At Cornerstone Ranch, the lesson focus is The Basic Handle, a scientific approach and organized system of riding created by Monte Foreman in the 1950s. The goal of our riding is to encourage the horse’s natural movement and full athletic ability. The humane methods allow the horse to understand what is being asked and respond willingly to the rider, and by working as a team the horses and riders can have much more fun!
Every time one gets on a horse’s back there are new things to be felt and learned. Sign up to take a lesson or workshop with Julia, a riding lesson or driving lesson with Susan, and get on the right path to safely ride and handle horses while you fall in love with the process, camaraderie, and beautiful surroundings at the Ranch.
Julia Connell
Head Riding Instructor
and Barn Manager
MA
Julia Connell moved to Princeton with her family in 2000 where Cornerstone Ranch began on a lot of woods. Growing up on the Ranch and watching it grow as a facility and business fueled Julia’s passion for horses, and she began instructing in 2016. Julia travels to southern Arizona every year to learn at the Classical Stock Seat School of Arizona to progress her education and understanding of horses. She also has attended several riding clinics in New Hampshire and Florida.
As the Ranch’s instructor and barn manager, Julia oversees the trail rides, staff, barn maintenance, riding arenas, scheduling, care and doctoring of the animals, and more. She demonstrates the commitment and responsibility needed to be a high quality instructor, importance of keeping tack and equipment in good condition, and the obligations a rider has to its program in order to succeed.
Julia follows and instructs The Basic Handle, a scientific approach to riding created by Monte Foreman in the 1950’s. The goal is to benefit the horse by encouraging its natural movement and promoting full athletic ability. The methods taught allow the horse to understand and respond willingly to the rider. Julia encourages all of her students to be their best for the horse. Every time one gets on a horse’s back there are new things to be felt and learned. Come to the Ranch to take a lesson or workshop with Julia, and join the ride to fall in love with the beauty of horses.
Susan Connell
Cornerstone Ranch Founder and Manager
MA Licensed Riding Instructor since 1988
Susan Connell, founder and owner of Cornerstone Ranch, has been around horses since she was a little girl. Her parents were in the horse showing and breeding business, and were often either traveling for horse shows or training, or developing their own riding facility in Jefferson, MA. Throughout her youth horses were always her biggest calling, and her way to escape from life?s stresses. As a young adult working in different trades like waitressing, cleaning, and even starting a bookkeeping business, Susan was always brought back to horses and instructing.
Susan has always been passionate about horses, and is now helping others discover their love for them. She started instructing lessons in the late 80?s, and decided to fully commit to Cornerstone Ranch in 2004. Starting solely as a lesson barn, we have a strong foundation in instructing lessons here. Susan is the face of commitment and is always training new youngsters, refining the older horses, and running the place on top of it! She is a hard-working role model for all of the riders that come to Cornerstone.