Zan and Vicki Longstroth founded Mendon Meadows Horsemanship School in 1997.  Our purpose is to teach children of all ages the basics of horsemanship.  Lessons are private and are paid by the hour.  On our ranch we offer a variety of horses to train with, including miniature ponies, Shetlands, Welsh, Quarter and Arabians.   We focus on teaching children self-confidence, skill and above all; safety around horses.  The following is our curriculum:

Lessons begin on the ground at our school.  We want kids to feel comfortable in every aspect of the horse experience. This begins with putting on a halter and learning the proper techniques for leading.

Students may spend many hours grooming the horses.  If a child is scared around horses the best thing for him or her is to brush and pet the horse.  Some children are leery of any movement the horse makes. As they spend time brushing & currying the horse, they realize it is okay if the horse moves. This is a great bonding exercise between the horse and student.

We feel it is not a good idea for a parent to simply saddle a horse and sit a child on it,  bypassing the steps mentioned previously.  Of course, some children are anxious to ride, but complete confidence with the horse starts with the appropriate groundwork.

When the student is ready to ride, they start out bareback.  We have learned over many years that this makes for the very best riders.  We teach the kids how to balance using several exercises.  After they are confident riding bareback in the round pen arena or on a lunge line we then move on to the saddle.

Once the student has learned all the basics of riding and if the parents are interested in purchasing a horse or pony for their child, then we offer advice on this process. Help can be provided to find a good horse with all the qualifications they desire. There is much to consider before parents start buying process.  Then, of course, there is the proper tack, feed and pasture, which must be in order before they are ready to bring a horse home.  Owning a horse can be a disaster if there hasn't been the proper planning for this new adventure, or a very rewarding experience if required preparations have been made.

There is no greater joy for a child to own their own horse and ride with self-confidence and skill. The look on his or her face will tell it all.