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.

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.

We specialize in:

  • 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.

Check out our Summer Offerings!

6/23-6/27Summer Horse Camp with Brooke and Kody.

Ages 9-15

Cost: $645

Monday-Friday 8:30am-12:30pm

 

6/27- Groundwork Over Obstacles with Brooke and Kody. Build a solid foundation with your horse on the ground to help you in any situation. Bring your own horse  or partner with one of ours!

Cost: $100/person

6:30-8:30pm ages 14 through adult

 

6/28Horse Bodywork Clinic with Andrea Eggert of Eggert Equine Therapy

Bring your own horse or partner with one of ours!

Cost: $150

10am-12pm

 

7/12- Liberty Clinic: Play with your Horse with Brooke and Kody

Bring your own horse or partner with one of ours!

Cost:$200

10am-2:30pm ages 14 through adult

 

7/14-7/18- Summer Pony Camp

Ages 3-8

Cost: $645

Monday-Friday 8:30am-12:30pm

 

8/9- Horse Whispering? or Horse LISTENING? with Kody

Cost: $100/person

10am-12pm ages 14 through adult

 

Wednesdays June-August- Mommy and Me: Lil’ Wranglers Club

Parents and kids ages 3-8

Cost: $75

8:30-10am

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.

 

How do I 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.

  • Facilitated by an instructor who is not a therapist but is trained in various aspects of horsemanship.
  • Goal is to teach the  various aspects of horsemanship from a relationship-building perspective.
  • Feels therapeutic. We all feel better after being with horses!
  • Is Fun!
  • 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.
  • You will learn to ride (if you want, of course!). You will also learn ground work for building relationships, and horse care skills.
  • Facilitated by a licensed (or pre-licensed) counselor, psychologist, therapist, or life coach with a master’s degree or doctorate in the mental health or related field.
  • 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 will be guided by your therapist 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 riding, ground work, and horse care, but the “skills” are not the focus. Our focus stays on the 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. Don't hesitate, reach out to us today.