horseback riding lessons and training

tracy mask

I have over 25 years of riding and equine experience. I started riding as a little girl and never stopped. I grew up outside of New York City as a horse-crazy girl eager for any opportunity to get in the saddle.

When asked ‘do you ride English or Western?’, the answer is always ‘yes!’

While my early training and riding foundation is strongly rooted in English riding, I have learned over the years that riding a horse is riding a horse. Period. It doesn’t matter what tack you’re using, or whether you even have tack on at all! The foundations of riding are simple: balance, quietness, independence and confidence.

Yes, there are differences between neck reining and direct contact. A horse that jumps is steered differently than a cutting horse. A Western bit acts differently in the mouth than an English bit. But these nuances do not come into play until a strong foundation is first established. Once you have a strong foundation, a rider should be able to fluidly and easily mount any horse in any kind of tack and feel confident and in control.

Every great rider needs to first learn the basics, regardless of discipline. Whether you want to sail over 5-foot fences in the Grand Prix or careen around barrels at break-neck speeds, you need a balanced seat, quiet hands, and, most of all, passion. This passion starts early-on in riding. It is nurtured by quiet, trust-worthy horses, it is challenged by knowledgeable instructors, and it is what drives you to saddle up for each and every ride.

I started NOCO Equine to spark this passion. To provide every rider, regardless of discipline, a strong foundation to base their riding career off of. I focus on balance and comfort in the saddle, confidence, and, most of all, positive experiences. I teach my students to become independent riders, not just passengers in the saddle. At the end of the day, every great rider is more than just a rider. They are a trainer, they are an instructor, and they are in complete control of a 1/2-ton animal capable of flying.

Regardless of where you dream of winding up, a good rider needs a good foundation. And that is exactly what we specialize in

What I offer:

Private and semi-private riding and horsemanship lessons on your horse or one of mine.
Half hour lessons start at $40
One hour lessons start at $70

How to schedule with Tracy:

Call or text: 970-460-6045
Email: [email protected]

katrina brunner

I have been riding for over 20 years, growing up in the city, outside of Phoenix. I was the horse crazy girl with no horses. But my parents would drive me to lesson. I didn’t get involved more until we moved to Colorado and haven’t looked back.

Over the years I found my passion in horse rehab, I had a gelding with a genetic disease who needed a lot of tlc. So to help him I got certified in equine and canine massage giving me a different approach to how I train and teach. I combined bodywork with training, we help address areas of weakness and soreness and to find strength and relaxation so the horses can do the job we ask of them.

I am also certified as a yoga instructor, I got my training in 2015 after a horse accident. I use breath work and body awareness to help find relaxation in the saddle. Inhale squeeze legs to move forward and as you exhale release and the horse moves forward. Finding a connection with movement and breath.

Relaxation with breath, Movement with Intent

One of my favorite passion is teaching people of all ages, to be a part of someone horsemanship journey. The focus on my teaching is relaxation and body awareness for the rider and horse. Through the basics of grooming and leading to riding. If asked if I ride western or English, I say both! I love both styles. But I would say my foundation is more dressage based.

Currently I have two wonderful horses, well one horse and a sweet little pony.

Dragona is my main lesson horse, she rides both western and English tack. She is my go to horse for my 4 year old daughter.
Tonio is the new and up coming lesson pony, standing at 12.1 hands. He is the sweetest little guy who loves attention. He is currently in training but will be a future lesson pony.

Both horses are and learning to give therapy rides to my special needs siblings.

What I offer:

Equine Massage $75
Canine Massage $65

Riding lessons on my horse or your:
1 hour $70
Half hour $40

Horse Training $75 a session

How to schedule with Katrina:

Call or text: 970-691-9489
Email: [email protected]