HORSEMANSHIP LESSONS

At Mustang Spirit Horsemanship, we believe that horsemanship goes beyond the saddle.

Learn to build a relationship with horses through both ridden and in-hand exercises using communication that fosters mutual respect, trust, understanding and connection.

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“What we can learn from horses about ourselves is much more important than what horses can learn from us about themselves.”

Warwick Schiller

Elements Along the Horsemanship Path

The MSH lesson program is designed to develop knowledge and confidence across five categories to encompass the entirety of the horse-human relationship.

Goals are set in each category to encourage growth through skill-building, trust-building, performance-building, experience-building and compassion-building activities and lesson plans.

Equitation

The development of the rider’s position, balance, and use of aids in a manner appropriate to the task being communicated to the horse.

Connection

The equal transfer of energy between the horse and human, where both feel equally seen, heard, felt and understood.

Application

The development of the horse’s response to the rider’s aids through established connection, which advances the horse’s skill, utlity and versatility.

Presentation

The display of the harmonious relationship shared between the horse and human, which serves to emphasize the accomplishment of once desired goals.

Husbandry

The essential care management of the horse, which maintains the horse’s physical, mental, social and emotional well-being.

Meet the Horses

 FAQs

  • Yes! MSH has a team of experienced lesson horses available in a variety of sizes, discipline strengths and personalities to help you achieve your horsemanship goals! Click here to meet the herd!

  • A benefit of having a foundation of good horsemanship is that advancement is not discipline specific and riders are and can be encouraged to explore whatever riding styles pique their interest!

    With a background in classical dressage, reining, western dressage, hunter/jumper, ranch riding, hunt-seat equitation, western pleasure, showmanship, discipline rail and games, and a commitment to continued learning and discovery in equestrian sport, Amanda’s varied experience supports riders’ goals with a view of versatility and utilization of cross-discipline techniques.

    Interested in a discipline that isn’t listed above? No problem! Amanda’s knowledge of equestrian sport extends beyond the riding styles she has competed in. Inquire here to learn more about how the lesson program at MSH can support your horsemanship goals!

  • An ASTM certified helmet is required to be worn by all students during riding instruction. (Suitable helmets are provided for use for those who do not own one.)

    Long pants and boots are also required to be worn during lessons and are highly recommended for all barn guests.

  • All lessons are one hour in length, and this includes any time spent learning to catch, groom, tack-up, lead, lunge, warm up, cool down, utilize or care for equipment, or otherwise care for or connect with a horse.

    Established students who have demonstrated their ability to do so may arrive up to 30 minutes prior to their scheduled lesson time to prepare their lesson horse in advance.

  • Mustang Spirit Horsemanship is dedicated to the intricacies involved in learning to establish meaningful and attuned communication with horses. For this reason, all lessons offered are private lessons.

    Opportunities may be available for established lesson students who own or lease a horse to participate in group-based learning in addition to their regular private lessons.

    Students who do not own or lease, but who are interested in group-based learning opportunities, may be invited to participate with a lesson horse based on availability.

  • Virtual and on-site show opportunities are available to all established lesson students!

    Show team memberships are available to established lesson students who own or lease a horse to represent the values instilled by Mustang Spirit Horsemanship in the greater equestrian community.

    Students who do not own or lease, but who are interested in off-site show opportunities, may be invited to participate with a lesson horse based on availability and their demonstration of these represented values.

  • Purchase of a lesson subscription schedules a designated time and day held for the student on a weekly or more basis.

    Due to high demand and the benefit of consistency for the horses and students, subscriptions have a use-by timeframe of 35 days for 4 lessons, 65 days for 8 lessons, 125 days for 16 lessons or 185 days for 24 lessons, designed for weekly lesson scheduling.

  • Lessons are offered year-round! Horsemanship is a journey without seasons, and lessons continue rain or shine. The beautiful and generous amenities at Dakota Stables include various outdoor riding areas, indoor and outdoor tack-up areas, a heated indoor riding arena and a heated and cooled lounge for guest comfort in all weather!

    If inclement weather or extreme temperature poses a threat to the safety of the students or horses, a make-up lesson may be offered to be used within 7 days.

  • Notification of the need to reschedule or cancel a lesson for any reason must be made to Mustang Spirit Horsemanship at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled lesson start time to avoid forfeiture of the lesson.

    Make-up lessons may be offered in extenuating circumstances such as illness when the lesson can be replaced within 7 days.

  • Subscriptions are currently offered in monthly (4 lessons), bi-monthly (8 lessons), seasonal (16 lessons) and semi-annual (24 lessons) options, and payment is accepted via cash or venmo.

    Payment for subscription renewal and continuation of lessons is due at the time of completion of the final lesson in the previous subscription timeline, or by the previous subscription timeline expiration date, whichever occurs first.

  • Yes! Bi-monthly, seasonal and semi-annual subscriptions are offered at a discounted rate.

I'M READY TO START!

  • “Amanda is an amazing instructor! She explains things in an understandable and efficient manner, and her methodology is very effective. She focuses on communication between horse and rider, which has really helped me improve my horsemanship. I definitely recommend her to riders of any level!”

    Lexi C.

  • "We love working with Amanda. Our daughter was so excited that she was able to tell Amanda what she wanted to work on and her lessons are tailored to her specific goals. Amanda makes the lessons fun and positive. Definitely would recommend her!"

    Jeni M.

  • "Amanda is an amazing instructor! My daughter absolutely cannot wait to go to her lessons every week. Amanda is very encouraging and patient with my daughter, and her teaching style is exactly what I was looking for. I can't recommend Amanda enough. She's awesome ☺"

    Alison M.

  • "Amanda is an amazing teacher with advanced horsemanship skills. She is able to apply those skills to help learners at various levels. Highly recommend!"

    Tammy B.

  • "I met Amanda through a referral and since meeting and talking with her I've been able to learn so much. She is very knowledgeable and ou can tell she cares not only about you and the horse separately, but also the relationship between horse and rider. I'm able to learn about riding but also what it means to work with and own a horse. She has been very helpful with helping me grow my knowledge and experience to be able to own my own horse one day and I would recommend her to anyone and everyone."

    Taylor M.

  • "I have no experience with horses and wanted to learn to ride. It is important for me to connect with and have a relationship with the animal I’m asking to carry me on their back. Amanda does all those things with her lessons—she cares about my goals and guides me on my journey. I have put my faith in her that she will give me exactly the lesson I need each week. I started with an 8 week package but now I don’t see myself stopping any time soon. If you want to feel like you and the horse are partners and not like the horse is an object to you—sign up now!"

    Kevin S.

  • "Amanda was great to work with and very passionate about what she does and if you show similar interest it makes the classes that much better. Very patient and instructive never felt lost in her class. Overall very satisfied with the classes I took."

    Josh P.