Horsemanship is Leadership
This is a hands-on horsemanship program. Students learn to care for, understand, and work skillfully with horses through progressive classical training.
As they learn to observe, lead, communicate, establish boundaries, solve problems, and take responsibility for another living being, they develop something larger than horse-handling skills.
They learn horsemanship as a skill, a responsibility, and a relationship.
Primarily Ground-Based Horsemanship
This is not a traditional riding lesson program. Students learn primarily from the ground through horse care, handling, groundwork, observation, communication, classical training skills, and practical horsemanship. Riding is not the central focus of the program.
The Four Disciplines
Four enduring practices of horsemanship—and four questions that reach beyond the barn.
Horse Care & Stewardship
How do I care?
Students learn grooming, basic husbandry, horse health and welfare, equipment care, and responsibility for the horse before and after work.
Classical Training Skills
How do I act?
Students develop progressive skills in groundwork, work in hand, changes of direction and tempo, and longeing appropriate to age and readiness.
Communication & Boundaries
How do I relate?
Students learn safe handling, leading, personal space, timing, pressure and release, and how to communicate clearly while listening to the horse’s response.
Observation & Judgment
How do I know what to do?
Students learn to observe the horse carefully, recognize patterns and responses, solve problems, and make thoughtful adjustments rather than simply doing more.
Ages 8-12
Horsemanship & Leadership Foundations
Fridays | 4:00–5:30 PM
A hands-on foundation in horse care, observation, safe handling, leading, groundwork, and introductory longeing.
Students build confidence through real skill while developing responsibility, communication, cooperation, curiosity, and increasing independence.
12 Classes | $720
Ages 13-17
Youth Leadership Through Horsemanship
Thursdays | 4:00–5:30 PM
A deeper study of classical horsemanship, groundwork, work in hand, longeing, horse care, and problem-solving.
Students take increasing responsibility for observing, making decisions, adjusting their approach, and developing the judgment required for thoughtful leadership.
12 Classes | $720
Why Classical Horsemanship?
Because good horsemanship has never been about force.
Classical horsemanship is a living tradition built on observation, balance, clear communication, progressive training, and respect for the horse.
Students learn to observe before acting, seek understanding before simply doing more, and recognize that greater skill should lead to greater subtlety—not greater force.
These principles have deep roots, but they speak directly to the world young people are growing up in today.
Pay attention. Develop skill. Take responsibility. Learn to lead.
Program Details
Youth Horsemanship & Leadership
Fall 2026 – Winter 2027
12 classes • 90 minutes each
Ages 13–17
Thursdays, 4:00–5:30 PM
Oct. 22, 29 • Nov. 5, 12, 19 • Dec. 3, 10, 17
Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28
Ages 8–12
Fridays, 4:00–5:30 PM
Oct. 23, 30 • Nov. 6, 13, 20 • Dec. 4, 11, 18
Jan. 8, 15, 22, 29
Tuition: $720 for the complete 12-session program
No previous horse experience required
Ground-based classical horsemanship
Location: 1247 E. Joy Ranch Rd, Phoenix AZ 85086
