Copper Moon Farm

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Introduction: Intense and complete equestrian lessons. We do ground work with both horse and person as well as work on horseback, to build a good collaborative relationship in which you communicate and move together with your mount. I teach mostly private lessons, and some semi-private. Copper Moon's facility, including an indoor arena and direct trail access, opened in 2015. All our horses are five-gaited Icelandics. Independently intelligent and interested in their work, they are my respected colleagues. My background is in Centered Riding, and I also teach the harmonious martial art of aikido. When I'm not a riding instructor, I am a brain scientist. I like to think I bring a unique perspective to teaching riding, and I love this work the most! People and horses can collaborate in a beautiful, special way. Enabling and supporting that is a joy like nothing else! And there's a certain smile people get when riding the tolt for the first time -- I am totally hooked on seeing that

Overview

Hired 10 times

3 employees

9 years in business

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Cash and PayPal.

Top Pro status

Top Pros are among the highest-rated, most popular professionals on Thumbtack.

2019

Featured Projects

5 photos

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for responsiveness, value, and work quality.

Excellent 4.9

9 reviews

89%

11%

Deirdre K.

May 10, 2019

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: 6 - 9 years old • No experience • Fun and relaxation • No, I do not have a horse • Western • Once a week • I travel to the horseback riding instructor

Private Horseback Riding Lessons

Daphne D.

Jun 1, 2019

Hired on Thumbtack

Details: 10 - 13 years old • Beginner • Fun and relaxation • Trail riding • No, I do not have a horse • What the instructor recommends • Once a week • At the pro’s location

Private Horseback Riding Lessons

Julia L.

Jan 31, 2018

I'm so happy that I found Vicka and the horses at Copper Moon Farm! They have given me a chance to learn more about the Icelandic horse breed while becoming more comfortable in the saddle and a more balanced rider. Many lesson barns I've been to offer 1/2 hour to 1 hour lessons, but I've found that Vicka's 2 hour lessons allow for plenty of time for ground work, bonding with the horses through grooming, and discussions/demonstrations. Vicka really listens to my goals as a rider and is always flexible if I'm hoping to work on something specific. The location at the edge of the Harold Parker forest is a huge bonus for trail riding!

Rebecca L.

May 30, 2018

Hired on Thumbtack

Our experience was really great with Vicka and her Icelandic horses, especially the really lovely horse my daughter rode, named Star. We enjoyed learning about the particular qualities of this type of horse, and something about their history. Also I liked Vicka's approach, which was slow and grounded in first grooming the horse (to get to know him and establish contact) then in safety and riding. My daughter enjoyed the experience.

Details: 13 - 15 years old • English • Intermediate • Trail riding • Show jumping • Fun and relaxation • No, I do not have a horse • As recommended by teacher • Evening (after 6pm) • Late afternoon (3pm - 6pm) • Morning (9am - noon) • Early morning (before 9am) • Early afternoon (noon - 3pm) • Evening (after 6pm) • Late afternoon (3pm - 6 pm) • On an ongoing basis • Willing to work around teacher's schedule • Conducting initial research • I travel to the horseback riding instructor

Horseback Riding Lessons (for children or teenagers)

Angelina G.

Aug 8, 2018

Hired on Thumbtack

What a great experience! I loved re-thinking everything from grooming to steering. I'm looking forward to doing this again.

Details: Adult (18 years or older) • Intermediate • Show jumping • No, I do not have a horse • English • Western • Once a week • I travel to the horseback riding instructor

Private Horseback Riding Lessons

FAQs

What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
I charge by the lesson. I prefer not to watch the clock, but estimate 2 hours each time; if somebody has a deadline I set an alarm. But I prefer to continue teaching until a "good stopping point" -- somebody's learned something, or has gotten tired -- rather than quit because the minute hand says to. I offer discounts for multiple lessons booked in advance. I charge for no-shows and cancellations with under 24 hours' notice. Barter exchanges are negotiable and offers are welcome!
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We start on the ground, learning how a bit feels to a horse and what it means to them when the rider does things with the reins. Talk about what the new student wants from the horse/rider/instructor relationship, and what I can offer. Then we meet the horse on the ground, grooming and getting a hands-on encounter with the animal's body and feelings. Riding comes next -- unification of human and horse into a collaboration in moving together through space. (This is why my lessons run so long....!)
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I am a Massachusetts-licensed riding instructor (apprenticeship and written exam) and a Centered Riding Level 1 instructor (clinics and ongoing education). I also have a black belt in Aikido, a martial art based in moving in harmony with one's partner. Very useful in thinking about how to move in harmony with an animal as big as a horse! My other major occupation is brain science (PhD, University of Washington, 1998). Brains are how we learn things and how we get our bodies to do the things we are thinking of. Biggest influence on how I think about everything, ranging from teaching techniques to the requisite telepathy about what's going on for the horse!