Connected Horsemanship

Positively influencing the horse world
by empowering equestrians to connect with their horses
through a relationship-based education in equine management, psychology, and horsemanship.

What is Connected Horsemanship?

More than just steering a horse: our Connected Horsemanship program develops foundational skills in horse care, ground work, liberty work, and riding to improve performance in any discipline, while cultivating a real relationship with the horse. The word “horse-man-ship” comes from “horse-human-relationship” and describes the most fundamental AND rewarding piece of why any of us have horses as pets. We’re here because we truly love horses – they have changed each of our lives in many areas – and we want to empower others to enjoy the benefits of horses, no matter their equestrian goals.

 

 

The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a person.

– Winston Churchill

How do we empower our students?

We use a curriculum that includes all aspects of horsemanship and progresses in levels, so that our learning is intentional and purposeful, as well as engaging and fun. Our lessons will help you develop an understanding of principles of horsemanship, as well as the practical application of those principles in all your interactions with the horses, on the ground and in the saddle. Not only will you become the best rider for your horse; you will become the best version of you.

What makes Connected Horsemanship different from other riding lesson programs?

We teach with compassion for both student and horse. Each lesson is designed to further your knowledge of horses through principles that also develop real life skills.

  • Real relationship-building with your horse. We all want this – it’s why we love horses – but does your horse feel the same way about you? Is the relationship mutual?
  • Trauma-informed horsemanship. Because all horses have a past, and understanding basic horse psychology helps set you and the horse up for success.
  • Natural horse-keeping in any setting. Keeping your horse at his happiest and healthiest possible.
  • Foundational skills for ground work, liberty work, and riding to improve any discipline. Master the basics to succeed at the highest levels in any direction.
  • Restoring fun to riding, at any level. From youth beginners to advanced adults – riding is supposed to be fun – let’s keep it that way!

Connected Horsemanship Offerings

We work with students at all levels, ages 3 and up. Partner with one of our horses or trailer-in your own horse.

Private Lessons

One-on-one instruction towards your personal horsemanship goals.
$75

Semi-Private Lessons

Two well-matched students learning together with their instructor.
$65

Group Lessons

Small groups of 3-4 well-matched students get the chance to learn new activities together.
$60

Clinics

Varying topics to challenge and inspire you to try new things and develop new skills.

Camps

Special seasonal camps for kids to learn and explore horses and ranch life.

Clubs

Fun group experiences for all ages! Check our current offerings and event calendar.

Connected Horsemanship Club

For students- kids and adults alike, who are ready to take their horsemanship to the next level, are committed to investing the time needed to excel at something they love, and want to be part of a barn that values both human and horse- this club is for you!

Club Members recieve:

  • 4 private lessons
  • 2 group lessons
  • 2-hour horse enrichment lesson
  • Access to our private Facebook group for club members
  • 15% any additional horsemanship services

For only $450 a month, you will be joining a great community of students and instructors who truly want what is best for their horses and push each other to be the best horse-person they can be!

Check out our Fall Clinics  and Open House!

9/20- Intro to Connected Horsemanship Open House 11am-noon

Meet horsemanship instructor and equine professional, Kody! Learn about what makes us different and how our horsemanship program can help you reach your goals!

Cost: FREE

10/24: Groundwork Over Obstacles with Brooke & Kody:

For beginners through more advanced horsemen, this clinic includes a wide variety of obstacles created to develop trust, understanding, and communication between you and your horse.

You will learn:

– how to encourage your horse without increasing their fear of a challenging obstacle

– how horses’ brains work and understand their range of responses

– increase your own confidence and communicate clearly with your horse

– how to get your horse to move from fear back to their “thinking brain”

6:30-8:30pm Ages 14 and up Bring your own horse or partner with one of ours!

Cost: $100/person

Our barn is for you if…

  • You want a family-friendly, positive and safe environment in which to learn and grow.
  • You rode as a kid, but want to pursue it as an adult.
  • You want to own your own horse one day and know how to care for it well.
  • You want to build a deep bond with your horse or to fix a training issue while maintaining connection and relationship. 
  • You are an experienced rider but feel like your passion has dissipated.

Click to meet our herd: Our horses have various strengths and backgrounds, providing students with the opportunity to learn a variety of skills and practice developing trust, respect, and understanding with horses with lots of different personalities. We don’t believe in push-button horses; they will tell you exactly what they are thinking! Our horses are given choice and consent to work with us, making them willing partners. We do not train them in a specific discipline; rather, our horses are great teachers of the principles of good horsemanship, and curious, honest partners no matter the task at hand. We do not use force in our program – we use evidence-based understanding, trust-building, and mutual respect.

Click to sign up: New Students can reach out to our instructors directly, or speak with our intake coordinator to set up a lesson or ask questions.

Do I sign up for horsemanship, or therapy?

Horsemanship is not for those looking for therapeutic services, but for those who may benefit from time with a horse or just want to learn about horsemanship in a relaxing, positive environment. This is also a great opportunity for your child or teen to learn important life skills such as patience, respect, empathy, and assertive communication, and to receive valuable 1-on-1 care and mentorship from their instructor. 

We have listed some of the difference between Horsemanship and Equine Therapy below.

Connected Horsemanship Lessons:

  • are facilitated by a certified equine professional – an instructor, not a therapist.
  • goal is to teach the various aspects of horsemanship from a relationship-building perspective.
  • FEELS therapeutic, simply because we all feel better after being with horses! But is not designed to replace a counseling session.
  • are fun! Lessons are recreation-oriented, skill-focused, and will increase your knowledge of horse psychology, horse care, and various riding and groundwork disciplines.
  • you are guided by your instructor as you learn new things. You will learn a lot about yourself and life as you go, just based on the nature of horses – they will bring things up if you are listening. Your instructor will be a mentor as you make connections and learn life lessons that inevitably impact your life outside the barn.
  • you will learn to ride (if you want, of course!). You will also learn groundwork for building trust and respect with horses, how horses think and respond in various situations in the herd or in training, and horse care skills that empower you to have your own horse someday if you wish.

Equine Assisted Therapy Sessions:

  • are facilitated by a licensed mental health professional.
  • goal is to work through various aspects of mental, emotional, or social struggles, with a treatment plan and goals specific to the client.
  • IS therapeutic. Each session is designed by your therapist to meet your specific treatment goals, using evidence-based interventions.
  • can be fun! Let’s face it, being outdoors and working with these awesome animals is way more fun than sitting in an office. The horses bring a unique sense of humor to our “stuff.” We still have hard sessions, but overall we incorporate play and laughter as part of the healing process.
  • you are guided by your counselor through a process that naturally brings up a lot of opportunity for insight and learning about your patterns of doing life, as well as gives opportunity to make changes to those patterns if you wish.
  • you may learn some riding, ground work, and horse care, but the “skills” are not the focus. Our focus stays on the therapeutic process, or the “how and why” we do things, because it helps us identify those patterns and things about us that we would like to change.

Ready to start your
life changing journey?

Wherever you are at on your journey, we are here for you. Our human and equine team will walk alongside you so you can find hope, healing, and wholeness in your life. You are worth it. Reach out to us today.

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