Horsemanship Programs

Youth Programs

4 children, 2 boys and 2 girls holding their painted hands up covered in primary color paint. They are standing in front of a grey horse that they just finger painted.

Youth are at the heart of what we do. Misty Meadows’ youth horsemanship programs are more than just riding. Our programs are specifically designed using the ' Developmental Assets Framework' as our guide as we strive to provide the positive supports and strengths that all young people need to succeed.

Some Developmental Assets we teach through horsemanship are: 

Commitment to Learning Students gain a sense of the lasting importance of learning and a belief in their own abilities as they improve their horsemanship skills and learn the proper care of the herd.
Positive Values
Young people need to develop guiding values to help them make healthy life choices, and caring for living things as part of a farm community supports youth in feeling grounded. 

Social Competencies Young people need the skills to interact effectively with others and to cope with new situations. Being part of a horsemanship class requires a respect and affinity for positive negotiations and relationships. Our herd of horse provides and excellent model for communication skills.
Positive Identity Young people need to believe in their own self-worth. Partnership with a 1,200 animal is a great way to feel powerful and in control!

Misty Meadows provides all students with….

Support Young people need to be surrounded by people who care for, appreciate, and accept them.
Empowerment Young people need to feel valued and valuable, and at Misty Meadows we celebrate our students as they master each new skill they've developed in our safe and supportive environment. 

Boundaries and Expectations Young people need clear rules, consistent consequences, and encouragement to do their best

Constructive Use of Time Young people need opportunities outside of school to learn and develop new skills and interests with other youth and adults, and at Misty Meadows we are available after school and on weekends all year round.

Adult Programs

5 riders in a line in an outdoor riding arena with arms outstretched in joy.

Horsemanship Classes

Misty Meadows’ adult horsemanship classes are designed to boost health and wellness for individuals looking to improve their overall well-being, experience joy and connect with horses. Our programs for adults are offered in a small group, semester-based format. Classes may be tailored to beginner or more experienced students based on interest and availability. All classes combine both mounted and unmounted learning with a focus on mindful skill development and equine partnership.

Unmounted Equine Enrichment Class

Join us with boots on the ground to learn the many techniques Misty Meadows uses as enrichment for our herd of special horses. The foundation of this class is developing Horse Speak technique, a non-verbal communication method based on herd behavior, developed by Sharon Wilsie. Wendy Murdoch’s SureFoot Pads and other equine wellness offerings are also covered. This class meets weekly in the morning.

Woman on black horse cantering by a target and shooting red arrows from a bow.

Mounted Archery

Archery creates focus, strength, confidence all while having fun!

Beginning archery focuses on building a unique partnership between horse and rider and a solid foundation of archery skills, starting with archery on the ground. Initially, students are unmounted and work on form, accuracy and speed. In the last few classes students, students experience shooting while mounted.

Advanced mounted archery is for youth and adults who are proficient at both shooting and riding. It is an exciting interaction in which riders experience the thrill of navigating a horse, without reins, through a course, while loading and shooting arrows at a target.

Both beginner and advanced archery are for students 12 years of age and older.