LOWER LAKE — Oak Creek Ranch and Riding Academy, a nonprofit organization focusing on youth in the community, will welcome renowned horseman John Saint Ryan for a four-day horsemanship clinic. The clinic will offer a variety of equine-related activities, Sept. 30 through Oct. 3 in Lower Lake.
The event is being sponsored by Therry Jay, who discovered Ryan a few years ago through a fellow equestrian in Mendocino. Ryan leads educational clinics in Lake County three times a year. “I was immediately impressed with John and I saw an opportunity to bring his teachings to riders in Lake County,” Jay said. “We now have three full days of riding with summer, spring and fall clinics.”
Ryan”s clinics aim to bridge the gap between classical riding and natural horsemanship. His teachings are focused on helping the students develop a deeper level of communication with their horses and unlock the incredible potential that each horse has to offer. Ryan aims to teach his students, from beginners to experienced riders, the importance of “body, mind and spirit” in every aspect of their relationship with their horse.
“John works with people from all different riding disciplines ? dressage, hunter/jumper, western,” Jay said. “He has such a broad-range of knowledge he can help anybody who just wants to improve their riding skills. He has a knack for teaching and has the ability to reach anyone. I don”t think I”ve ever met anyone that came out of these clinics unsatisfied.”
Ryan brings to the arena more than 20 years experience, having studied horsemanship with some of the best riders in the world, including Jose Manuel Martin De Leon, monitor of the Real Escuela of Jerez; Sr. Joaquin Rodriguez de La Villa, national judge for Doma Classica Spain; and Mestre D. Francisco de Braganca of Portugal. He is said to be most well-known for his extensive study with Master Horseman Tom Dorrance.
“It all goes back to basic, fundamental horsemanship,” Jay said. “John tailors his lessons to the rider to fit their needs and their skill levels. He works wonderfully with children as well as with seasoned, experienced riders. He also assesses each animal very well and sees immediately what the horse needs and what kind of help the rider needs.”
Oak Creek Ranch Riding Academy provides therapeutic riding programs for participants of all ages. At Oak Creek, they think through equine activities, the challenged rider can develop self-awareness, self-confidence and improve their concentration. Equine therapy, they say, offers physical benefits such as muscle strengthening and stretching as well as refines motor skills. Proceeds from the clinic will benefit Oak Creek”s nonprofit programs.
Participation costs vary. For more information, contact Therry Jay at 998-9564.
Oak Creek Ranch and Riding Academy is located at 11440 Spruce Grove Road in Lower Lake.
