The Backyard Ranch
Dream Big - Work Hard - Live Large
The Backyard Ranch is a place where dreams of horses can be born, and grown, and realised. It's a place where the small things get the attention required to grow them into big things. Big dreams are fulfilled by small, repeated, everyday actions. Horses groomed and cared for, paddocks mucked out, weeds pulled, pastures planted, gear cleaned, lessons learned, training done, shows entered, journeys made. Sometimes, it's boring and tiring and messy. Sometimes it's joyous and heart-warming and full of happiness.
And in between it can just be peaceful and calm and there.
About The Backyard Ranch
The Backyard Ranch exists to share horses and ponies and the opportunities they present for learning and growth to anyone who desires a connection with horses. From the weekly Urban Ranch Club group, half and full day equine assisted growth and learning workshops through to full horsemanship programs the ranch offers a variety of opportunities to be involved.
Sustainability and care are core principles the ranch is built on. From care of the land upon which the horses live, to creating long term careers and permanent homes for horses moving out of other industries, to the small everyday actions required to keep the wheels turning, we are constantly seeking ways to use less and do more.
Instructor Susan is a Horse Safety Australia qualified instructor, with experience in youth work, equine training and rehabilitation, pony club instruction, workplace health and safety. and development of equine industry programs for people facing barriers to employment.
Regular guest instructors, coaches and presenters share their experience and knowledge in horse welfare, equine veterinary science and myotherapy, show judging and presentation, and industry skills development.
We've been blessed with horses, and many wonderful opportunities from our involvement with them. Blessings are to be shared. And that, at the end of the day, is what The Backyard Ranch is here for.
Programs
The Backyard Ranch offers several ways to be involved......
Habits of Horsemanship
"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit." Aristotle
Horsemen and women the world over share many common habits, skills and attributes. Confidence, patience, self-control and calmness are not only the attributes of good horsemen, but also their horses - and the growth and development of them can aid us all in everyday life.
Work with The Backyard Ranch horses and ponies in engaging, challenging and fun equine assisted learning exercises that develop greater awareness of habits such as non-verbal communication, self-control, patience, calmness and more. Explore techniques and learnings from modern habit development gurus such as James Clear and Stephen Covey and be introduced to horsemanship wisdom from successful horse trainers and clinicians.
The Habits of Horsemanship is a full day workshop suitable for groups from 4 to 8, and can be customised to suit youth groups, workplace teams, community groups and more.
Horsemanship
"One of the best pieces of advice I got was from a horse master. He told me to go slow to go fast. I think that applies to everything in life. We live as though there aren't enough hours in the day but if we do each thing calmly and carefully we will get it done much quicker and with much less stress." Viggo Morensen.
“The important thing is to make sure the last word you have with the horse is good for both of you.” Buck Brannaman
Horsemanship programs come in several shapes and sizes at The Backyard Ranch. From regular one on one sessions and half and full day programs to the sixteen week Beginning Horsemanship program and beyond, if you're interested in learning about horses in a more meaningful, practical and connected way, there is a program for you.
The Urban Ranch Club
This weekly group get together is a low key informal way to connect with The Backyard Ranch community. Gather with the group to help with the ranch chores, look after the horses and ponies, and watch training sessions. The Urban Ranch club also provides a great opportunity for participants in horsemanship programs to get in some practice, and work on their projects.
Stories from the barn.....
"I'm so grateful for all that I've understood relating to horses through The Backyard Ranch's Beginning Horsemanship course. The quality of course material is high, there is an absolute commitment to safety with horses, and I am now so much more able to care for horses.
It is also lovely to watch children learning so eagerly at The Backyard Ranch - the learning environment inspires them to holistically care for the horses and ponies and seek to better themselves through the practical process.
Thank you for making your Horsemanship courses available in an urban setting. "
Dr Katrina Philip
"I enjoy working with the ponies and doing the chores, because the chores are sometimes fun. I like working with ponies because I am working on a relationship with Bilbo Baggins. It's good because when you work on your relationship you have more fun and get closer and closer.
Being outdoors at the paddock you see beautiful sunsets and horses chatting to one another. I feel happy to go to the paddock because it is lots of fun there. You should go there."
Samantha - age 11
"Off The Track horses can be challenging, and as one who was kept a stallion until later in life, ensuring responsive handling of my thoroughbred was critical for a successful transition. While the trainer I engaged for his retraining is highly skilled in performance, Susan's guidance has helped the trainer bring greater nuance and empathy to this process. Her coaching has ensured the retrainer's approach has centered on consolidating the foundations, allowing the horse greater agency, and embracing his personality quirks as part of his essence rather than things to be corrected or dulled. The result is a horse who continues to develop genuine self-confidence in place of reactivity, and is enjoying his second career as a truly pleasurable pleasure mount."
Desiree Pettit
Contact Us
We might be riding, or feeding out, or at a show, but we will get back to you.......
Are your dreams filled with horses? It's never too late. Contact us and see if we are the start of your horsemanship journey........
