Golden Reins Equestrian Center

06/05/2026

Enjoy this clip of my 7 year old displaying her future teaching skills. 🤣

04/22/2026

Its been a bit since I've shared a horses we have here and this one needed a formal introduction.

Storm came to us in November needing to put on a decent amount of weight, I'm super happy to see her looking good. I don't even know why I end up with those kind of purchases but probably because the horses deserve it. 🙃 I often say I'm never really looking but if I've got the space and the right match catches my eye I'm open to just about anything.
She was advertised as a teacher type, and step up horse for a kid ready to level up in run poles and barrels. We discovered she's wicked fast, and not really something I'd put a younger kid to run patterns. Maybe we can fix that a little 🤷‍♀️ but not a need.
She sure loves running but for now we're focusing on getting her to use her body and balance better, not shouldering into everything as I imagine she knocked a lot of barrels because of this, and to even just walk out the arena gate like a respectful citizen. I think we accomplished that this week finally!!🎉🎉

She's come a long way but obviously transforming older horses and changing years of habits takes longer than in a young horse. For now she is handling the advanced beginners and intermediate riders and they love her, along with some of the more advanced riders with Lilly that we do work patterns with. She's one of the best at building canter seat confidence once they have the basics down.

Will she stay here long term, that i don't know, but if she fit the needs of someone along the way she would absolutely be available.

03/22/2026

It's been a while since I've done much here but
Lilly is looking to add a few new riders to her schedule. She's open to all ages willing to work with her.

30 min or 60 min sessions available.
Limited availability but we can discuss options and see what is possible.

11/21/2025

I love this one, I often compare the reins to handlebars simply to guide the direction of travel, its the pedaling that gets our horse following their nose.

Straightening your horse is a lot like riding a bike.🚲

When you ride too slow on a bike, you wobble, drift, and lose your balance.

The same happens with your horse.

If you ride forward into the bridle and you receive the connection in your hand, your horse gives you the chance to steer, to balance him, and to influence the whole body.

Forward energy makes the contact more stable and makes straightness possible.

Ride too slow and the balance drops onto the forehand.

Ride forward from back to front into the bridle, and suddenly the steering, the balance, and the reaction to your hand all fall into place.

Just like on a bike, when the forward flow is there, it becomes much easier to keep balance and direction.

Do you feel this with your horse too?

rienvanderschaft dressagetrainer dressagehorse dressagerider dressagetips

11/18/2025

Perspective right?!

At least I’m outside all the time 💁‍♀️🦄✨

11/12/2025

Some really good stuff here

This is a bit long, but important to share ❤️ 15 Fascinating Facts About Horses’ Emotional Memory and Empathy

1. Horses hold one of the most powerful long-term memories among domestic animals — recalling people, voices, and events for decades.

2. They read human intent through facial expressions, distinguishing friend from threat long before a hand is raised.

3. A single act of kindness can echo for years — a horse may seek out the same person even after a long separation.

4. Trauma carves deep grooves — a horse may forever avoid a place, object, or person tied to fear.

5. They sense human emotion through voice tone, breath rhythm, and body tension — even from across a field.

6. They respond not just to fear, but to sadness, joy, or confusion — silently, instinctively.

7. Mirror neurons in their brains allow them to feel what others feel — true empathy in motion.

8. When tears fall nearby, a horse may approach softly, lower its head, and offer a gentle touch — comfort without words.

9. A wounded horse can form the deepest bonds with a patient human — shared pain becomes shared trust.

10. Horses are proven emotional therapists for PTSD, depression, and anxiety — healing hearts, not just bodies.

11. They grieve deeply — lingering by a lost companion or withdrawing in quiet mourning.

12. Once bonded, they memorize your personal rhythms — footsteps, breath, even the silence between.

13. Their memory isn’t just survival — it’s the foundation for profound connection with those who earn their trust.

14. With gentle consistency, fear can be rewritten into safety — even shattered trust can be rebuilt.

15. Horse empathy is biological fact, not folklore — their brains and hearts sync with human emotion in real time.

11/05/2025

I have some availability for one or two lessons or pony experiences this Saturday if anyone wants to get a ride in!!

Pony experiences are 30 min for 1-2 kids of any age, great for a fun outing or to introductory lesson.

11/02/2025

We just pulled off the funnest proposal here at the farm. I love when people ask me to do fun things like this.
showed up as usual to make it even more perfect!

10/31/2025

Always liked this one

Love this visual for helping understand what the horse feels when someone sits sit crookedly in the saddle.

I also like to think of it as a toddler on your shoulders trying to reach across to grab something think how much harder it is for you to stay balanced.

🎨

🐴

10/28/2025

If you've been thinking about grabbing some Golden Reins Apparel, I'm going to submit the order at the end of the week.

See pics for front and back,
All info is in this link, and make sure you hit submit.

https://boards.com/a/12FZNS.EZV1Qz