Silver Star Stables/ KL Horsemanship Training

02/05/2023

12/09/2022

Holiday lesson specials:
Buy 5, get 1 free
Buy 8, get 2 free
Buy 10, get 3 free

11/08/2022

Mark your 2023 calendars for EI's USDF-recognized dressage shows.

Chablis/Beaujolais will be May 6 and 7, at the Washington State Horse Park (WSHP) in Cle Elum, WA. Crystal/Magnum Champagne shows will be June 10 and 11, at the WSHP. These are new dates from past years, and an exciting new location showcasing the now-ready Horse Park.

Stay tuned for more info and prize lists on these shows, and on our schooling shows at Bridle Trails, to come in spring!

09/16/2022

This is very true...I try to find many ways to explain that discipline is ok. Everyone, 2 legged, 4 legged, all the legs 😅 We all want structure and a confident leader.

"You've got to be fair to the horse, but it has to be a mutual respect. And sometimes people they'll be like, 'Well I love him, and he's my friend. I write poems about him and stuff. I just don't want to.... oh, gosh.... I just don't want to....'

You don't want to what? Do your job?

Horses that are disrespectful are not happy horses. You're not giving them a good life. It's a hateful, violent life. So by not stepping up and doing your job, you are being cruel. Because somewhere along the line, if he's ever going to be worth a damn for anything, someone is going to have to line him out, and then put him through 9 kinds of hell to get to where you change the behavior pattern he's been living his whole life. Well that's not very fair either. So you're better off to just have him behave."

~Buck Brannaman

09/16/2022

Amazing 🤩🤩🤩

08/12/2022

I can't even begin to say how proud I am of Grace and Miss Peyton in their lesson today...
Their last lesson they got to canter a few strides for the first time...today, they had multiple laps of a beautiful, steady canter. 🤩🐎💓🤩 So proud of these ladies!

08/11/2022

Li'l Miss Ella and Lady Pantera had a great lesson this morning. Future jumping star in the making!

07/28/2022

This was the challenge for my student today. Not only did it put her hands in the right place, and organized her arms in a way that I could have never explained it better, it gave her a real feeling of feeling the bit connected to her ring fingers.

07/26/2022

August Day Camps

August 13th and 20th
9:00-12:00
Ages 5-15
Cost per camper -$150
Venmo or PayPal

Campers get to enjoy a riding lesson, groundwork lesson, helping with caring for the horses, and more! Contact Kim at 425-301-2440 or FB messenger to sign up.
These fill up fast. Sign up today!

07/24/2022

Ramona and Sampson had such a great lesson today!!!!! He is the bestest dinosaur pony EVER 💗🐎💗

07/23/2022

🌟Burkwood Outreach Horse Show Dates 🌟

We have decided to run only two shows this year. We will be looking for sponsorships to make these two shows really special and fun! Both shows will have Friday night Derbies 🙌🏻

November 18-20, 2022
May 26-28 , 2023

07/19/2022

Summer Lesson Specials
* Buy 8 for price of 6
*Buy 10 for price of 8
*Buy 12 for price of 10

07/03/2022

Summertime is the perfect time of year to start horseback riding lessons! Whether you are just starting out, looking to learn a new discipline, or perfect your skills for competition, Kim's program helps riders of all ages and levels. Lessons are tailored to the individual, and are available in english, western, dressage, jumping, and western games. Contact Kim at 425-301-2440 or FB messenger for more info, and to sign up 🐎😊

06/19/2022

Day camp was amazing today!!! So proud of everyone... riding so well, helping with barn chores like professionals, and learning so much!!! Such a great day. 💗🐎💗

06/03/2022

True Words:

Let’s talk about the lack of quality coaching and lack of standards in the equine industry. For example, kids learning with someone who claims to be an "coach" and all they learned is how to see-saw a horse's head down and chuck their body over a fence like a champion. All coaching is not equal.

But what happens when you have a good coach? One that opens their program to you, takes you under his/her wing? Becomes invested in your success? When you essentially become part of the "family"...

Eventually, something will happen...

Coach tells you that you are not Karen O'Connor 2.0, and not ready to make the move up to the next level.
Coach says you need to go back and fix some holes in your training.
Coach says you have developed a bad habit, and it needs to be fixed before you can accomplish your goals.
Coach says you need to make sure that your horse is being ridden (not just hanging out at the barn).
Coach says you need to dedicate more time to studying the sport, not just riding.
Coach says it isn't a "horse" problem, it is a "you" problem.

People have become increasingly more reactionary. More easily offended. In lieu of everyone getting a trophy, it is so hard to hear these words from people you admire. Some of the best coaches will be the toughest. Not ones that tear you apart constantly, but coaches that aren't afraid to have the tough conversations with you. Or conversations that you may not have wanted to have.

But remember, a good coach is in YOUR corner. They want YOU to achieve success. They dedicate so much more than an hour of time to your growth not only as a rider but as a horseman. Maybe you are burning the candle at both ends (and in the middle), and you need a reality check that this sport requires more of your time and focus.

These conversations can hurt, but while it may sting at first.... take a second. Think about why your coach is against you moving up right now, why your coach is saying to wait until the summer to be a working student, why your coach is saying that you should not enter the show until the homework and flat work is done.

Surround yourself with coaches that aren't afraid to have these tough conversations with you. You don't want or need a "cheerleader" coach. You are paying you for your coach’s expertise... the positives and the criticism. Let them help make the best decisions for your horse, and for your program. The lessons on the horse and the lessons off of the horse. Are you ready? Are you doing what is best by your horse? You owe it to yourself and your horse....

*** Copied and modified from Courtney Sendak