Frequently Asked Questions

Where is C.S.S.S.A. located?

"The School" is in the southeast corner of Arizona, in high desert grassland country at 4,500' elevation, in Cochise County, near the town of Pearce, approximately 80 miles south-east of Tucson, Arizona.
What does Classical Stock Seat mean?

Classical means correct and proven over time to be the best way to ride. Stock seat is the original way of saying "Western Riding." We put the two together. They mean, riding a western stock or cow horse correctly, so your horse stays happy and healthy.
What is C.S.S.S.A. about?

The school is about the horse and teaching riders the proper way to ride and handle horses. All under the philosophies of Monte Foreman and Ron McLoughlin, and the age-old theories of Classical Dressage. Classical Stock Seat means correct riding in a stock saddle (or western saddle), although we also work with jump riders and dressage riders. The school trains amateur and non-pro, right up to professional riding instructors, presenting the horse in all of its magnificence.
How long has the school been in existence?

Monte Foreman started studying and researching the system in the early 1940's. He really got the school going around 1950. Ron McLoughlin started his school off of Monte's principals and theories, in 1972, in Towanda, PA. The school moved to Arizona in 1989. In 2006 Ron McLoughlin changed the name of the school from McLoughlin Horse Handling School to the Classical Stock Seat School of Arizona, and became a non-profit 501 (C) (3) in order to help with long-term student scholarships. This riding program has been tried and proven and keeps getting better! Please visit our About page to learn more about the history of C.S.S.S.A.
How many horses are at the school?

There are 18-25 horses on property, including the American Quarter Horse, Arabians, Paints and Thoroughbreds.
How long does it take to become a C.S.S.S.A. rider/instructor?

The School Rider and Instructor Long-Term program is 6 to 10 years. It is an intense program and produces the best instructors - becoming a top rider and instructor takes time!
What are the requirements to go to The School long-term?

A rider must have a high-school diploma/or equal and be at least 18 years old. They must come to The School for an interview and a riding evaluation.
Can you go to the school short term?

Yes, there are various short-term programs offered at C.S.S.S.A. from a week to a 30-day program. Please see our Programs page.
Do you do Riding Clinics?

Yes, all school instructors offer workshops and clinics nationally and internationally independently of C.S.S.S.A. Please visit MHH to learn more about this opportunity.
How much does the school cost?

Please see our listed Programs here.
What type of saddles and tack do you use?

For stock seat saddles, we only use Fallis Saddles, designed by Monte Foreman, Slim and Johanna Fallis. They have a flat seat with close contact rigging. They are handmade like all of our equipment. Saddles and leather equipment are made with Herman Oak leather. We also use a quality dressage saddle. We use snaffle bits and the Foreman Pelham Bit, on dropped-back headstalls. All training through advanced work is done on the snaffle.
Why do you wear high-top boots, and where do you get them?

We wear high-top leather boots, because leather against leather is the best friction keeper. You feel closer to your horse with high-top boots, and you don't have to squeeze your legs to maintain frictional grip. They are hand-made of bull hide, by CABoots, in El Paso, TX. Please reach out to The School if you have any questions.
Why do you wear spurs?

Not all our students are at a level to be able to wear spurs, it takes years of developing a deep and balanced seat, before students are allowed to wear spurs. Some of our senior students still prefer not to wear spurs when starting horses. We wear spurs to give the horse a light, sensitive cue for sideways/lateral control. We do not jab or stick our horses with them to increase forward impulsion. It takes time to learn how to wear them correctly.
Is Riding Instruction a good business?

Yes, a very good one. There is a dire shortage of quality riding instructors! Only about 25% of the demand is being met. The key word is quality!
Do the school riders go to the show ring?

Generally, no, although we will show at a show close to the school. (Meaning our senior students or our resident instructors.) However, we have lots of amateurs and professionals who ride with The School and show that do very well in the show arena.
Is the C.S.S.S.A./Foreman system challenging to learn?

Our system is simple, however, it takes hard work, dedication, and time - time being the key word. Time is important to the horse. You must take the time to learn how to ride correctly, and then take the time to learn how to train correctly.