Alexia Shea
Horsemanship Lessons • Backbone Ranch, Malibu
Horsemanship Lessons
At BackBone Ranch, Malibu
2302 Latigo Canyon Rd, Malibu, CA
I am so excited to roll out a new lesson program that takes people from all levels of training and turns them into kind, confident, and knowledgeable riders. Lessons take place in Malibu at Backbone Ranch, located in Latigo Canyon. You will be learning alongside professionals with ocean views in a new, gorgeous arena. If you fall in love with the ranch, (which is likely!) a more comprehensive membership option is available, which I will explain below.
The End Goal
You have built a strong foundation of horsemanship and you can ride independently with confidence!
“building a rider who will be successful long-term requires starting with a fantastic foundation.”
Lesson Outline
All lessons are one hour, with time built in afterwards for discussion. You are welcome to stack your lessons on top of one another as well to create a two-hour session. Lessons largely take place in the arena, but as time allows and your training progresses, students will be invited out for time on the trail.
For Beginner Riders
Students start by learning the “why” behind horsemanship– why we do certain things and why horses react the way they do. Once they have a basic understanding of horses, they can progress to learning how to ride. Learning this way will set riders up to be confident for life.
Many of these lessons happen BEFORE you get in the saddle– so don’t expect to ride right away!
For Riders With Experience
For advanced students or those with prior training, we will discuss their specific goals and streamline lessons to avoid repetition. My aim is to expand on the foundation you’ve already built to continue developing your horsemanship.
For All
The goal for riders at any level is to build foundational skills of horsemanship that can be applied to any level. This is not your average lesson! You will not be riding a dull, tired lesson horse who reluctantly does their job. With this horsemanship program, you are being invited into a space to connect with horses who are loved deeply and treated with the care and respect they deserve.
Foundational Arena & Trail Progression
Location: Backbone Ranch, Malibu
Nestled in the heart of Latigo Canyon, Backbone Ranch serves as our private horsemanship sanctuary. Tucked away from the Pacific Coast Highway, the ranch is surrounded by the dramatic, rugged peaks of the Santa Monica mountains, native oaks, and magical ocean views, offering an immediate escape from the pace of daily life.
The ranch features a 150-foot arena, a round pen, direct access to miles of pristine mountain trails, a gorgeous viewing deck, and a pool. It is a space designed for slow breathing, mindful observation, and genuine connection. Whether you are arriving for a private lesson or building your skills on the trail, Backbone Ranch provides the grounding space to start your journey.
Offerings
Thoughtfully structured horsemanship packages crafted to build genuine connection, independence, and long-term horsemanship skill.
Single Lesson
For those who want to dip their toes in. Here, you get a taste of what Backbone Ranch has to offer without the commitment.
4-Pack Weekly Lesson
Four lessons over the course of a month at $150 per lesson. Our most standard lesson package.
8-Pack Weekly Lesson + Backbone Ranch Event
Eight lessons over the course of two months at $150 per lesson. Brings students into the world of Backbone Ranch without a six month commitment. Includes access to one Backbone Ranch member event.
Meet Alexia Shea
Hi, I'm Alexia Shea. I’ve been working with horses since I was young, with the majority of my experience coming from real-life ranch work and long hours in the saddle. For the past few years, I’ve put myself through film school by working several days a week as a trail guide in the Santa Monica Mountains, graduating in May of 2026. Alongside my work in the equestrian world, I also have roots in the creative arts– I spend my free time making short films, pursuing fine art and photography, freelance tattooing, painting, drawing, and have danced ballet at a professional level for 14 years. I find a beautiful, natural overlap between the creative arts and horsemanship– both disciplines requiring complete attention to the present moment and a connection to a deeper spiritual sensibility.
Bridging the gap between horsemanship and the arts is where my true passion lies. Being able to help people learn how to communicate with horses in such a way that feels artistic, intuitive, and grounded is deeply personal to me. There is genuine love and care in this horsemanship program– to me, horses are co-creators of space and partners in an honest, quiet conversation.
“I am so excited to share this place with you. The link to sign up for lessons is above. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions whatsoever!”
— Alexia Shea
Fine Art, Leather Tack & Crafts
Original fine art prints, hand-braided leather tack, handcrafted studio items, and custom painted surfboard art. We are currently curating and photographing the collection for our online shop launch.
Custom studio commissions and private orders are available in the meantime.
Backbone Ranch Gallery
Hover to pause • Latigo Canyon, Malibu
Connect with Alexia
Inquire about horsemanship lessons, package availability, or Backbone Ranch visits.