard size for Dressage competitions for the Olympics in 1932. The early rationale for competition was to use the marking in the long arenas where movements are to be performed in a prescribed series according to a laid down set of tests. These were to demonstrate their skills as riders, prove the progressive training methods and the natural athletic ability and willingness of their horse to perform the required movements in a relaxed and effortless manner. Initially, the tests comprised movements required for military mounted combat to test the courage, calmness and obedience of their mount. These consisted of collected and extended gaits, turning on the hocks, rein‐back and perform four flying changes on a straight line. They were also required to jump over five small obstacles, one of which was a barrel rolled towards the oncoming horse.
Up to 1952 only Commissioned Officers were allowed to compete at Olympic Levels; Civilians, including female riders could not compete at this level of Dressage. Following the disqualification of the Swedish Dressage team (1948) because one of the winning team was an Non Commissioned Officer, the rules were changed to include Civilian riders and female riders.
http://youtu.be/vtmBUq6TnZg

09/19/2022

Fall Kids Horse Camp

3rd-7th October 2022
10.00am-2.00pm
$375 - horse provided
$350 – own horse
(Overnight boarding available $20/night)
Ages 6 years old and above

Spring Camp is designed to improve children’s riding skills and knowledge of horses. Through riding, children will learn respect for animals, confidence, responsibility, fairness and high achievement and standards that will carry over to other facets of their lives. This program combines fun, safety, fitness and sportsmanship.

Location: Patterson Training - 272 Sprague Drive, Star Valley, AZ 85541

Sign Up and Questions:
Judy Mackenzie
[email protected]
Call/text: 303-358-6118

www.paysonridinglessons.com

Spaces limited! Sign Up Now

08/27/2022

We have some great ponies and horses available for half lease

Horses ponies available for half-lease at Patterson Training, Star Valley, Payson:

Posie - 14.2hh roan - walk, trot, canter, cross rail jumps,
Polly - 14.2hh palomino - walk, trot, canter, cross rail jumps
Gem - 13hh roan - walk, trot, canter, jumps
Misty - 14hh palomino - walk, trot, canter, jumps
Sedona - 14.2 hh buckskin, walk, trot, canter, jumps
Tumalo - 15.2hh paint - walk, trot, canter, cross rail jumps

Half lease is $300/ month, ride minimum 3 times a week. Rider must lesson at least 2 times/month at the barn.

If you are interested in leasing, contact Judy on 303 358 6118 or email [email protected], so we can match you up with best horse for you.

08/21/2022

Video of our group at the Payson Rodeo Parade

08/21/2022

Had a fun time with the kids and horses at the Payson Rodeo Parade today! Thank you to everyone that helped make it happen!

06/02/2022

We have some availability for Kids to join Beginner Horse Camp for just a day or two.
Camp is 6th-10th June, 8am-noon each day.
$395 for the week or come for a day for just $80.
To sign up text Judy on 303 358 6118 or email [email protected]

05/23/2022

Announcing our new full-time Trainer, Ashley Bruch! We are excited to welcome Ashley to Patterson Training, starting this Wednesday. Ashley has great English and Western experience including working at a reining yard in Japan! She loves teaching both kids and adults and is looking forward to meeting all our students/boarders.
Ashley will be taking over students from Michelle, Emily, Vicki and Isabella - although Isabella will continue to coach Tinley and Taco, and act as back-up for Ashley and Judy. We want to thank Michelle, Emily and Vicki for all their teaching help over the last year.
When you see Ashley at the barn, please introduce yourself and make her welcome!

05/14/2022

Just found this fantastic article and diagram explaining bending and turning and the importance of having the horse connected between your inside leg and outside hand. 🥰
‘MORE INSIDE leg!’ or ‘more outside rein’ is a common comment by Trainers and coaches. (I say it all the time 🙈🤣)
What does it really mean?
It means that your inside leg creates the energy when riding, and your outside rein regulates it.
The inside leg, being at the girth, asks the horse to bend around it. Then the outside rein is there to elastically maintain the horse’s shape around the inside leg, by supporting the inside aid so the horse doesn’t move away from the leg.
Your inside leg and outside rein should constantly be talking to each other and coordinate.
If you were to only use the inside leg for instance, without the support from the outside rein (and leg), the horse would move away from the leg instead of around it, and he would fall out through his outside shoulder. Using the outside rein and leg we can support the outside of the horse.
The inside rein is used as a direction by opening the hand to guide the animal to the direction your wanting to go. By turning your body and shoulders your horse will find it easier to turn and bend around the inside leg.
Of course, it’s not just the inside leg and outside rein that’s doing all the magic. They are just individual instruments in the orchestra of aids that combined creates the symphony of harmonious riding. But they do play important parts of the beat.
If you want to be sure you’re riding on your outside rein: Do a shoulder in, and let go of the inside rein. In walk, trot, and canter.
The movement should not be disturbed if you’re coordinating the aids correctly.
*correct bend shown on the right of the diag

05/04/2022

This little gem was born at the ranch last night. Valterra had a beautiful filly by the Grand Prix Jumper “Clintord”. So happy she had a girl as this will be her last foal. This one belongs to my niece Courtney as she had Valterra’s mother Fabienne. Congratulations Court!!

04/09/2022

ISO - Experienced trainer/rider for position in active, growing lesson barn, offering English and Western riding, Classical and Cowboy Dressage, Hunter/Jumper, Working Equitation, and on the ground horsemanship.
Must have experience teaching both private and group lessons in English riding and dressage, Hunter/Jumper and Western riding. Must enjoy teaching children. Be willing to transport to horse shows and coach. Ability to progress riders is essential.
This is a 1099, self-employed position. You will have the opportunity to expand your client base, teaching lessons with both our own school horses as well as students on their own horses. We offer lessons, packages, workshops, camps and clinics.
Personal attributes required: Must be hard working, committed, responsible, dedicated, self-starter, and good communicator. Sales/marketing skills a plus. Clean driving license required.

Patterson Training is located in Star Valley, near Payson, AZ. Located a mile high in the Ponderosa pine forest, our climate allows year round riding activities. Our facility has an international size dressage arena, 2 round pens, large jumping arena, and Working Equitation Obstacle arena. We can accommodate approx 70 horses, comprising owner's horses, lesson horses and boarders. We are immediately adjacent to the National Forest and extensive trail riding is available right off the property. We host clinics, shows, and Equine Trail Sports events.

Please submit your resume and cover letter, including your equestrian goals and ambitions to [email protected].

03/11/2022

Anyone looking for a great pony? Have a very special one in my barn looking for a partner.

09/16/2021

The ranch got a new toy today. I’m so excited to have a new tractor!! 🚜

08/26/2021

Horseback riding lessons - including English, Western, Dressage, Cowboy Dressage, jumping, hunter/jumper and natural horsemanship

08/18/2021

New Group Horse Riding Lessons (1 hr), starting 1st September:

Kids Beginner Lessons (max 3 in group):
Wednesday 5pm, or Thursday 5pm
$50 per week
5 years and older

Adult Beginner Lessons (max 3 in group):
Sunday 4pm
$50 per week

Ladies Beginner Group (max 3 people):
Fridays 9am
$50

Beginning Jumping Lessons:
Sunday 11am
Riders must be able to walk, trot and canter
$50 per week

Also Private Lessons available on day/time to suit: $65/hr

To sign up or ask questions: Text/call Judy on 303 358 6118 or email [email protected]

06/25/2021

"Some days you teach kids how to ride; some days you teach them how to live.
A trainer's job description is complex. They spend half of the time teaching life lessons, and the other half yelling "Heels Down!!" to unsuspecting children. It's a balance. Some days call for pep talks, and others call for tough love. Sometimes they need a hug, sometimes they need a push. It's so much more than teaching someone how to ride. It's learning who they are, and helping them become who you know they can be. To all the riding instructors who do so much more than teach how to ride, I see you. You are making a difference." 💙🐴

06/16/2021

Not a good start to the monsoon season. Lighting hit the mountain above the dressage arena and a fire started. Thankfully it started to rain which stopped it from getting out of control. A huge thank you to Hellsgate fire for getting here so quickly and the hotshots guy that made it to the top of the mountain to get the fire completely out. Going to be a very stressful couple of weeks until we get some desperately needed rain.

06/01/2021

Check out the great pics from the show

Photo collection by Lexi Smith Media

04/13/2021

Saturday 17th is Volunteer Day! Please come and pitch in to help improve the arenas. Only got an hour to spare? We'll take it! Any time between 9am and 4pm. After we finish, we'll serve food and drinks (BYOB). Please text/call Rob Heywood to sign up: 480 822 9197.