Oregon (western Oregon) re-rider needs trail riding/general instructor

[TheresanAppfurthat]

I have a friend who just turned 70 (in great shape physically), who wants to start riding again with the goal of back country riding and horse camping here in Oregon. The instructor I was going to send him to passed away earlier this year (cancer), those in the Willamette Valley probably know who that very popular trainer was. Any ideas who might help an older re-rider with getting back in the saddle? He lives in the greater Eugene/Corvallis area, could go as far as Salem for lessons and, eventually, a carefully selected horse suitable for an older re-rider who just wants to quietly trailride. Thanks for any recommendations.

I haven’t posted here in years (my draftie is mostly retired because I’m overcommitted on the job front). Glad to see that the forum is as active as ever!

[Thoroughbred_in_Colo]

I’m guessing you were going to have him go to Lori Forge? Carrie Parker is Lori’s sister and trains in a similar style. She trains out of Oregon Horse Center in Eugene. I highly recommend her, she is great for creating calm, quiet trail horses and confident riders.

[TheresanAppfurthat]

Thanks TB in Color. Other suggestions? Anyone? Perhaps in the Corvallis area? Ideally the instructor would be located near trails and not necessarily in a show barn.

[AmarachAcres]

Jennifer Paulson in Albany. She’s a judge getting back into instructing.

Also a saddle maker and member of the Back Country Horseman of Oregon.

[mvp]

I’m in Corvallis and I can do that, but I don’t have a school horse. Does your friend have a horse and a barn that allows outside instructors to come in? I assume that our lessons would take place on the trails at some point, right?

I can’t teach someone to do the camping stuff, but I have lots of competitive distance riding, fox hunting and western in my background. I can teach someone to be a confident, relaxed, thinking rider outside of the ring.

PM me if I can be of use.

[BayRoan]

I second Carrie Parker. She does train out of OHC, but there is quite a bit of property there to trail ride on and develop skills before hauling out to other trails. The basics/foundation she teaches riders and animals is outstanding.

You may also want to get in touch with the Oregon Equestrian Trails Mid Valley or Eugene chapters for recommendations, if back country riding is his goal. http://www.oregonequestriantrails.org/