Riding Lessons with Firefly Equine Experiential Learning (FEEL)
Come for a non-traditional lesson that builds core life-skills as well as horsemanship and riding abilities. Our lessons are based in mindfulness principles and focus on the connection between humans and horses. We use principles of natural and compassionate horsemanship and include learning and therapeutic counseling principles that allow for presence, connection, and balance. The relationship between horse and rider goes so much deeper than just learning a skill. It takes patience, persistence and attentiveness to the needs horse as well as awareness of one’s own emotional and physical needs.
Please read our Barn Rules and sign our liability waiver before heading out to the farm for your first lesson. Call or Text 406-314-7185 for scheduling.
Lessons
60 Minutes Private Riding Lesson – $85
60 Minute Group Riding Lesson – $65
30 Minute “Mini” Riding Experience(Ages 4-6) – $50
Riding Experiences
60 Minute Riding Experience for every rider 10 and under: $85
60 Minute Riding Experience for additional riders 10 and up – $65
Custom pricing and formats available.
Email [email protected] or call/text 406-314-7185
*Monthly discounts available
F.E.E.L.
Firefly: The Firefly is lit from within. The goals of Firefly’s programs are to assist in finding our inner light and unique talents.
Equine: Horses are known for their healing abilities; they teach us by demonstrating the power in the present moment, being vulnerable, and how to regulate emotions.
Experiential: Hands on learning promotes higher retention of skills that are more easily integrated into our daily lives.
Learning: Life skills are practiced through interactions with horses and guided by a mindful facilitator.
This program balances teaching traditional riding concepts with the integration of interpersonal and life skills, such as:
• Riding skills (English and Western)
• Equine science and behavior
• Ground work
• Horse care
• Partnership
• Confidence
• Compassion
• Awareness
F.E.E.L Mission Statement
Firefly Equine Experiential Learning is founded in a heart-centered approach to horsemanship with a focus on building kind and respectful relationships with horses and fellow humans. Our mission is to provide a safe space for people to develop core competencies of emotional intelligence, self-efficacy, and resilience through equitation, the art of riding and working with horses. We offer a well-rounded riding lesson program that holds space for learning riding skills as well as personal and emotional development. We see our horses as partners and not tools, as co-facilitators and as teachers. We hold the welfare of the horse in the upmost importance and strive to curate an experience for students that allows for powerful insight, discovery, and fun.
F.E.E.L Riding Philosophy
Many times, traditional riding lessons will rush kids along without building a proper riding foundation, this means having too much autonomy before they are ready to use the equipment in their hands, or they are rushed into the show ring, cantering or jumping, before a strong position and effective seat, leg, and hand aids are developed. We take time to teach our students about the movements of the horse, care,behavior and equine psychology and cultivate a foundation for ethical horsemanship. F.E.E.L explores the emotions that come up when learning how to ride and cultivate a relationship with a horse. It is common to stop the progression of teaching a skill, to pause and discuss, reflect, process, and connected what is happening in the ring to our home, school, and work life. Special learning opportunities will be offered to learn more about horse care and discipline specific skills. We strive for the ethical treatment of our horses and work without coercive or harsh equipment or training methods.
