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 Meet the Instructor  Natalie Ranchuk, owner of Natural Beginnings Riding Lessons and head riding instructor, has loved horses her entire life. She is a graduate of Michigan State University’s Horse Management program.  While at the University, Natalie gained advanced academic and hands-on experience related to horse riding, handling, and management. Through a University internship, she served as a riding instructor atRiverbank Farm in Davison, Michigan, where she gained valuable experience related to offering riding instruction and running a stable on a day-to-day basis. While there, she also learned how to turn her teaching interests into a small business venture. Upon graduating from MSU in December 2006, she continued instructing at Riverbank Farm until she was able to open Natural Beginnings at Dream Catcher Farm in South Rockwood, Michigan. Natural Beginnings briefly moved to Riverbank Farm from fall of 2010 till early 2012, but will re-open in Croswell, Michigan in spring of 2012. With Comet and other lesson horses, Natalie is also pursuing advanced study in Natural Horsemanship through Parelli International®. It is with great enthusiasm that she invites you to join her and her schooling horses at Natural Beginnings Riding Lessons. Meet the Horses  Comet   Comet is a 14 year old bay Arabian gelding who stands 14 hands high. His small size makes him technically a "pony", but he thinks he's a big boy. He loves attention and has wonderful ground manners. While riding him he has a little bit more "Go than Whoa", so riders who have been riding for a little while are better suited to him. He has enjoyed participating in eight local parades so far, with more parades in his future. Former Lesson Horses and Ponies Sparky   Sparky is a small, 11 year old gray pinto pony mare. Because Sparky is a pony, she will never grow any taller. (Pony refers to height, not age.) Natalie did most of Sparky's training back during her internship at Riverbank Farm during the summer of 2006. Now, Sparky has joined the Natural Beginnings family and teachs small children how to stop, steer, and trot, and also gives many Runt Rides. Sara   Sara is an 12 year old Haflinger mare. Sara is a pretty horse that has a lot of personality! She likes to go on trail rides in Richfield Park, but does a good job of teaching people to ride in both the indoor and outdoor areas too. Sara also has a nice, broad back that makes learning to ride bareback quite enjoyable. Missy   Missay is a 20 year old Morgan mare. While being an older horse, Missy still has plenty of energy when you ask her to go! She has also learned how to settle down and take things in stride over the years as well. Missy is very sweet, but can be shy around new people. One of her many talents is her ability to stand ground tied (stands in place when her lead rope is dropped on the ground), and she will stand that way for quite awhile before she even starts to think about wandering off. At this time, Missy is retired. Buffy   Buffy is an elderly Quarter Horse broodmare who is approximately 27 years old. Buffy is known to have foaled 14 foals over her lifetime. As you can imagine, having 14 babies has given Buffy a very quiet and laid-back dispostion which makes her a favorite lesson horse for many of the quieter and more timid riders. Buffy is also believed to have a disease called Equine Cushings, which is a genetic hormonal imbalance which causes her to grow a thick winter coat that will not shed out at any time of the year. This is managed in the summer by giving her a full body clip, while the coat helps her stay nice and warm in the winter. Buffy also has some mild arthritis in her hind legs due to her age, but still enjoys walking and occassionally trotting with her beginner riders. Jack   Jack is a Percheron gelding who is approximately 20 years young. He has a very docile and sweet personality. He has had a variety of different jobs in the past, including pulling carriages and extensive trail riding. Now, Jack is enjoying all the attention that he receives as the largest member of the barn. Ringo   Ringo is a Paint Gelding who is 16 years old. He used to be a police horse, but an old injury is preventing him from ever returning to active duty. However, Ringo LOVES to be brushed and fussed over while doing easy walk/trot activities with Natural Beginnings students. Please call ( ) with any questions that you may have. Serving St. Claire County from Croswell, Michigan. |
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