Welcome to ABOUT BASICS RIDING
Riding and handling horses is a skill and ability that you never stop learning and exploring - not if you want to do it well and safely.
I am an experienced, insured and certified English and Western horseback riding instructor based out of Albuquerque. I travel all over the area to provide riding instruction for you with your horse.
My name is Nancy Cummings and here you will learn about my lifelong experience with horses as well as my philosophy on riding, training and instruction. I have a lot to offer you and your horse and since I tailor my methods and sessions specifically to your riding and your horse's needs, our time spent together will be extremely effective.
I come to your home or boarding facility to work with you and your horse - So don't let where you live or board in the Albuquerque area stop you from contacting me about riding lessons and training!
What makes me different from other riding instructors?
I determined long ago that my true interest was to focus specifically on the team of horse and rider. I don’t offer lesson horses. I only work with people that either already own their own horse or are leasing a horse on a regular basis.
I really enjoy working with people that need help building their confidence. That confidence may be either in riding as a whole or just with that particular horse. I focus on giving you a strong set of tools to enhance your riding skills as well as a strong understanding of horse behavior. It's logical that you'll be confident once you feel competent!
I come to YOU at YOUR home or barn. You don't have to travel to get help. We can work in your environment eliminating the stress of trailering and/or working in new surroundings.
I focus on helping horse and human get through a tough time. Sometimes it’s as simple as making sure the horse doesn’t have any physical issues that are making it act differently and sometimes it’s as interesting as helping the rider learn a new way of communicating.
I focus on getting results. I really do want you to "graduate"! That means that I've been helpful and have done my job well. I do indeed have many clients that have been working with me for years but that's because they have chosen to continue to grow and learn and it's wonderful to be able to continue to open new doors to them.
My philosophy on teaching and training is very simple:
Be clear, be consistent, be fair - to both horse and rider. Horses "allow" us to ride them and we must always remember that they are giving us this gift and can renege on that offer at any time.
Professionalism / Certification / Insurance
I provide the security and professionalism of being fully insured with complete Worldwide Liability, Care and Custody Coverage enabling me to teach horseback riding and train your horse from ANY location.
I recognize and accept the responsibility of maintaining current Red Cross Certification in both Emergency First Aid and CPR.
I have the added experience and knowledge by being proudly certified by the American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA)
Riding / Training / Instruction
All of my sessions emphasize:
Safety: At all times for horse and rider - both on the ground or under saddle.
Horsemanship: The overall basics and responsibilities of caring for a horse on a daily basis.
Equitation: The basis of all riding no matter what discipline - english, western, trail. You will learn how to develop a strong balanced seat and quiet controlled body to ride with your horse instead of just on your horse.
For the New Rider:
I love the privilege of introducing the infinite world of horses to those that want to learn. Our first session will begin with a review of your past experience, level of interest and any particular goals you would like to reach in your training.
For the Novice to Experienced Rider:
Building on the basic foundations, I will provide an educated eye and clear step by step actions and exercises to ensure that you reach your riding goals - whether it be solving a particular problem in your riding or communication with your horse or simply moving on to the next levels of skill and ability. My goal is to help you be the best rider you can be by having more fun and confidence each time you mount up.
For your Horse:
I use experience and patience in showing you how to train or retrain your horse. Whether it be putting the finishing touches of responsive leg yields, adding the safety of a good stop, de-spooking for the trail or arena or strong ground manners - all making your horse safer, happier, and a pleasure to handle.
RATES
I charge a flat rate of $60 per hour of private one-on-one riding instruction for you on your horse.
I do not provide lesson horses.
I am currently based out of Albuquerque. If you are located more than 45 minutes driving distance from me, I suggest scheduling 2 hour sessions with you and your horse to keep it time and cost effective. I have found that these sessions allow me to truly get to know you, your horse and your riding level and then accurately assess how I can be of help to you.
No matter what your needs, interests or issues are, after each session together, I provide you with a comprehensive plan of exercises and/or processes to work on with your horse so that our next session will be effective as well. I am always available to answer questions or discuss concerns in between sessions via phone, email or text. I want to make sure my clients succeed!
Depending on the issues and interests, my clients will work with me on a weekly basis for as long as necessary to get the corrections in place and then, once they feel confident enough to make progress on their own, we may drop it down to every other week and sometimes eventually to just once a month. I really like to see my clients “graduate”! That means I’ve done my job well and you are happily and safely riding your horse. That’s the whole point of contacting me.
Don't hesitate to email me at
or Call or Text me at
#505-933-2626
Tell me about your riding interests and training goals and I'll provide you with information on my fees and schedules so that we can arrange a plan of action! Easy as that!
I look forward to hearing from you!
PROUD TO HAVE RECEIVED SUCH WONDERFUL REFERENCES!
Teaches Communication with Your Horse
"Nancy has a straight-forward, encouraging communication style that helps horse and rider work on both basic and advanced skills. Her lesson plans are creative, effective yet very flexible. For me, she helped get my confidence back after a fall and injury combined with my previous trainer's harsh teaching style. The things I do with my horse now compared to a year ago; what a huge difference. I'm learning so much from Nancy and having a blast at the same time. Nancy is very well educated about horse training and adapts swiftly to me and my horse's particular needs. She usually starts out riding my horse a bit to see where he's at and teach him moves that I still don't know how to ask my horse for correctly; for example canter circles or lateral moves. Then I'll get on for a lesson to practice while she watches and gives feedback. Nancy doesn't micromanage every aid I give but rather lets me discover on my own and we'll discuss it after. If I need to be corrected she does it clearly and efficiently, but she is focusing more on encouragement and definitely doesn't nag. I'm sure that if a rider wanted and needed instructions for every step on the way she would do that too. I ask a lot of questions and she has a wealth of knowledge and I learn a lot every time we meet. Nancy is always cheerful and both me and my horse love her." Magda B.
Great Instructor for any Discipline
"I would absolutely recommend Nancy Cummings. She's a great horsewoman with a ton of knowledge and a great way of teaching. She's a great all around teacher, with extensive knowledge of both english and western riding. I'm primarily a dressage rider, and she's helped me greatly . She has an excellent eye and is a lot of fun. Definately a person that you will learn a lot from AND have a great time doing it." Tonya N.
Perfect for Horse and Rider
"Nancy Cumming has been my trainer for a couple of years now. I have had trainers before but never anyone that was such a great communicator. She goes above an beyond to assist you in improving self confidence; riding skills and in care of your horse. Since training with Nancy, my confidence has greatly increased in the arena and even more on trail. When my horses have had different behavioral and medical issues, she has been a fantastic resource. I am very thankful I found her and would totally recommend her training to anyone." Al O.
Knowlegeable, Patient Riding Instructor
"Nancy Cummings of About Basics is a terrific riding instructor. I came to learn riding and own my own horse as a mid-life adult. As such I brought with me more fears of falling off and more. Nancy has been patient and effective in building my confidence and skills as rider. In addition to riding skills she's helped me choose the appropriate tack for my horse and taught me how to trailer load. We laugh out loud at every class. I trust her with me and with my horse." Paula K.
Nancy Cummings is a Great Horse Trainer/Instructor
"I came to Nancy as an insecure rider. I was also beginning a new relationship with my horse thus causing additional insecurities, i.e. riding confidence, horse trust issues, building a relationship with my horse, etc. Since I've been working with Nancy, my self confidence, riding skills and trust in my horse has improved tremendously. We are becoming a great team because of Nancy. She is a great horsewoman as well as an excellent trainer and instructor. Her style is clear and concise. She is very intuitive and quickly assesses what it is you need to do to become a better rider and partner with your horse. She is extremely patient, encouraging and excels at building self-confidence. Plus she's fun to work with, she has an amazing positive upbeat personality and always makes you feel good about what you've accomplished. I highly recommend Nancy to anyone who is looking for a trainer/instructor." Pam O.
Old Dog Learned New Tricks!
"I've been riding for many years. I've worked with different trainer/teachers in my time and I must admit that Nancy is one of my top two picks. She not only can see what is going on with you and your horse but is able to communicate it to the both of you. She has made us a better team and reminded me of the joy of riding and gave me back the confidence that was lost somewhere along the way. Nancy is not only there at lesson time. She is always available for a quick reminder or a question. You will enjoy, laugh and be a better horse person after working with Nancy!" Marla G.
Perfect For New Riders and New Horse Owners
"Nancy is an outstanding instructor. Before I bought my new horse I had been on a horse's back once in my life. I was scared and unsure of anything I was actually supposed to do to get a horse to listen to me. She taught me everything I needed to know to be a calm, confident rider. She was always available to help, always on time, and never rushed to get me to understand anything. She continues to teach me things to this day (we started down this journey three years ago) with my new horse. I honestly have never known anyone who enjoys horses or teaching people about them more than Nancy!" Amber L.
Loved Working with Her
"Nancy is a wonderful teacher. She makes learning new things fun and achievable. She is prompt, well organized, and clearly loves what she does. She has a knack for describing what needs to be done in creative ways. I love her sense of humor and joy at watching her students grow. I highly recommend her." Donna A.
Great Results Trainer
"Nancy Cummings is your gal !!! I have ridden endurance/trail for many years and really dislike arena work. Nancy has been working with me and has helped me sooo much. She is able to communicate to you what your horse is doing, what you need to do so that you get the results you want. She is easy to work with, both you and your horse will love her. I look forward now to my next arena lesson !!" M. Gallo
Highly Recommended
"I know of a fabulous instructor in the Bay Area! Her name is Nancy Cummings. She is my instructor, my horse’s savior, and my life line with all my problems that I have with my horse. She is clear, concise, supportive, and ensures that I know exactly what she is asking of me. She is listed on the Baen board as an instructor. I highly recommend her without reservations." Sandra S.
Great All-Around Instructor/Trainer
"I have been working with an amazing trainer who would be absolutly perfect for your needs. She is trustworthy, reliable, knowledgeable, and all around a phenomenal instructor for both humans and equines alike. Her name is Nancy Cummings of "About Basics Riding" (http://www.aboutbasicsriding.com/). She is great at individually assessing both the needs of the rider and horse so you are guaranteed to progress on any issues you may have while building your confidence as a rider. I would recommend her without reservation. I am not sure if you have already found a trainer but thought I would respond either way just in case. Good Luck!" Anonymous - Taken from the BAEN Message Board in Response to a Query for an Instructor to help with Confidence Issues