Training and Lessons

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Camryn - Click for Larger Image Catherine and Laura - Click for Larger Image Kate - Click for Larger Image Shannon and Laura - Click for Larger Image Violet - Click for Larger Image Madison Winning - Click for Larger Image Madison Jumping - Click for Larger Image Casey Jumping - Click for Larger Image
Madison Head On - Click for Larger Image Laura - Click for Larger Image Casey - Click for Larger Image

HD Ranch is pleased to announce that training and lessons - on either your horse or one of our well-trained school horses - are now available!

Training and lessons are under the direction of Francie Olson, a former director of equestrian studies at the University of Colorado, who earned a B.S. degree in Animal Science and Nutrition from Michigan State University. Francie also enjoyed tremendous success as an A-level show rider and fox hunter, including winning the Arizona Adult Medals Finals in 1998. Over the years she has trained with many nationally-recognized, hunter/jumper horsemen. Francie is proud to present Laura Tullos as the head instructor and trainer at HD Ranch.

Laura comes to HD Ranch by way of Chicago, where she rode and showed horses and ponies for prominent hunter/jumper trainers: Jeanine Lamb-Hugi, Diane Carne and Dana Link. In 1995, during her junior years, Laura won the Illinois Hunter and Jumper Association Pony Medal Finals. As she gained expertise as a show-rider, she also became an accomplished trainer, breaking many two-year old horses not qualified to race. Laura is a kind and patient trainer and instructor, allowing horse and rider to develop their skills with confidence. Laura moved to Durango several years ago and has been training, teaching and showing for HD Ranch Sport Horses since May 2008.

HD Ranch specializes in the hunter/jumper and equitation discipline, which teaches you a proper natural-balance seat for all types of riding - whether it’s dressage, 3-day eventing, western or just trail riding. Our excellent instruction is well-suited to every level of rider from the beginner to the advanced show-rider. Our goal is to equip every client with the knowledge and horsemanship skills to ride properly, safely and to have fun while learning.

In addition, we have wonderful training programs for horses of all ages and/or stages of development: starting them under-saddle, preparing them for pleasure riding or training them for the show ring.

Please come and visit us. We would love to show you around and find out what you are looking for.