Reis Ranch
Horsemanship Courses
Meet Dennis Reis
“I have been working with horses and people who love horses most of my life. I’ve taught courses for over 40 years in Sonoma County, across the United States, internationally and on TV.”
Read my resume for more details.
About Our Training System
Reis Ranch Universal Horsemanship Mentor Series Training System is a program designed to foster a deeper partnership between horse owners and their horses. Our system uses effective communication to help you achieve safer and more reliable responses from your horse, regardless of its breed or discipline.
Our core philosophy teaches horse handlers to “speak the horse’s language.” This approach reduces training time and minimizes stress on the horse, serving as an intensive and accelerated pathway for both you and your equine partner to develop new skills. You’ll be able to excel both in and out of the arena within a safe and supportive environment.
The curriculum is structured into four progressive levels, each comprising four classes, for a total of 16 classes required for certification:
Round Pen
This focuses on establishing partnership, communication through body language, and building fundamental trust.
Ground School
Here, you will learn to “ride” from the ground, develop clear intentions, practice leadership, introduce lateral work, desensitize your horse, engage in ground driving, and begin liberty work.
Mounted Work
This is dedicated to developing an independent riding seat, building confidence, exploring footfall and biomechanics, refining lateral work, introducing bridleless riding, and enhancing feel, timing, and balance.
Refined Work
This covers vertical flexion, combining lateral with vertical movements, achieving self-carriage through transitions, executing haunches in, half pass, and flying lead changes.
Upon successful completion of all four levels, you will achieve a truly exceptional partnership with your horse.
For those interested in joining us, here is our 2026 schedule:
2026 Schedule
Participate in a Two Day Session,
July 25th through July 26th, 2026
Saturday through Sunday, 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM.
WHERE
REIS RIVER RANCH
4871 Petaluma Blvd South
Petaluma, CA 94852
COST
A two-day session costs $600.
Participate in the next three day classes,
July 27th through July 29th, 2026
Five Days Total Cost $1,500.
Class sizes are limited to ten participants to ensure personalized attention and instruction.
Additionally, your experience will be enriched with trail riding opportunities
on our private 630-acre ranch.
If you are ready to create the partnership with your horse
you’ve always dreamed of, please do not hesitate to reach out to
Dennis and Deborah today at (800) 732-8220.
We look forward to welcoming you to Reis Ranch!op
Call Dennis & Deborah today
(800) 732-8220
