If you have been taking horseback riding lessons for a while, you may want to consider leasing a horse. When you lease, we work to together to select the best horse for you. Then, you get to use them 4 to 8 times each month. You can spend the time grooming or riding as you build and deepen the bond with your special horse.

When you lease, we're still there to support you but the program lets you develop confidence. Before long, you'll be comfortable dealing with more horse situations. The learning curve can be steep. We always warn our leasers to be sure to get the saddle on tight enough and to take some time to learn about your horse. Take it slow!

To enhance the experience, you can take lessons on your leased horse. It speeds up the learning process and together you and your horse continue to learn as you build the horse/rider team.

You'll discover that leasing is a whole new way of learning about horses. We have some super horses that are wonderful to lease. Best yet, Blackhawk covers the vet and farrier fees...and it's super affordable.

Contact us if you are interested. You'll love leasing a horse!

Helen

There's nothing better than a trail ride!

Trail riding season is finally upon us. There's nothing better than the sound of the horse's hooves, the fresh air on your face, and the smell of the outdoors...and you can't beat the camaraderie!

Before you decide to go on a trail ride, be sure that you've taken classes and have enough experience. When you're taking horses on the trails for the first time, you'll want to remember several techniques. First, make sure to think like a group and never leave anyone behind. It's not a good feeling when your horse gets worried just as your friends canter off up a hill. Always check in with everyone before picking up the pace. When deciding how far you are going to ride, stay present and do whatever the situation calls for. Remember, you can always head back to the barn, you don't need to "ride it through" especially if a horse is not comfortable.

Finally, the best way to be sure you'll have a great trail ride is to do ground work and ride in the arena before you head out. You and your horse should be communicating well before you hit the trail.

You're going to love trail rides. Head for the hills!

Caitlin Day Huntress
Blackhawk Head Trainer

BlackHawk is such a perfect location for films, commercials, photo shoots, and music videos that we've been added to the Oregon Film Commission's list of locations. The setting is perfect with rolling hills, horse barns, and a historical home to complete the picture. In addition, the Johnson family lays out the welcome mat so that the filming is a great experience.

Recently, 180 films shot Sara Morris' new music video at BlackHawk. It's just been released. Take a look at the below link to see how well the location works. You'll also enjoy the Johnson family's cameo roles in the music video!

Click here to read about BlackHawk on the Oregon Film Commission's location list.

Don and June in Pacific Crest Trail: A Ride to Remember

Our barns are full! There are now 32 horses lovin' life at BlackHawk.

Welcome our new farrier, Sarah Cyders. In her second year of vet school, Sarah is experienced and very personable with both horses and humans. Come and meet her!

Pacific Crest Trail: A Ride to Remember. We watched this great television show about trail rides and wanted you to know about it. In 1959, Washington ranchers Don and June Mulford decided to try what everybody said couldn't be done -- ride the entire length of the 2,400 mile Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada in one year. It proved to be the adventure of a lifetime. Armed with a movie and slide camera they documented life on the trail and captured surprises along the way. A Ride to Remember showcases their stunning photography and delights viewers with memories still fresh after fifty years. You're going to love this show!

Summer at BlackHawk is one of the best times of the year. The flowers are up and the air is light. Take a moment to enjoy it as much as we do!