Thrive and Ride

Harmony-first horsemanship, on the ground and in the saddle.

Thrive and Ride is a connection-based program that blends purposeful groundwork with thoughtful mounted lessons. We slow things down, build trust, and develop a shared language so you and your horse feel calm, confident, and truly in sync, at home, on the trail, or in the show ring.

Serving Ottawa and the surrounding area.

Questions?

Who it's for

Riders who want a softer, clearer partnership with their horse
Green, young, or sensitive horses who need confidence and consistency
Returning riders rebuilding feel, timing, and communication
Owners addressing sticky spots (loading, leading, mounting, standing, tension)
Cross-discipline equestrians who value relaxation, rhythm, and responsiveness

What you'll learn

Groundwork that transfers to the ride: leading, yielding, focus, boundaries, relaxation cues
Feel and timing: how to ask, wait, release, and reward so your aids stay soft and consistent
Hello, harmony: straightness, balance, rhythm, and breathing—before speed or “bigger” work
Confidence under pressure: simple frameworks for new places, new tasks, and busy environments
A shared vocabulary: clear patterns you can repeat at home for steady progress

How the program works

Each package intentionally pairs groundwork with mounted time so your horse understands the why before the what.

Private Lessons

60 or 90 minutes, tailored to your goals
Mix of groundwork and ridden work based on what your horse needs that day
Take-home “micro-plans” so you know exactly what to practice

Optional: Groundwork Intensives

Focused sessions to install or refresh key skills (leading, yielding, parking at the mount, relaxation)
Ideal for green horses, restarts, or confidence rebuilding

Thrive and Ride Packages

4-Session Starter: Establish basics on the ground, transfer to the saddle, and set your home plan
8-Session Accelerator: Progression blocks for softness, straightness, and responsiveness
Ongoing Coaching: Bi-weekly or monthly lessons for steady growth and accountability

Clinics and Barn Days

Half-day or full-day formats combining unmounted learning, groundwork, and mounted sessions
Suitable for mixed levels and multiple disciplines

A typical session flow

Check-in & goal setting
Regulate & connect: breath, focus, and relaxation (horse and rider)
Groundwork to ridden transfer: a few key patterns that directly set up the ride
Mounted practice: clear asks, soft releases, quiet repetition
Cool-down & homework: exactly what to do before the next lesson

Results you can expect

Quieter starts and quicker relaxation in new places
Softer transitions and better straightness without wrestling the reins
A horse that understands pressure and release—and looks for the release
A rider who feels organized, patient, and consistent

What to bring/wear

ASTM/SEI approved helmet, boots with a heel, weather-appropriate layers
A well-fitting halter (rope halter recommended), lead rope (12–14 ft. if available), gloves and your regular tack
Water and a positive mindset (progress comes from calm repetition)

Accessibility and rider-centered coaching

All coaching is individualized. If you ride with adaptive strategies or have specific mobility, sensory, or learning needs, we’ll tailor the plan so you, and your horse, feel safe and supported.

Booking and rates

To view current openings and rates, email info@bfexequestrian.ca with:

Your horse’s age, experience, and any concerns
Your goals (short-term and long-term)
Location and preferred days/times

I’ll recommend the best package (single lesson, 4- or 8-session series, or clinic) based on your goals and budget.

Policies (short and friendly)

Safety first: helmets required while mounted; suitable footwear required on the ground

Weather & footing: we’ll adjust for safety and comfort as needed

Cancellations: please provide 24 hours’ notice to avoid a fee

Horses’ wellbeing: if your horse shows signs of discomfort, we may pause and reassess tack, health, or environment

Ready to Thrive and Ride?

Email info@bfexequestrian.ca to get started. Tell me about you, your horse, and what feeling you’re chasing - we’ll build a plan that gets you there, one calm, consistent step at a time.