Like a private clinic
Horsemanship Residency Program
Residencies are designed for riders seeking deep, focused development. You'll get three hours of daily, private lessons with horsemanship and performance trainers - plus unlimited auditing while we work with our horses, and use of the property for riding solo.
All base rates include your stay in the guesthouse, board for your horse or lease of ours, all training, unlimited auditing, use of property, truck and trailer parking.
Add another rider or bring an additional horse at discounted rates. Contact us for custom pricing, or take our short survey to receive a sample residency program and explore add-ons like professional photo sessions, off-property cross country schooling adventures, saddle fittings, and more.
Reviews
★★★★★This experience was everything my daughter and I hoped for and more. We came to live out a childhood dream, and we left with the foundation for a future with horses.
From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in genuine horsemanship. We learned about horse behavior, riding techniques, and even liberty work – knowledge that felt both empowering and humbling. The instruction on daily horse care and the realistic breakdown of what it costs to keep a horse was invaluable; it gave us a true picture of what we’re stepping into, not just the romanticized version.
Beyond the horses, the entire experience felt thoughtfully designed. We even squeezed in some pickleball, and the amenities made our stay comfortable and easy. Having a great HEB nearby and plenty of conveniences close by meant we never felt isolated, yet the property itself felt wonderfully rural and peaceful.
The location is perfect – just 30 minutes from downtown Austin, but you’d never know it. It feels like a world away: relaxing, wholesome, and exactly the kind of place where dreams take root.
This wasn’t just a fun getaway; it was the beginning of our journey with horses, and we couldn’t have asked for a better place to start.Vanessa & Evie
★★★★★I came to Big Dark Horse Development looking to give my young horse a positive, educational off-property experience. My horse and I both left feeling way more confident, connected, and inspired. From slow mornings eating breakfast alongside my horse, to challenging lessons pushing me out of my comfort zone, I loved my stay at Big Dark Horse and hope to be back again in the future!
Meghan S.
★★★★★Nemo and I have had some issues being able to move out and under himself. He was diagnosed with Kissing Spine back in the spring of 2024 and had the ostectomy surgery following shortly. Katrina and Brooke both watched him move and shared that my concerns were valid and I was not exaggerating. They had a game plan ready to go and broke down each exercise down into a language I could understand. The best part was, they EXPLAINED WHY we were doing and WHAT it does to help the horse. I have not had an instructor go so in depth to the reasoning of what we were doing and that was really what I needed to be to see the benefit. Katrina and Brooke have a one-of-a-kind experience. I WILL be returning, as the positives of this experience were beneficial to our success moving forward as a partnership.
Jules P.
★★★★★Looking for a safe place to take your green horse? Are you looking to get back into horses after a break? Do you want to strengthen your Horsemanship skills? This is THE PLACE to go!! I had a great time with my horse & Brooke was a wonderful host! I'm going back to play with some of her horses too!!
Sarah C.
FAQs
Our sweet sport is adult amateurs who are currently riding regularly. We specialize in helping riders build deeper understanding of horse psychology, biomechanics, and rider responsibility. Groundwork, flatwork, jumping courses, navigating obstacles and terrain out cross country - all can be done with more relaxation, connection, and confidence.
We do accept true beginners on a case-by-case basis. This is a holistic, immersive experience that teaches the foundations of horse training and literacy. If you are a beginner coming for a one-week stay with visions of cantering through a pasture with the sun and wind in your hair - you may or may not get there in the time allotted. If you believe there's real magic in connecting with horses whether you're on the ground or in the saddle, you'll have an amazing experience.
Contact us if you're unsure, and we can find out whether we're the right fit for you!
There is one queen bed in our guesthouse.
You are welcome to bring a second guest, provided you are comfortable with these sleeping arrangements.
If the second guest is participating in the horsemanship/riding residency, additional charges apply. Contact us for a quote based on your specifications.
If the second guest is not participating in the horsemanship residency, there is no additional charge for them to stay on the property and audit your experience.
We make every attempt to honor reservations and can adjust session schedules and/or haul to nearby facilities with covered arenas when needed. We do not have a covered arena on-property. In the rare case of truly severe inclement weather, we may be forced to cancel your stay. In this case, we will work with you to reschedule or refund your stay. Cancellations within two weeks of arrival are at the discretion of Big Dark Horse Development.
Yes.
We are 25-30 minutes from downtown Austin. You may choose to drive to us, rent a car (airport pickup/dropoff is easy if you're flying in), or Uber/Lyft around from the property. Uber/Lyft are easy to get.
If you are hauling to us with your horse, trailer parking is available at no additional cost. Please be sure to let us know the size of your rig so we can plan accordingly.
No. Meals are on your own.
The guesthouse is equipped with a fridge, air fryer/toaster oven, sink, and Keurig for coffee. Plates, bowls, glasses, basic cooking implements, etc. are also provided.
Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Instacart deliver to the property.
We are 25-30 minutes from downtown Austin, and less from many great restaurants in the Pflugerville and Round Rock areas.
