Saddle seat is an English-style horseback riding discipline that was developed in the US to show off the high action, elegance, and animation of certain horse breeds. These breeds usually include: American Saddlebreds, Morgans, Arabians & Half-Arabians, Hackney Horses & Ponies, and Friesians. It emphasizes a refined, upright rider position and flashy, beautiful horse movement. The horses are typically very beautiful and elegant-looking with long, flowing manes and tails. Unlike jumping or dressage, saddle seat is primarily about showing off the horse’s beauty and movement in an exciting way. This discipline allows the rider to get the same adrenaline rush as going over a jump without the added elements of danger. I like to compare riding a saddle seat horse to having your own personal dragon...beautiful, powerful and very exciting... but a dragon that still listens to you, keeps you safe, and respects you as their rider (think Game Of Thrones).

Western horseback riding is a style of riding that originated from the working traditions of cowboys in the American West. It was originally developed as both a functional and competitive discipline, emphasizing comfort, control, and the ability to manage livestock over long hours in the saddle. We DO NOT do any cutting, reining, barrel racing, etc. here at Golden Glen Stables. We teach a style of western riding that is adapted for pleasure riding and (if desired by the rider) showing. Again, we will teach a version of western that is tailored more for saddle-type horses (American Saddlebreds, Morgans, Arabians & Half-Arabians, Hackney Horses & Ponies, and Friesians). 

Driving a horse in a cart, what we commonly refer to as "driving", is a discipline where a horse or pony pulls a two or four-wheeled cart or carriage with a driver seated behind. It can be practiced solely for pleasure, or as a competitive activity at horse shows. Most horses that are trained to drive, love it! It is a nice alternative for horses and horse enthusiasts to keep their time spent together fresh. It can help strengthen a bond between a particular horse and rider, presenting them with a different way of communicating. It is also a nice alternative to be active with horses if a particular person is unable to ride due to physical reasons. Maybe you are getting older and don't feel safe/effective on the back of a horse any longer...maybe you are recovering from a knee or hip injury and are unable to ride while you're healing...the possibilities are endless. A valuable and fun skill to have in your repertoire.

Hunt seat is a style of English horseback riding that originated from the tradition of fox hunting. This is the style of riding that riders utilize when going over jumps. We DO NOT offer any jumping here at Golden Glen Stables. We do however offer some hunt seat on the flat. We do not teach traditional hunt seat, but a variation of it that we utilize to show our saddle-type horses in hunt seat classes (on the flat only, no jumps) at horse shows. This doesn't mean you have to show, but please note that this is the style we focus on. The rider's equitation (form on the horse) and the horse's carriage (look and way of moving) are typically more similar to a saddle seat horse and rider's presentation than a traditional hunt seat horse and rider's presentation.

Dressage is a highly refined form of English riding focused on the training and development of the horse’s natural athletic ability and willingness to perform with precision and subtlety. The ultimate goal is a partnership where the horse appears to move effortlessly and willingly through a series of advanced maneuvers at the lightest cue from the rider. I am able to work with horse and rider on some fundamental dressage movements and exercises. We can utilize dressage exercises with your pleasure or show horse OR you can learn the basics here on a lesson horse and then expand on your skills elsewhere with a dedicated dressage trainer (if more depth is desired).  At least some basic dressage knowledge and skill is very valuable for every horse and every rider. I am not a true "dressage trainer," so I have no qualms with getting a rider started and then directing that rider to a trainer that specializes in traditional dressage.

It is important to note that discipline-specific nuances will be unimportant to very first-time or beginner riders. Most of what we teach at that point in a person's riding career is very universal and applicable to all riding disciplines. In the beginning, we are really focused on good, sympathetic horsemanship and learning how to use one's body in a balanced and efficient way. This is discussed in our teaching philosophy (maybe we link to that here?). Get your start with us and then if you're still hankering to go onto something we don't specialize in, let us refer you!