Heartwood Horses Working Student Program

Our Student Program

Do you want to strengthen your relationship and really start having fun with your horse? Do you have recreational or competitive riding goals that you don’t know how to achieve? Do you have horse training issues that you’d like to work through? Do you want to gain confidence in riding and working with horses? Are you interested in learning more about how horses think and how to connect with them on their terms?

We are accepting a limited number of new students with their own horses (sorry, no school horses available). We’ll start with a free assessment lesson here at Mackenzie Meadows or at your facility to talk about your goals for yourself and your horse, and to find out where you and your horse are at.

All lessons are taught using an integration of classical and natural horsemanship that is friendly for Western and English riders. Lessons include groundwork and riding to develop your horse handling, development and observation skills, and to increase your horse’s willingness and respect. As we work through training and riding challenges both on the ground and in the saddle, you will develop a better understanding of how your horse thinks and how you can communicate so that s/he understands what you’re asking. To build confidence in both of you, the pace we move at will be dictated by you and your horse.

Depending on your goals, lessons can include arena work, roundpen sessions or going out on the trails, and your lesson can be private, semi-private or group. Lessons are reasonably priced, and discounts are available for purchasing in packages of four. Show up prepared to work hard and play hard — the emphasis is always on safety and fun!

We encourage all of our students to learn everything they can and find inspiration everywhere — attend different clinics, read lots of books and watch those DVDs and old VHS tapes . You’d be amazed at the wealth of information available for an open-minded student.

Please note that Mackenzie Meadows has a $15.00 drop-in fee for non-boarders that is not included in lesson prices.