Riding Lessons - Horse & Horsemanship Training - Bobcat Farm

Riding Lessons

I am the only instructor that teaches here at Bobcat Farm

You will get a full hour of instruction, by a trainer with decades of experience.

$90.00

You must take one horsemanship ground lesson before riding. $85 per hour.

Introductory ground lesson discounted to $65.00 hr. You are free to do them both the same day.

Click Here to learn about horsemanship lesson

I recommend Bobcat Farm & Cathie for EVERYTHING horses! Whether for boarding your horse(s), taking lessons; riding instruction or horsemanship, you’ll find the highest level of safety standards, and a calming demeanor while you’re learning from her. Cathie is a true horse whisperer. Bobcat Farm is your small town, peaceful little barn that you will call your new happy horse place right after your first visit. It’s def mine! Gina April 14th 2024

Riding Lessons & Training
I highly recommend Cathie for riding lessons and training. She is truly amazing. It took me a couple of years to find
her, and I regret not committing sooner but I am so incredibly glad I finally did. BobCat Farm is peaceful, calm, and
the real deal.
Cathie and Bob make an incredible team. Bob is constantly improving and maintaining the property while Cathie is
focused on training her students and horses. As Bob jokingly says, “She takes care of the front end, and I take care of
the back end.” Together, they’ve created a welcoming, well-run farm that puts horses and riders first.
Finding My Path as a Rider
I got back into riding about four years ago with one clear goal: I wanted to be a cowgirl. I was chasing the feeling from
my childhood—riding in the woods, on the beach, and feeling free. Unfortunately, I spent years at another barn riding
in circles in an indoor ring in an English saddle, not realizing that this wasn’t helping me reach my goals.
Eventually, I transitioned to Western tack, but I was still riding “English in a Western saddle,” which didn’t feel right.
That’s when I finally learned the difference between Western pleasure and ranch-style riding. Everything started to
click for me.
I found Cathie online and began taking a few lessons with her. The groundwork she taught was fascinating and
completely different from anything I’d experienced. I tried applying what I learned to a leased horse at another barn,
but after a few accidents on an untrained school horse, I made the decision to train with Cathie 100% of the time.
Growth, Confidence & New Experiences
I began full-time training with Cathie in March of last year, and within just a few months I had accomplished things I
never thought possible:

Walk–trot–canter in the ring and out on the trails
Riding in the woods and on the beach (twice in one month!)
Discovering versatility and ranch challenges
Trying cow penning
Driving a one horse open sleigh on Christmas day! — absolute heaven!

It truly never gets boring with Cathie. There have been days I arrived tired after work, expecting an easy ride, only to
find cones and cross rails being set up, and suddenly I’m cantering over a small jump, laughing and completely in
love with the experience. I’ve left lessons both laughing and crying with joy (which anyone who knows me knows is
how I express gratitude and happiness).
Cathie works incredibly hard to keep herself—and her riders—growing. There are times I’ve been completely
exhausted from one adventure, and she’s already ready to go to the next clinic or event the very next day.
I lease one of Cathie’s horses, which means I’m part of the herd, and I cherish every minute of it.
Being part of the Bobcat Farm crew has been life-changing.
Horsemanship at the Highest Level
Cathie is as genuine as they come and a truly brilliant horsewoman. I have never seen anything like her—my closest
comparison is watching Buck Brannaman videos. She genuinely speaks horse.
I’ve accompanied her on off-farm jobs working with problem horses, and it is nothing short of incredible. In a very
short time, she earns a horse’s trust and calmly gets them to do what’s asked. Watching that transformation happen
is amazing.
What makes Cathie’s training so special is that everything taught in the ring directly translates to real-world riding.
I’ve learned practical, confidence-building skills such as:

Effective groundwork and proper leading
Safely catching a horse from a herd
Managing gates
Reading and understanding a horse’s body language

Her methods teach respect through clarity and consistency—not force.
I’ve heard some people say Cathie is hard on horses, and that simply isn’t true. What they may have seen is a
well-timed, necessary correction to stop unsafe behavior. After that, she is kind, fair, and incredibly gentle.
Cathie isn’t just training horses—she’s training humans to be safer, more thoughtful, and more confident horse
people. Bobcat Farm is a peaceful, welcoming place where horses are exceptionally well cared for and riders are
supported every step of the way.
I am deeply grateful to be learning from Cathie and to be part of the Bobcat Farm family. Beth Story Jan 2026

Can’t say enough about how happy I am with Stella’s lessons… Cathie is patient , kind… extremely informative and unconditional… I highly recommend anyone who is looking for lessons…. Sue Russell

I do not do group lessons until one has mastered basics as I need to have all my attention on you.

Once deemed experienced enough, two riders will be allowed to ride together, or go on the trail with me along. Same price for second horse.

Complete beginner, or advanced rider. I believe you should understand how the horse thinks, how to move his feet and his body on the ground, as you develop a trusting, respectful, working partnership through ground work. (You are the leader in your herd of two). These ground skills are just as important as the skills you master under saddle.

You will start with catching your own horse, going through gates, bringing him/her into the barn, tying him/her, grooming, and tacking up your self under Cathie's supervision. Once a student has gained the skills to catch there horse safely, they can arrive 15 minutes early, catch your horse out of a herd, and spend time with them brushing and bonding that will not count as lesson time.

Lessons are taught in the ring. If desired, trail riding will be available once the rider can demonstrate full control at the walk and trot in the ring. You will advance to riding around the property over the grass. Your horse is not allowed to grab grass without permission while ridden. After that, you will be able to experience our wonderful trails right out back. Click Here to join me for a ride.

We are a predominatly western barn. But I have spent years riding my clients horses english and I can certainly teach you! 80% of my clients are english riders. I will admit to getting many of them to cross over to the wild side. Not because I pressured them. After riding with me they enjoyed the laid back atmosphere we provide and the fun they have.

Trail ride Presenting a clinic at Belmont Park

If you are tired of getting pressured to do something you are not comfortable with, like jumping when you just started riding, or getting put on horses that wont stand to be mounted, or your just tired of going around in boring circles without learning much, please give Bobcat Farm a try. Besides learning to do an emergency dismount, you will never be asked to do something that makes you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. You will learn strategies to keep you safe in the saddle, You will KNOW what to do should a horse spook, or try to to take over your ride. Riding should be fun, and safe! My horses are well trained. They will always stand to be mounted and wait for you to ask them to move off. I will make learning and your lesson fun!

Above picture, me taking a beginner rider out on the trail with the lead line attached.

For younger children with their shorter attention spans A 30 minute lesson is available to start with

Let me know when you book the lesson, if you want to start with 30 minutes.

This lesson will include learning how to brush a horse, helping to pick his feet. Leading a horse, and then riding with a

lead rope attached until skills are mastered to be able to ride unassisted. $50.00

Today was my first lesson with Cathie. I used to ride for years up until 13 years ago. I also went through a very stressful surgery about a month ago fighting cancer. Today was some much needed therapy for me! Cathie was amazing as well are her horses. I learned a lot. You never stop learning no matter how long you ride! I got to brush and love on a very sweet horse and go for an easy ride. It lifted my spirits more than I can explain! Melissa Partridge Oct 8th 2024

This is the place to go for anyone interested in riding, horsemanship and horse behavior. In the past 6+ months, working with Cathie, I've made great progress in my goal to learn Western riding and become more confident around these gorgeous creatures. Earlier this month, I traveled to Wyoming where I participated in a variety of long and challenging rides. With my safety skills and basic horsemanship training, I felt confident and secure throughout. The guides all commented on the good training I'd received. While there's still much to learn, Cathie is a true mentor and someone you can consult with forever. She's born and raised around horses and has unending knowledge. Many prestigious farms and organizations call on her for training and guidance. The farm itself is neat and comfortable, very easy to feel at home and find your way around. All of the animals-- cats, dogs, horses, even chickens and ducks-- are pampered, friendly and living the good life. If you have questions at all about lessons, training or caring for horses, give Bobcat Farm a call Bonnie Anderson

Our daughter Gabby has been taking lessons with Cathie for a few months now and absolutely loves them! Cathie is very knowledgeable and patient and Gabby has learned so much about horsemanship and riding. Her confidence is growing and she beams whenever she has a lesson. The horses are wonderful and very well cared for. We are very happy we decided to go with Bobcat Farms for lessons. Catherine Grintchenko Oct 2023

We are so happy to have found Cathie Hatrick-Anderson. She is amazing, very knowledgeable, and my daughter always has a blast in her lessons. She is learning horsemanship, western riding, barrel racing, and has gone on trail rides. She is the happiest girl ever when she is having a lesson with Cathie and her horses. Thank you, Cathie, for being here! Anine De Grood Jan 13th 2017

“Cathie is a great teacher and riding instructor. Her love for horses shows in all that she does. She gracefully works with my daughters Sara and Anna, teaching to each, adapting to their individual personalities. Her calm demeanor and exceptional knowledge of horse training is truly exceptional. We were looking for a western saddle experience and the development of strong fundamentals. There is no better place for that. Cathie also has been very welcoming and a great role model for my girls instilling a care for horses and a love of riding. They look forward to every session.” Robert Masasi 1/15/2019 Sara and Anna having a great time.

Taking lessons with Cathie has been an amazing experience! She has really helped me become a better rider. Tyler Gilman 4/9/17

Young or old, beginner or advanced rider, you

will learn invaluable skills Bobcat Farm.

First time ever taking lessons Over 60 it's never too late to learn, bareback teaches balance

On a line the first time on a horse. A dad learning to ride, so he can ride with his daughter

First time back in the saddle, after she had accident Later in the season in her favorite english tack, clearly confident!

on her own horse.

Expereinced rider wanting to learn more, or rider coming back after an accident I can help you, with my horses, or your own.

I teach all ages from 5 yrs. and up, (my oldest student 76 years old and had been riding with me for 6 years) in all seasons. We start a little later Nov-March around 11:00 am so the footing is softer. Must be above freezing as it's not fun if we can't feel our fingers and toes. (You will not be charged for cancelling if the weather does not cooperate) If it's cold, bring warm gloves not those $1.99 stretchy ones, WARM gloves, neck gator or scarf. It might look good where you live, but once you come dow my driveway there may be snow/ice, wear proper footwear, cleats are a great addition. The riding ring and trails could be lovely (or we would not ride) but this is a farm walking to the ring can be tricky, we salt/sand the best we can.

I had a great lesson on Friday 11/25/2016 with Cathie. You will see me riding bareback for the first time ever! And I did not fall off, LOL. I HIGHLY recommend Cathie as a riding instructor as well as how to work with horses. I am an intermediate rider who has just started to lease a horse. She even does "house visits!" She came to the farm and helped "train and teach" my horse. In reality, I know I am the one that needs to be trained! She has given me a wealth of information about "horse language." This is making a huge difference in the bonding with the horse that I lease. I am learning how important Ground Work and Lunging is to develop trust and understanding. I am learning to understand the cues the horse is giving me and how I communicate with my body movements & energy. I have also seen Cathie in action working with a horse at her barn. This horse has developed some VERY bad behaviors. Her commitment to helping this horse not be euthanized is noble and generous. To my friends, I call her another "horse whisperer" with her own style. I KNOW I have found a goldmine instructor. I am so blessed to have Cathie in my life. She is patient and understanding with me as I am learning. I don't feel stupid asking questions that seem stupid - like how should the saddle sit on the horse? I know I am a novice rider and novice being with horses, but even if you are an expert, I GUARANTEE, you will find Cathie is a wealth of information and you will learn a TON about yourself and your horse.

I cant say enough about Cathie Hatrick-Anderson! First of all I had totally lost my confidence with horses after a horse related injury and was about to give up when I found Cathie. We started with hours of ground work with her two horses to help me regain my confidence. Cathie is very calm and explains everything with patience. When I was ready I moved onto riding and slowly I am back to dealing with and riding my own horses with confidence and actually finding joy in riding again. This IS ALL because of Cathie and her great training. Cathie helped me find and choose my Quarter horse Lacey. Before I decided to buy her Cathie and I went to where she was boarded. She did ground work with her first (which was amazing to watch) and then she rode her, then finally I did. I've had Lacey for two years now and shes one of the best horses I've ever owned. Cathie helped me find my perfect match! If you're looking for a new horse take Cathie with you, she'll help find you a great match also! Can't thank you enough Cath!!! Laurie Paradis 2/14/18

Once you are ready, and you have a desire to you have the opportunity to participate in off farm events.

Versatility Team penning

Beach rides Cowboy Mounted Shooting

Be prepared to take advantage of our time together.

I have helmets available for the first several lessons if needed, you should bring closed toe shoe, preferrable with a heel.

Release must be signed by both parents if you are a minor. Please take the time to read this, you will need to sign it before working around or riding. I can e-mail you this document so you can bring it to your first lesson.

I do not sell packages, but I never require you to take a certain amount of lessons. Come once a week, or once a month.

Please show up 10 - 15 minutes before your lesson starts as our time will begin promtly as scheduled. If you are late, our lesson will still end on the hour. Please don't cheat yourself.

These lessons are by appointment only, you can't just show up, we live here and expect our privacy when lessons are not scheduled.

If you cancel a lesson without a 3 day notice, be prepared to pay the full amount. If I cancel on you without a 24 hour notice I will give you the lesson free on another date. (Highly unlikley), but I train horses off farm many time traveling out of state for emergency training problems for my clients..

Your horse is NOT tacked up and waiting for you, First lessons included in the hour is time to go get your horse, tack up and groom, pick feet, untack, quick brush. This is all a part or being a horseman. Once you are comfortable getting your horse out by yourself, you can arrive early to groom/bond and it will not take away from your hour.

To save time please print out release and bring it with you.