Southern Breeze Equestrian Center, Inc.
cstrobel@sbreeze.com 281.431.HUNT (4868) Houston, Texas

 

 
 

At Southern Breeze Equestrian Center, we offer instruction at all levels.

 

Beginners are started on a longe line with individual attention so that the student can learn position and balance without the distraction of controlling the horse. As the student becomes more proficient at these skills, the longe line is removed and the student may join a class. Younger children go to a half hour semi-private class. All other students are assigned to a group lesson. No more than 4 students are regularly assigned to a class in order to insure plenty of individual attention.

Classes are leveled so that students are riding with others who are working on the same skills. Examples and demonstrations are used regularly along with discussions on theory.

Ground skills are also incorporated into the lessons to round out an overall knowledge of horsemanship. Many skills cannot be taught on the horses' backs so lessons occasionally will be taught primarily on the ground.

At SBEC our goal is to teach our students as much about all aspects of horses and horsemanship as possible. We also feel that the "life lessons" our students learn along the way are just as important as the horse lessons. Therefore we recognize and encourage opportunities to promote self-esteem, self-reliance, patience, camaraderie and compassion. The accomplishments of our students always brings smiles to our trainers and staff.
 

Lesson scheduling and pricing.
 

We are currently taking requests for the fall lesson schedule. The fall schedule at SBEC will begin with the week of Aug 24-29, 2009.  Please make sure that we know your preference in times and days as well as any times or days that you cannot come.  Be sure to give us as much flexibility as possible so that we may give you the class best suited for you.  Once the schedule is made it is difficult to change as we fill up very quickly; therefore, carefully consider your choices and options before you tell us your preferences.

As always, if you are going to miss a class please give us a minimum of 24 hours notice so that we may use the time for make-ups or additional lessons for other students. With appropriate notice we are happy to reschedule your time within 30 days. However, should a lesson be missed and 24 hours notice not given, you will be expected to pay for the missed lesson.

With so much to learn about horses to be a true horseman, some lessons will be spent “on the ground” to help complete the rider’s education. We will try to save the pretty days for riding and keep the ground lessons for the inclement weather so please be prepared for a total learning experience every day. Also, make sure you allow time before the lesson to prepare the horse you are riding and to put the horse and equipment away properly cleaned after the lesson. Until you are capable of doing these tasks unassisted, a portion of each lesson time will be devoted to learning these procedures.
 

Current lesson pricing as follows: (prices subject to change at any time)

 
Registration fee (one time only) $20.00
½ hour private or semiprivate lesson pre-paid by the first of the month $30.00 per lesson
½ hour private or semiprivate lesson paid individually at time of lesson $35.00
1 hour group lesson pre-paid by the first of the month $40.00
1 hour group lesson if paid individually at time of lesson $45.00
45 min. private lesson with Cathy            $60.00
45 min. private w/assistant trainer $45.00
30 minute therapeutic riding session pre-paid by the first of the month $35.00
   

 

 
 

Hippotherapy is therapeutic riding for the physically challenged.

 

It is used by licensed physical therapists and occupational therapists that have a strong treatment background in posture and movement, neuromotor function and sensory processing. Our NARHA registered center offers a person with disabilities an outstanding means of physical exercise that assists in improving balance, posture and coordination
 

Volunteer side walkers needed for therapeutic riding program
 

Our NARHA registered center offers a person with disabilities an outstanding means of physical exercise that assists in improving balance, posture and coordination. Side walkers, who may be family members, volunteers or therapists, assist the rider on each side of the horse. The unique relationship established between rider and horse can be beneficial in improving interpersonal relationships as well as physical skills. Clinics are held periodically to help parents and volunteers understand the benefits.
 
 

Top Hands Horse Show
 
The Top Hands Horse Show offers a variety of levels of physically-challenged riders of all ages the opportunity to compete in six events, including showmanship at halter, English equitation, Western equitation, trail, pole bending and barrel racing. The show is divided into divisions based on assistance needed. Hippotherapy (therapeutic riding) is a fun, freeing therapeutic way to strengthen muscles and improve balance. It also can improve concentration and build confidence while providing new freedom for the riders. Often, riding is the only activity where these riders are able to be mobile and in control. These “Top Hands” personify strength and perseverance in a way that ensures there is never a dry eye in the house. Coaches, volunteers, family members and spectators realize they have witnessed an extraordinary event that can change the lives of everyone involved. The courage exhibited by superior riders who continually break barriers not only in the arena, but also in their lives, drives this unique experience. The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Special Children's Committee works with established riding clubs. Participants are entered through these riding clubs.
 
 

Check out Southern Breeze Equestrian Center, Inc. in the news here!!!!
 
This is our 9th year to be invited back. Click here for Cathy Stobel's 2010 first inverview on the local news.
 

Click here for Cathy Stobel's second television appearance on Top Hands 2010 and her therapuetic riding program that was on the local news.
 
 
Each year we attend the Top Hands Horse Show at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. This is a special program for therapeutic riders. Check it out. Click here for a video of Top Hands in 2009 showing some of our students.
 
 

 

Copyright © 2008 Southern Breeze Equestrian Center, Inc. All Rights reserved.