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DISCIPLINES
Natchez Bend has the distinction of being
one of only a handful of riding programs that offers qualified
instruction in a wide variety of horsemanship disciplines.
In addition to the basics of horsemanship, horsekeeping, and
barn management, Natchez Bend offers instruction in:
ENGLISH HUNTER/JUMPER
 Students
are taught equitation and hunter positions, the gaits of the
horse, and carriage of horse and rider. Our goal is to strengthen
the rider so that they may begin their preparation in learning
to jump. We begin with ground poles, body positioning, teaching
the posting trot, and the 2-point position. Advancement to
crossrails, and then to verticals and other arena obstacles
will prepare them for the local schooling shows. Our more
skilled advanced riders ride up to the 3-foot limits and complete
in many different divisions.
DRESSAGE
Trish Franks-Wright has produced and trained
several thoroughbbreds and Arabians to the Grand Nationals
and many winning dressage shows at different levels. Martin
Franks, Trish's son, who trains the family's Reining Horse
Futurity Prospects, has crossed over and prepared horses for
the dressage arena with winning results.
GAITED RIDING LESSONS ON TENNESSEE WALKING HORSES
Natchez Bend offers gaited horse riding lessons on Tennessee Walking Horses for trail riding, Field trials and horse show guidance are taught. Local showing available during the season.
PONY CLUB
 Our
program encourages families not only to be involved in our
program, but to join the United
States Pony Club. You will see similarities in teaching,
safety, and horsekeeping. We can provide a pony for you for
a minimal fee to experience a true "stable in" for
the first time at a Pony Club camp that is generally in the
summer. You will be totally responsible for your pony partner
while you are there. You will have a variety of clinics, including
dressage, cross-country, and stadium jumping. As you pass
the necessary checkpoints, you rank up in skill level.
4-H
 4-H is a community of 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship and life skills. Natchez Bend supports our local 4-H community. Our riders show in 4-H sponsored horse shows locally, on the regional level, and state-wide.
Tennessee has one of the largest 4-H memberships in the country. 4-H membership affords our riders the opportunity to take part in the greater 4-H community as well.
REINING
 Reining
is a western discipline which involves reining a horse not
only to guide him, but also to control his every movement.
Credit is given for the smoothness, finesse, attitude, quickness,
and authority of performing various maneuvers, while using
controlled speed, which raises the difficulty level. Patterns
are presented to memorize and  follow
once you enter the ring. 360 spins and long sliding stops
make the reining horse industry the hottest equine sport going!
Our family has produced many great winners, and have had the
experience of competing for three world titles. Trish Franks-Wright
coached daughter Brittany to the Young Riders Finals in Gladstone,
New Jersey in 2002. Another youth rider, Hampton Deck, is
a multiple World Champion Youth Rider. He began training with
the Franks family when he was 8. He is now competing in the
Non-Pro Divisions. Every member of the Franks family shows.
PONY POLO
This is for kids who would like to learn the
sport of polo and learn how to ride at the same time. Tommy
Barrett, the professional for Natchez Bend Performance Horses
comes to the program with high energy, a love for kids, and
a passion for polo. Ages 7-16.
PONY SOCCER
Pony soccer is the #1 recreational play sport
of horses and ponies these days. Using a 51 inch ball, riders
maneuver their horses around this ball to reach a certain
goal. Teams are created just like the soccer field, but on
horseback. It's a LOT of fun! |
