The Women of the West program lasts five days and is available from September through February. It is for women only and is held at the Tanque Verde Ranch. A co-ed version of this program, Harmony with Horses, is also offered to guests at the Ranch.

Throughout the week, group riding lessons will be held in order to maximize the abilities of each participant.  All levels of riders will get instruction in the proper form and technique of western riding.

For reservations call Tanque Verde Ranch at 800-234-3833 or email dude@tvgr.com

Women of the West

Daily Class Schedule

Day 1

Horse Psychology

Orientation of ranch facilities, ranch rules and introduction of the overall philosophy by which we will be working with our horses.  Horse psychology will be covered in detail, along with techniques for equine communication.  Individual horses are assigned and stable area procedures will be explained.  Everyone will also be fitted with chaps!

Day 2

Join up - Round pen work

Hands on demonstrations of safe procedures for horse handling and the beginnings of relationship building between horse and human.  This will include the "join up" technique in the round pen, where each participant will physically bond with their horses.

Day 3

Cattle Penning

Communication techniques using the lead line, lounge line and reigns.  This will be partly ground work and partly in the saddle.  This will establish the link of communication between horse and rider, and further enhance the horse/rider bonding.

Day 4

Tracking

Introduction of horses and riders to western style cattle work.  This will cover the prey/predator instincts of both cattle and horses and how this is put to use on the western cattle ranch.  Each horse will be introduced to the cattle and asked to identify individual steers from a herd for sorting and cutting.  A "foot rodeo" is conducted at first where participants actually herd calves on foot in order to understand the nature of cattle before doing it on horseback.

Day 5

Team Penning

On the final day we incorporate all of the riding and communication skills we have learned to actually hold a team penning, where calves are cut out of a herd and manuvered into a pen at the opposite end of the arena.  This will allow participants to experience the ultimate union between horse and rider, as they work as a partnership in order to accomplish the task.  This is done in teams of 3 riders, and friendly competition is inevitable!

I truly believe this program goes far beyond learning to communicate with horses and improving one's riding skills. In order to master these horses, you have to get totally honest with yourself, learn to trust and rely on your own instincts. The result is a total reassessment of your personal values and priorities, and a rediscovery of your spiritual self. Even after a month, I am still glowing from it!

Nancy G., Florida

Email Tom at: tchambers@horseyodeler.com