PERFECT MANNERS BETWEEN YOU AND YOUR HORSE
Lessons in Groundwork and Riding
The Ranch
A Paradise for Horses and Humans
Our historic ranch is one hour southwest of Las Vegas. Our 40 acres are home to a diverse population of animals including dogs, cats, sheep, chickens, miniature ponies, rabbits, two huge tortoises, Bongo the parrot and 10 well trained horses. Once you visit, you’ll understand why many guests refer to this as an “oasis in the desert”. We are located in a valley (with soil free of rocks), within a mesquite grove, surrounded by beautiful mountains.
While commuting from Las Vegas each day is an option, most of our students prefer to bring two or three girlfriends and stay in our three-bedroom Airbnb guest house. Reservations can be made by going to
Anyone with an airplane can fly in and land on our 3400’ runway.
In case you are interested in smaller unique accommodations across the street there are tiny houses and tipis available to book: https://abnb.me/pi96qG6gG0
In addition to horsemanship training, there are many activities available for our guests including bike riding, pickleball, ping pong, pool, shuffleboard, horseshoes, bon fires and star gazing. In the summer, you can enjoy swimming in our lake, boating or Tarzan swinging. Dogs are welcome so long as they are good around horses.
Most of our horses were born and trained here. We imprint them at birth, and we never inflict physical punishment on them (or any other animals for that matter). Consequently, our horses trust people and actually enjoy being with us. When not with us, they spend their time grazing in pastures with their friends, leading happy, stress-free lives.
We have some spare stables if you want to bring your own horse.
Our 60’ round pen is our principal training facility. You will learn to control the horse’s movement with simple voice commands or hand gestures without any physical connection to the horse (such as a halter and lead rope). You’ll also learn “join up,” where the horse accepts you as leader. From there, we move on to riding within the safe environment of the round pen. When a rider becomes competent, we’ll transition into the desert where we can ride any direction, as far as we want to go.
Natural Horsemanship
Understand horse behavior. Develop respect, co-operation and trust. Become comfortable and safe on and off the horse.
Ground Work
You will learn to establish leadership, communication, and trust.
You will also develop the skills necessary to 'join-up', 'follow-up', and train your horse to obey your commands of his own free will.
Riding skills
You will master basic riding skills. You will be able to stop, turn, speed up, slow down and exercise complete control for a comfortable and safe ride.
Trail rides
Our ultimate goal is to enjoy the Mojave Desert on horseback.
You will experience the thrill of riding through the mountains, blooming cactuses, sand dunes, and Mesquite trees while taking in the unique beauty of blue skies and the most amazing sunsets.
Whatever you’re struggling with, I’m here to help you achieve your goals. Contact me to find out more.
About Silke
Silke worked for Cirque du Soleil for the last 10 years. As Artistic Director for Zumanity, Michael Jackson One and Ka, Silke was responsible for more than 150 artists and over 500 technicians and supporting staff in Las Vegas.Silke grew up in Germany and worked throughout Europe as a director, choreographer and dance teacher and therefore started riding horses quite late in her life.While teaching dance, choreography and performance art at the Fontys Art University in The Netherlands, Silke began fulfilling her lifelong dream to ride and train horses. Silke lived close to one of the biggest nature parks of Europe. Moving sand dunes and miles of horse trails sparked her interest to investigate the horse experience.As a dance and movement instructor, it was not enough for her to just sit on a horse and ride. She wanted to understand the relationship between humans and horse.Over the next four years, Silke took intense riding classes and natural horsemanship clinics at the Dutch stables ‘Manege van Loon’ and ‘Equestrian Centre De Peelbergen’ (Where Anky van Grunsven, 4-times Olympic Champion had trained).Silke was also fortunate to attend Monty Roberts, natural Horsemanship clinics in Peelbergen, Maastricht ( Netherlands) and at Monty’s Flag is up Farm in CA. When Cirque du Soleil hired Silke to come to Las Vegas, she used the opportunity to dive into the wild west. She spent time at a working cattle ranch in Tucumcari, New Mexico, and she deepened her horse experience by training rescue horses, giving riding lessons and teaching natural horsemanship. Due to Silke's experience managing artists, theater stuff and being a dance, movement teacher for over 35 years she developed excellent skills to lead and motivate people to learn and get confidence training their own horses.
“Happiness, not in another place but this place, not for another hour but this hour”
Walt Whitman
Gallery
Impressions of The Ranch
Contact & Booking
