Take Heart Counseling & Equine Assisted Therapy
Horseback Riding Lessons in Berks County PA
English, Western & Natural Horsemanship
Horseback riding lessons and relationship-based horsemanship in Berks County, PA for kids, teens, and adults — from first ride to lifelong partnership. We want to positively influence the horse world by empowering equestrians to connect with their horses through a relationship-based and nervous-system -focused education in equine management, psychology, and horsemanship.
Connected Horsemanship is a relationship-based approach to horseback riding that develops real partnership with your horse through choice, consent, and clear communication — not force or domination. At Take Heart in Wernersville, PA, our certified equine professionals teach students ages 3 and up in horse care, groundwork, liberty work, and riding across English, Western, and natural horsemanship disciplines. Whether you’re a first-time rider, a horse-crazy kid, or an adult returning to the saddle after years away, we’ll meet you exactly where you are.
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. We’re here because we truly love horses — they’ve changed each of our lives in many ways — 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
Our barn welcomes students ages 3 and up, at every experience level. You’ll fit right in if you’re:
Bring your own horse or partner with one of ours. All disciplines welcome.
One-on-one horseback riding lessons tailored to your personal goals and pace. $75
Two well-matched students learning together with one instructor. $65
Small groups of 3–4 well-matched students learning new activities together. $60
Varying topics throughout the year to challenge and inspire — new skills, new disciplines, new perspectives.
Short, themed groups diving deep into one skill area — like liberty work, returning to riding as an adult, or discovering the horse's nervous system.
Half-lease options for students ready for more time with a specific horse — without the full cost of ownership.
Leasing is a wonderful in-between step for riders who are ready for more consistent time with a horse — but aren’t quite ready (or don’t want) to own one. It’s also a great way for parents to give a horse-loving kid a “horse of their own” experience without the full commitment.
All leases include instructor guidance and access to our facilities. Because our horses are cared for holistically with choice and consent, leasing at Take Heart is different from a typical stable arrangement — it’s part of learning to be a true horse-person.
Reach out to talk through a leasing option that might fit you or your child.
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.
Because our foundation is relationship, our students go on to succeed in any direction they choose. Our instructors teach across:
We’re not a discipline-specific program — we’re a foundation-building program. Whatever direction your horse-life takes you, the principles you learn here travel with you.
Some of our most enthusiastic students are adults returning to horses after years — sometimes decades — away. Maybe you rode as a kid and put it down when life got busy. Maybe you’re an empty nester finally reclaiming time. Maybe you always dreamed of riding and never quite got there. Either way — welcome back.
Returning as an adult is different from riding as a kid, and we honor that. Bodies change, confidence shifts, and starting again takes real courage. Our instructors specialize in meeting adult beginners and returning riders exactly where they are — no comparing yourself to the 8-year-olds, no expectation that you should “still remember.”
You’ll rebuild your seat, your confidence, and your connection with a horse at your pace, in a barn that celebrates the courage it takes to come back.
Horsemanship isn’t for those looking for therapeutic services — it’s for those who want to learn about horses in a relaxing, positive environment. It’s also a wonderful opportunity for kids and teens to develop patience, respect, empathy, and assertive communication, and to receive valuable 1-on-1 mentorship from their instructor.
Here’s how the two differ:
Connected Horsemanship Lessons:
Equine Assisted Therapy Sessions:
Not sure which fits your situation? Reach out — we’re happy to help you figure it out.
Our horses have various strengths and backgrounds, giving students the opportunity to learn a variety of skills and practice developing trust, respect, and understanding with horses of many different personalities. We don’t believe in push-button horses — they’ll tell you exactly what they’re thinking! Our horses are given choice and consent to work with us, making them willing partners. We don’t train them in a specific discipline; rather, our horses are great teachers of the principles of good horsemanship — curious, honest partners no matter the task at hand.
Our Connected Horsemanship instructors are certified equine professionals with years of experience across disciplines. They’re mentors as much as teachers — invested in both your growth as a horse-person and your horse’s wellbeing.
Do I need to own a horse to take lessons?
Not at all. Most of our students partner with one of our horses. If you do own a horse, you’re welcome to trailer in — our instructors love meeting new equine partners.
Do you teach adult beginners?
Yes — enthusiastically. Adult beginners and returning riders are one of our largest student groups. We specialize in meeting adults exactly where they are, with the pace, patience, and respect that adult learners deserve.
What ages do you teach?
Students ages 3 and up. Little ones start with pony-focused foundations and grow into more complex work; teens and adults join at whatever level fits, from total beginner to advanced.
Do you teach English or Western riding?
Both — plus liberty work and natural horsemanship. Because our foundation is relationship-based, our students go on to succeed across disciplines.
Do you offer horse leasing?
Yes. We offer partial and half-lease options for students ready for more consistent time with a specific horse.
Is Connected Horsemanship the same as equine therapy?
No. Connected Horsemanship is horseback riding and horsemanship instruction from a certified equine professional. It often feels therapeutic because time with horses does that — but it’s not clinical mental health therapy. Equine-assisted therapy is a licensed mental health service provided by our clinical team.
How much do lessons cost?
Private lessons are $75, semi-private are $65, and group lessons are $60. Clinics, focus groups, and leasing are priced individually.
Where are you located?
We’re on a 52-acre working ranch at 699 Wooltown Rd, Wernersville, PA 19565, serving Berks, Lancaster, Chester, and Lebanon counties — an easy drive from Reading, Wyomissing, Sinking Spring, and surrounding communities.
Great horsemanship isn't about getting it right — it's about getting it real. No horse of your own required. Come learn what our herd has been trying to teach people all along.
