Originally, Folsom Ridge Farm was purchased as a weekend retreat, a place to escape the city life. Soon, our love for horses sent us on a search for two trail riding companions. It was essential the horses were gentle natured, moved with a smooth gait and did not require daily riding to maintain a calm disposition. After looking into several breeds, a friend suggested the Rocky Mountain Horse. Upon investigation, we discovered they possessed all the sought after qualities and our first two Rockies were brought home to Folsom Ridge Farm.
As we became captivated by our Rockies and Folsom Ridge Farm, trail riding on the weekends quickly turned to leaving the city life behind. Fascination with these wonderful horses encouraged us to purchase a few exceptional broodmares, breed them to champion sires and begin to raise a limited number of Rockies each year. Additional horses were added to our herd and sent out for training. Before too long Folsom Ridge Rockies were in the show ring. Success came rapidly. Within three short years our Folsom Ridge Rockies brought home world and international championships for conformation, under saddle and versatility.
Initially, our horses were trained with the traditional gaited horse methods. Even though this proved very successful in the show ring, the blue ribbons failed to convince us that this was the manner of training we desired. Seeking an approach that yielded relaxed, supple and light horses, in conjunction with a harmony between horse and rider, we extended our quest to other disciplines.
Our answer was an educational process for both horse and rider that incorporates some of the Natural Horsemanship philosophies with the gymnatizing process of Artistic Dressage. With this education, the horses become relaxed and balanced physically, mentally, and emotionally, very light and responsive to extremely subtle cues. The harmony between horse and rider grows tremendously. This method does not incorporate big bits, curb chains, strong hands or long toes to obtain gait and gain control. Spurs are not needed for impulsion. As they develop, the horses’ backs become round and their balance shifts underneath the rider creating a lightness that cannot be explained but must be experienced. Having experienced the remarkable changes that this wholistic approach produced in both our horses and ourselves, we become passionate about having all our horses developed in this manner.
Ultimately we decided to honor our horses by creating a place at Folsom Ridge Farm that raised and developed Rocky Mountain Horses using these principles. Now, we and our Folsom Ridge Rockies continually advance our education with top instructors from around the country to pursue the art of riding.
