School and club emphasize horse care

L-R: Blitz (horse), Shawny Mackey, Shana Courtney, Lisa Gardner, Kelsey Schad, Shayla Courtney, Friel (pony), with dogs Nikko and Rosie. Photo by Kathryn Godsiff

Shana Courtney is working hard to create a "Bit of Heaven" at her facility of the same name on Bass Road, just outside Sisters.

Courtney is establishing a riding school which emphasizes all-around horse care as well as riding skills.

Most of Courtney's students are kids, though she does have some adult clients. Nearly all the students start their lessons on one of the kind and well trained ponies that Courtney features. She also has a few full-size lesson horses for those who have outgrown ponies.

Part of the program involves teaching the older, more experienced students to mentor younger ones.

"This teaches them good communication skills and builds their confidence, too," said Courtney.

One of Courtney's strengths as a teacher is the ability to instill confidence and help students to establish a good, solid seat in the saddle.

"I don't mind helping fearful people," she said.

Courtney began instructing riders 14 years ago and is Horsemanship Safety Association certified. She was the instructor at Emerald Ranch, just out of Sisters, until recently when she set out on her own again.

"I have brought many of the programs (that) I designed there with me, plus have developed some new ones too," she said. She runs several of the lessons through the SOAR program.

Close to the hearts of Courtney and her team of student leaders is the desire to see all horses properly cared for. With that in mind, the Sisters Saddle Club has been established.

"This is a kid-driven club," said Courtney. "The kids make the rules, have thought up a secret handshake and song and will do the bulk of the work, with adult support."

The aim of the club is to provide a place where any young person with a love for horses and community service can come to learn. Members don't have to own a horse; in fact, much of the club time is spent in the clubhouse, not the arena.

"We want to get the word out that there is a group of kids who are willing to help care for horses if their owners are in crisis or ill or just can't take care of them themselves," said Courtney. "We don't want any horse to suffer abuse or neglect."

The club has the support of some local veterinarians who will share their expertise on health issues with the members. There are also plans to develop a hay bank, to make feed available for immediate use should the need arise.

The only requirement to join the club is a heart for horses and willingness to work hard to learn. Meetings are held every Friday from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. at Bit of Heaven Riding School.

Call 388-2524 for more information.