The High Desert landscape so easily invokes images of cowboys riding through sagebrush on their beloved horses. Riding a horse through the juniper trees, a plume of dust trailing behind as the Cascade Mountains loom on the horizon, calls to mind the classic Western movies of days gone by.

But if Diane Schmidt has her way, those days are alive and well in Central Oregon.

Just off Cline Falls Highway, on a 20-acre ranch nestled between Bend, Redmond and Sisters, Diane shares her love of horses with kids of all ages, teaching them how to ride, how to care for and how to understand a horse.

“For me, riding a horse is the best thing there is,” said Diane. “Being able to share my passion with other people is really my life’s work.”

Diane knows first hand how wonderful the experience of riding a horse can be for a child. Her mother, Vicki, had her and her siblings on horses before they could even walk.

“I wanted to share my love of horses with my kids from the very beginning,” said Vicki.

Vicki’s love of horseback riding was contagious, and it wasn’t long before Diane fell in love with the saddle, with the horses she rode, with the lessons she learned. Vicki and her children would go riding for hours where they lived in Multnomah County.

“We would take (the kids) with us when we would ride with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Posse,” said Vicki with a smile. “And they would have the best time! Horses and riding have always been a really big part of our family.”

With a family that revolved around horses and riding, it wasn’t long before Diane’s interest turned into a passion. After years of riding and even competing in horse tournaments, Diane helped her mother teach some adult riding classes in Portland. The teaching bug stuck, and Diane never looked back.

In 1997, she moved to Central Oregon to teach at a local ranch. Four years later, in 2001, she bought land in the heart of Central Oregon to establish her own riding facility: Diane’s Riding Place.

The ranch is owned and operated by Diane, but its creation was really a mother-daughter endeavor. Vicki taught Diane everything she knows and encouraged her daughter to buy the property to open her own ranch. Diane’s Riding Place, then, is the heart and soul of Diane’s world. With an indoor and outdoor arena and a multitude of trails that lead students into the High Desert landscape, Diane can share her love and expertise in horses and horseback riding to children wanting that chance to take to the saddle like the cowboys of old.

“There is nothing like seeing a child connect with a horse and have a good time,” said Diane. “It is such a wonderful experience. I have seen some of the shyest children just come right out of their shells and gain a newfound confidence after just a lesson or two.”

Connie Worrell-Druliner’s 15 grandchildren have all been riding at Diane’s at some point in their lives — from the oldest at age 22 to the youngest, age 3.

Granddaughter Allyson Miller, age 8, has been taught by Diane since she was 7 years old. She loves learning from and helping Diane at the ranch, where Diane not only teaches her students to ride but also shows them how to properly care for and look after the horses.

“(I would) like to have my own horse one day,” said Allyson.

Allyson’s 5-year-old sister, Analeigh, also takes lessons from Diane. Bored from riding the tethered horses at the Deschutes County Fair, Analeigh insisted she follow in her sister’s boots.

“I do not want to ride those circle horses anymore. Nobody wins!” said Analeigh. “I want to be a horse jockey, like in ‘Secretariat.’ I want to race!”

For Diane, it’s this excitement and enthusiasm that she wants to grow and build in her students. And Diane loves teaching kids, just like her mother enjoyed teaching her, but the fun isn’t exclusively for kids. Adults take lessons at the ranch, too.

“Everyone in the community knows who Diane is,” said Gary Trent, one of Diane’s devoted clients. “Our grandchildren loved learning from her, and we do, too. She knows what she is doing.”

Gary and his wife, Deborah, bring their own horses, Blue and Tilly, to Diane’s Riding Place each week for a group class, where they are all learning how to ride English style for an upcoming horseback riding trip in Ireland.

English style differs from Western style in that the saddle is much smaller, allowing the rider closer contact with the horse. This is ideal for short rides and sports such as Polo. Western style riding involves a larger saddle and more padding, providing more comfort for riding longer distances — like cowboys chasing cattle in Central Oregon’s early years.

“Riding horses is so relaxing,” said Deborah. “My husband and I usually trail ride Western style but are enjoying learning something new. Riding English style is a challenge, but I like working with Diane because she makes it fun and always points out what I am doing right. I always say if you can’t laugh while doing it, then don’t do it at all. We laugh a lot here at Diane’s.”

Diane believes that riding is about unwinding and having a good time, and with a warm laugh and laid-back cowgirl style, she is good at providing it. With that said, she is still adamant about safety being the top priority.

“I want to make sure that my clients have a good time out here, but I want them to be comfortable and know they are safe, too,” said Diane. “With beginners, I always make sure I am right there with them if they need help.”

Hand selecting a horse for each rider is another way Diane ensures safety.

“All of my horses are experienced and know exactly what to expect,” said Diane. “But the connection between the horse and rider is an important part of the experience, and I want to make sure it is a good one.”

In the end, Diane’s passion for horses and riding shines at the ranch she calls home. Her dedication to her animals and to her students is what makes her who she is. It’s what defines her.

“I get to wake up every day, spend time with my horses and clients, and take in this beautiful scenery,” she said. “I love what I do and wouldn’t trade it for anything.”