Horsemanship Classes

Horsemanship Series

Go to the Education Center for more information.

Courses Offered

Basic Horse Handling

This class covers the basics for people new to working with horses. We will focus on approaching the horse, haltering and leading, grooming, situational awareness, safety around horses in general, developing trust, and learning to be the herd leader.

Anatomy of the Horse 

We will learn about basic anatomy and physiology so you can establish a baseline for your horse, and can tell when things aren't right. We will review the skeleton, musculature, tendons and ligaments, and the digestive system from hay to poo.

Horse Nutrition 

Building on the previous week's lesson, this class will take a look at optimal nutrition for horses. This will cover how to recognize and address malnutrition (including building a nutritional plan and how to rehabilitate a horse that has been starved), types of foods and supplements, behavioral implications of nutrition, the impact of dental care, and digestive issues in the horse.

Common Diseases and Ailments 
From Laminitis and Colic, to coughs and eye infections, dental care and general hoof health and minor injuries. Horses are simultanously tough and fragile, and you need to know what is serious and when to call the vet, as well as how to handle minor issues promptly to ensure they don't escalate.

Equine Body Language and Relating to the Horse 

Being in tune with your horse is about more than riding it a few days a week. It requires that you build a relationship by really understanding the subtleties of their language (as it manifests in their body and behavior, as well as on a deeper, intuitive level). Horses can be wonderful partners and coaches if we are open to learning from them and understanding how they communicate.