At VS Equine, we offer a comprehensive training program which emphasizes safe and enjoyable trail riding and sound horsemanship from the ground up. We work with sensory and trail obstacles, and frequently ride out on the trail and in the wilderness. Any age, breed, discipline, and skill level is welcome as our program benefits all! VS Equine has several guides and instructors but VS Equine is owne
d and operated by Ruth Van Sweden -Altes. Now a little about myself (Ruth Van Sweden-Altes):
I have been riding throughout my lifetime and began training in 1988. During my career I have competed at the state, regional, and national level. I have ridden and trained horses and riders to 12 World Championships and 6 Reserve World Championships at Quarter Horse, Palomino, Buckskin and Morgan World Shows. Myself along with my students have shown successfully in Reining, Working Cowhorse, Trail, Western Riding, Hunter Hack, Working Hunter, and Jumping. I have been teaching western riding clinics in Europe since 1995 and have served as a horse show judge in Texas, New Mexico and California. I also hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from New Mexico State University and managed a Quarter Horse breeding program for fifteen years. In the past I have offered diverse and varied training programs in both English and Western disciplines and have run many youth summer horsemanship camps. I have now carried my knowledge and experience out into the wilderness and on the trails, leading packing, outfitting, and trail riding excursions since 1992. In addition, I was also the official trainer for the San Francisco Mounted Police Unit. I have relocated to Mount Shasta, CA where I have ample opportunity to ride in some of the most beautiful country on earth and to offer my skill an knowledge to those who also enjoy riding out in natures beauty.
