Shiloh Ranch

Here is Alyssa and Tripper. She got Tripper from Shiloh Ranch and has now received her Parelli Level one with him. Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!

Congrats to Lee Lee and Lindy on their recent purchase of horses Butter, and Sugar.

It has only been a few months since my children and I began taking riding lessons at Shiloh Ranch. My daughter, Lauren, got us hooked on horses one by one. I believe her first word was “Horse!” We aren’t sure how or why her horse passion began. Her Montessori school offered riding lessons starting at age three; long after her horse passion began. Lauren took the reins and hasn’t let go since. I took lessons locally in Houston for a while but I was uncomfortable with the teaching approach. I found it harsh and simply against my nature to try and use brute strength to manage a situation. I was naturally apprehensive around horses; growing up in Detroit my horse interactions were limited to seeing mounted police during festivals at the local parks. My early lessons in Houston only intensified this apprehension, as the horses were very unpredictable, and at times down right mean. I persevered, determined to not be scared.

My daughter’s passion grew and her natural grace and ease around horses told us we would likely have a horse in our future. We first met Sabrina and began taking lesson’s with her briefly. She introduced us to Parelli natural horsemanship. The techniques made sense to me and as my skill level grew so did my courage. Sabrina encouraged us to continue our lessons at Shiloh Ranch, as it is much closer to our home. I was reluctant at first as I was finally feeling comfortable around horses and wasn’t sure the change would work for me. Sabrina’s instincts were correct. We have all enjoyed Shiloh Ranch. The Shiloh staff is so well versed in horsemanship that they easily match our skill levels and lesson with the most appropriate horse.

When my son saw how much fun we were having he started taking lesson’s as well. We have learned so much in our short time of training. I think the most important things I have learned at Shiloh ranch go beyond the fundamentals of horsemanship. I have learned that horses can sense my nervousness or uneasiness and will match that energy. I have learned that by relaxing myself the horse and I have a much more enjoyable ride I have learned that the more I trust my own instincts, the more I am able to trust the horse to use his instincts in a trustworthy way. I have also learned that as I set appropriate boundaries with the horse I am much more at ease setting boundaries with people. I have learned that consistency and respectfulness are the keys to forming a solid partnership. I am also reminded every time that I ride, I need to set my sites on my goal and take the lead or someone else will set a path for me and take me where I had no intention of going. I have also learned that there is no such thing as skipping steps. My rate of improvement and enjoyment is directly related to the amount of time I spend with or on a horse.

I am grateful that my kids and I have the opportunity to learn about horsemanship at Shiloh ranch. It is so wonderful to drive out to Chapell Hill unwind, and turn off the cell phone. My kids are becoming engaged with something that doesn’t have flashing lights, a sound track, batteries or a controller. I think we are learning some pretty solid values on the back of a horse. I was put in a precarious spot during mating season when my 6 year old wanted to know why the horses in the pasture were playing tackle football! I wasn’t ready to teach that lesson. That aside, I really appreciate the enthusiasm and hard work that goes into making this experience so enjoyable for all of us.

Samantha had always dreamt of horses, from the time she could first play dress-up in cowgirl clothes and ride her stick pony around the house. At the ripe old age of five she began a gymnastics career that would last through the competitive season of 2004. At that point, she realized her passion was the place where real horses, rather than those of the pommel variety, were stabled. Her first lesson was at Shiloh Ranch in January 2005 and she now dreams of owning her own ranch someday. Of course, at 9, she has lots to learn. Her favorite horse is Matt, whom she looks forward to greeting each Friday. Her favorite thing to do with Matt, as she is learning the ropes, is playing around in the jump area (just walking over the low ones for now). She also loves to bring carrots and apples to give to the horses after her lesson. Even this little exercise is teaching her about horses. Ten horses nudging for a bite can be a bit overwhelming for someone less than four feet tall! But being a little ex-gymnast has its advantages, since her strength and balance have come in very handy on the back of a horse. Size is never an issue, it seems, as long as those stirrups are pulled way up. She looks forward to the day when she can become a barn rat like the older girls, but for now contents herself with counting the days between Fridays when she can return to her favorite place in the world: Shiloh Ranch.

Tori Mask

What fun we’ve had with two young fillies we recently bought from Tom O’Connor at Shiloh Ranch!

To be honest, when Buttercup (age 5 mos.) and Star (age 4 mos.) were delivered to us (complete with hot pink ribbons around their necks!), we suddenly felt a bit panicked because we had never raised young horses before. But Tom helped us get started, showing us how to handle these babies using natural horsemanship methods. First of all, both fillies had been imprinted at birth, and as a result, both were comfortable with being around humans. Also their moms were brought with them and left with us for an entire week to help the young ones become acclimated to their new pasture environment so that within a few hours after the mares left, both fillies were comfortable with us and their other pasture mate, our three year old mare, Cassie.

Both of these young horses are very gentle and already accustomed to being groomed and led by halter. Raising these babies has been so much fun for our whole family and being able to get Tom’s advice and guidance when we need it is very comforting. So for those of you who might be thinking “I could never do that because I don’t know the first thing about raising young horses”, just go visit Shiloh Ranch. We’re so glad we did!

Lynna Tolliver

Shiloh Ranch
Tom O'Connor, Owner
Located on FM 1155 in Chappell Hill, Texas
Mailing Address: 12009 FM 1155 East, Brenham, TX 77833
Barn Office (979) 836-0599
Fax: (979) 836-0599 (please call before faxing)
Email: tpc@shiloranchtexas.com