Reata Ranch Horsemanship is a reputable horse riding school located in Cedar Vale, Australia. Founded by Anthony Desreaux, a passionate horseman with a lifetime of experience, the school aims to provide a better way of training and working with horses.
Anthony's love for horses began during his upbringing on Mount Wood Station in the outback of New South Wales. Working in stock camps and riding nervous and unconfident horses, he realised that there must be a more effective approach to horsemanship. It was during this time that Anthony had the opportunity to learn from renowned horseman Gordon McKinlay, which opened his eyes to the potential of a different way of working with horses.
Over the past 20 years, Anthony has constantly honed his skills and expertise by riding a wide variety of horses, including young colts, older rank horses, and exceptionally talented ones. He has also dedicated time to training in the United States under the tutelage of influential horsemen such as Ray Hunt, Buck Brannaman, Craig Johnson, and Pat Parelli. Drawing from these experiences, Anthony is now committed to sharing his knowledge and helping others embark on their own horsemanship journey.
At Reata Ranch Horsemanship, the focus is not on competing in horse sports or breaking horses, but rather on building partnerships based on trust, understanding, and respect. Anthony believes that every horse has the potential to become a great partner if given the opportunity and shown a positive path to follow. The school teaches techniques and methods to gain a horse's trust, acceptance, and cooperation without resorting to fear, intimidation, anger, or cruelty.
Although Anthony has competed successfully in rodeos and gymkanas, his true passion lies in teaching horsemanship and helping people develop strong bonds with their equine companions. He resigned from managing a large cattle station in Western Queensland in 2015 to pursue horsemanship teaching full-time, after numerous requests for more clinics from satisfied students.
Reata Ranch Horsemanship offers a supportive and inclusive learning environment, where individuals are encouraged to continually improve their horsemanship skills. Anthony, along with his wife and three children, are dedicated to opening the door to more people seeking a safer, calmer, and more friendly approach to horses in their lives. Whether one aims to compete or simply enjoy a fulfilling relationship with their horse, Anthony provides the necessary tools and guidance to achieve optimal levels of partnership.
At Reata Ranch Horsemanship, there is no sense of competition or rushing through the schedule. Instead, the school emphasises taking the time required to establish the desired partnership with horses. Once this foundation is established, the possibilities are limitless in terms of what both the rider and the horse can achieve together.
Whether you are a beginner looking for a solid start with horses or an experienced rider seeking to improve your skills, Reata Ranch Horsemanship offers a range of services to cater to your needs. These include clinics covering foundation horsemanship, colt starting, and cow working, suitable for individuals of all levels. The school also provides access to online video learning resources, allowing students to reinforce their knowledge in between clinics. Additionally, horse training and starting services are available, along with virtual video lessons that provide personalised feedback.
Reata Ranch Horsemanship is also home to a dedicated online shop, offering a range of training products, flags, halters, leads, ropes, lariats, merchandise, and saddlery. Clinic bookings can also be made conveniently through the website.
Join Reata Ranch Horsemanship today and embark on a journey to discover the beauty and potential of horsemanship. Experience the joy and fulfilment of building a strong partnership with your equine companion, guided by the expertise and passion of Anthony Desreaux.