"My daughters (now 11 and 15 years old) started taking lessons with Sharon almost two years ago. As soon as we walked into the barn, I was impressed by how well maintained and clean it was. Since neither of the girls had ever taken riding lessons before, I didn't really know what to expect. Instead of immediately placing the kids on horses, Sharon first emphasized safety. I was and am extremely pleased that safety around the horses is always stressed. The students learn not only how to ride, but also how to care for the horses and behave around them. Sharon teaches the students many different activities on horseback, and she also incorporates character-building in her lessons. Since parents are always encouraged to stay during the lessons, I have learned alongside my daughters. I recommend Rakkan to any parent who is looking for a safe and fun environment for their children." -Barbel Dreyer

"We first enrolled Nikki at Rakkan to help blend her love of animals with riding skill and exercise. Many of our friend's children learned to ride with Sharon over the years. We quickly found Sharon Studdard not only to be an excellent teacher, but organized, flexible, caring and willing to make us a part of her equestrian family. Our daughter has gained confidence, learned to accept responsibility, and found the love of riding. Nikki wants you to know that she has also (most importantly) fallen in love with several of the horses as well!" -Becky, Dave, & Nikki Anderson

"I was looking for a fun-filled small ranch with gentle horses and this is what I found: Rakkan Arena with owner and trainer Sharon Studdard. She has professional knowledge, personal integrity, and patience. Sharon loves kids and adults and teaching them. She also helps choose a saddle, bits, and bridle. She teaches safety and how to communicate with these gorgeous phenomenal animals. This experience has given me a toned seat and legs, confidence, and balance." -Lorna

"My daughter, Jensen, has been riding and taking lessons at Rakkan for the past two years. She loves every minute! She has gained a great deal of confidence, and has learned responsibility and respect for horses. Sharon does a wonderful job in teaching all aspects of caring for the horses, along with the skill of riding. Jensen loves performing in the competitions and could quite possibly spend every spare moment at Rakkan." -Trina Logan

"Sharon is an outstanding trainer/educator. My daughter, Maggie has been riding at Rakkan for 2 years now. She has had other riding instructors and I find Sharon to be the best. Last summer, Maggie went off to a different summer camp that offered riding instruction. Well, she witnessed another girl loosing control of her horse at that camp and was dragged around the arena because her foot was stuck in the stirrup. Maggie returned from camp afraid of horses and refusing to ride. Sharon always stresses safety and control in her classes. Maggie went back to Sharon and had two private lessons. Sharon showed Maggie how the girl's foot got stuck in the stirrup when she fell off at the other training facility, by not keeping her heels down in the saddle. After her second private lesson with Sharon, Maggie wanted to ride with a group again. Sharon recently had a lesson about how to control your own panic on the trail during a chaotic situation. She showed you how to keep the horse calm and how to calm yourself. That was an outstanding lesson! She has many outstanding lesson actually."

"During the three 10 week sessions I have observed these lessons:

• How the horse moves and the different gaits
• How a horse perceives their world and how they cope with it
• How to gain trust with a horse
• How the bit works in the mouth
• Reining and saddle seat
• How to be patient with a horse and much more

• The students ride on different horses each week to they develop confidence to ride any horse and learn their personalities, rather than being dependent on one horse alone Sharon is fair and direct with the students and stresses safety for the horse and rider at all times. My daughter is back having fun riding and looks forward to her weekly ride at Rakkan. I would recommend this riding school to anyone."

-Jeannette McKenzie

"As a pediatrician for the past twenty years I have been privileged to work with many people who teach and are advocates for children. In my experience, a select few have a unique gift that allows each child to fully blossom. Sharon Studdard has that connection with children, she teaches in a way that is respectful, challenging and fun. My son has taken horseback riding classes with her for the past two years. She has taught him a healthy dose of respect for the horses, challenges him to be the best rider he can be and has developed a mutually respectful Teacher/Student relationship. She translates the lessons that he learns at Rakkan Ranch to tangible life skills. What else can I say but that Sharon is a star!" -Debbie Walhof M.D.

"Sending our daughter to Rakkan was a great choice! Watching her confidence grow as she sets goals for herself and achieves them—whether learning to post or saddle a horse properly—has been extremely gratifying. She’s learning responsibility and empathy, while having fun and staying fit. Sharon's teaching style is the perfect combination of enthusiasm, supportiveness and “never give up” perseverance, and our daughter loves it there." -Marissa Wright

"Horseback riding is recreational and good physical exercise, but there are many intrinsic benefits as well. In addition to physical exercise, horseback riding has great side benefits. Riding improves balance and coordination. As a child progresses in their skills they develop confidence and a sense of freedom. Riding is an activity that stimulates the body, mind and spirit. Horses offer not only recreation, but the opportunity to learn the subtleties of Equine communication; this is the development of trust and boundaries. I think the programs at Rakkan Equestrian Center teach children and adults to trust themselves and build confidence and self-esteem through learning to ride and care for horses. While the costs associated with horseback riding are a bit higher than some activities the benefits far outweigh these costs. Bend Park and recreation District are happy to be a partner with Sharon and Rakkan to offer the community the opportunity to experience these wonderful benefits through their well organized and safe horse camps and riding lessons." -Sue Boettner Youth & Adult Enrichment CoordinatorBEND PARKS AND REC

"Horses are great animals to be around. At first, it seems hard to do all the stuff that you need to do for horses, but then as you get better at doing those things, it turns out not to be as hard and is more fun." - Maia Denzler

"At age 9 We were watching Sharon take my daughter through a lesson last summer, and my aunt (who used to compete in long-distance endurance rides and who's daughters both still raise and show horses) turned to me and said "you are really lucky to have found such a fabulous instructor and such a wonderful riding facility." I feel fortunate to be able to share the magic of horses with my daughter through Sharon's loving and compassionate instruction." -Eric Denzler, Father

"Having taken various levels of riding instruction from Sharon Studdard at Rakkan Equestrian Center for over 9 years, I have always appreciated the level of creativity and willingness to think “Outside the Box” when it comes to training solutions that her programs offer. She approaches her students with positivity and truly cares about both the horse and riders needs. It is through her thoughtfulness that allows Sharon to get connected to her client’s individual needs. It is this connectivity that allows her to provide the unique service of listening to each individual client’s needs and being able to match her program to meet that need. Sharon has knowledge of both mental and physical aspects of the horse. Sometimes, it seems as if Sharon can read my horses mind, and I know that she can read my horse’s body language."

"This knowledge of the horse allows Sharon to guide me and my horse with successful training techniques and endless amounts of patience. Whenever I get frustrated with my horse, I can always count on Sharon to help me “think” through each situation based on my horse’s behavior and reaction to what training methods that we are implementing. I am always surprised at how quickly my horse responds to the training methods at Rakkan. The clear dynamics of Sharon’s programs provide a simplistic approach to horsemanship and allows for a safe, gentle and loving approach to horsemanship. The program that Sharon implemented for me has allowed me to be a more confident communicator with my horse. I highly recommend Sharon’s program and expertise at Rakkan Equestrian Center for people of all ages and skill levels. Sharon and I have created a lifelong friendship through our connection with horses." -Kristy Titus

"Hi! My name is Abigail Curl. I'm ten years old. I have been riding at Rakkan Equestrian Center since I was six years old. I would recommend this program because you will learn so much, like I have. This is a great facility because you will learn EVERTHING you'll need to know about horses. The instructor, Sharon encourages me everyday. I have my own horse now and I board there. It's a joy to be there. Happy Trails!" -Abigail Curl

"I highly recommend "Rakkan Equestrian". My daughter Sisely had her first experience with horseback riding there. Sharon is an amazing instructor and mentor. She and her staff taught not only riding technique, but equestrian science and safety. The environment was friendly, safe, and comfortable. Sisely showed marked improvement throughout as a result of Sharon and Zak's careful guidance!!! Sisely raves about the experience and is turning into a real cowgirl!!!! We will continue to take lessons there as Sisely grows into a more experienced rider! Thanks Sharon and Zak!!!" -Dr Don DeLisi Bend Oral, Facial, & Implant Surgery

"As a parent you hope to have a safe, fun and nurturing environment for your child. What we've found is that our entire family is having this experience, including our young filly which we board and train at Raking Equestrian Center. Sharon and her family have been there for us every step of the way. They are a wonderful asset to our Central Oregon horse community!" -Dr. Hans Russell

"My 8 year daughter has been riding at Rakkan for several years. It has been the one activity in her life that she has stayed consistent with. She has gained a ton of knowledge about the horses. Her self confidence has grown. To see this little thing lift the foot of a 1000 pound horse is quite an amazing site. I'm glad my daughter gets to have this experience. It will stick with her for the rest of her life. Thank you Sharon and Rakkan." -Janet Sackin

"Dear families who are considering enrolling a student in Sharon’s program at the Rakkan Equestrian Center. I’m writing, not as a parent of a student or a potential student, but as a person who has known Sharon for a very long time and has watched her build her extraordinary child-horse service business up from scratch. I first met Sharon at a barn where I was boarding my horse. She had just purchased a big old Appy, so her two then-small children, Haily and Tyer, could begin a horse experience, as she had so enjoyed all her life. Haily, as a natural, took to it immediately; Tyler, not so much. Often, when I was going to a horse show with my Arabian, Zeb, we’d also enter Haily in a lead-line class. From the start, she acted like a complete pro, riding with a judge-appealing expression on her face. When Sharon on the Appy or on some other available horse, and I would go out from that barn on a trail ride, I’d say to myself—and out loud: 'Wow, is she ever a great rider!'"

"I was with her during and throughout the exciting venture of buying the Rakkan property and carrying out the plans for the riding facility. I was also with her when she purchased her very first schooling horse, little “Bucky,” who, by the way, never bucked. Later, at a show, I saw a small Arab tied to a fence with a “for sale” sign duck-taped to his side. The next day we found the owner, checked out the horse, and “Echo” was added to the beginning of her “string” of wonderful schooling horses. Then, sometimes, people, having checked out Rakkan and realizing the excellent care Sharon was providing her horses, offered to give her one of their beloved “members of the family.” Or, others would retain ownership, yet have their horse(s) live at Sharon’s place and be used in her program. As Zeb and I left Rakkan a number of years ago, moving to an exclusively dressage training facility, I haven’t been able to observe closely Sharon’s operation as it has developed. However, I was in on it from the start, and I know one thing for certain: Sharon emphasizes safety of the rider, teaching the kids the proper ways to handle a horse, always being kind and gentle, but firm and in control. Although no longer observing her operation closely, I also know that she is very excited about what she is doing and, above all, takes pleasure in seeing progress in her students, as they learn Concentration, Confidence in themselves, while experiencing the necessary Cooperation with other riders, as well as developing an outgoing spirit of Consideration for the welfare of their beautiful mounts." -Carole Nuckton

"I first encountered Sharon and Rakkan five years ago. My two grandchildren (from out of town) and I signed up for riding lessons! That was just the BEGINNING – the children have come back during summer vacations for more – and I now own two horses who live at the Rakkan Stable. I’m impressed with Sharon’s teaching skills, her strict insistence on ‘SAFETY FIRST’ and the professional care that my horses receive. The fun and diversity we experience are amazing – lessons in horsemanship, barrel and pole events, drill competitions…to only name a few. Rakkan is my second home!!!" -Merna Blomgren

"My two daughters and I began with Sharon at Rakkan Equestrian Center to "learn about horses, to ride horses and above all - safety precautions". Approximately 5 years later, we have come away with so much more. My daughters have gained great self confidence, not only in their physical abilities, but in their knowledge of horses - they've learned discipline, how to look at things from another perspective, understanding how to gain respect from this animal and in return – show respect. I myself gained huge confidence – When I began my own lessons, I didn’t realize how much I already knew just from being at my children’s lessons. A wonderful experience – well worth every penny. Sophie: I've always loved horses, but now that I know more, I love them even more. Macey: I started knowing nothing, 5 yrs later, I'm an advanced rider and can ride most any horse - they are a huge part of my life. Mom: I’ve never seen two bigger smiles on a child’s face than those of mine when they’re on their horses." -Whitney Burgess

"When looking back on my time at Rakkan Ranch, nothing but good memories and wonderful experiences come to mind. There was always something going on out at the barn that made riding and spending time out there a blast. The thing I always valued most about Rakkan Ranch was the opportunity for progression. Sharon and the crew are always providing opportunities and trying new things to help make you a better equestrian. If you’re looking for a facility that offers quality opportunities and safe riding experiences Rakkan Ranch is for you!!!" -Kara R. Palacio, Oregon State Student University

"I recommend Sharon Studdard’s riding program to any parent with a child looking for a positive relationship with horses. Personally I can attest to Sharons riding program. Not only did I purchase my first horse from her, but I also was a border and employee during high school. Her riding program instills good horsemanship, safety and fun with animals. She gives her students a solid foundation pertaining to riding, safety, general horsemanship and care. I still use the skills that I learned from Sharon and my little horse while at Rakkan Equestrian center in my riding today. She is a charismatic speaker, positive influence and educational equestrian that is a value to the sport." -Mari Valceschini