Step away from saddles, bits and force, and step into the intuitive realm of  Equine-Guided Horsemanship & Riding where you will:

• Refine balance
• Develop strength
• Boost confidence and connection
• Practice fun and inspiring exercises
• Engage with horses in a deeper way
• Move in rhythm – with trust, body language and comfort level
• Leave with a strong sense of alignment and well being

Ages 12 + All Levels

Join us! If you are: seeking to improve your riding; desire to connect or re-connect with horses in a slow-paced, safe and authentic partnership; feel drawn to be with horses and not sure where to go; a 12+ child who is attuned to nature and animals and seeking mentorship with horses — then you have found the right place at Horses & Pathfinders.

This approach to horsemanship and riding draws from a rich tradition of patience, respect for the horse, and a satisfying refinement. This is blended with the embodied, intuitive flow of freestyle riding using balance, connection and core centeredness. At its heart is equine-guided connection — wherein the horse first becomes our teacher for cultivating awareness of our own relational wisdom within the herd, and in the environment in 360 degrees.

Rather than relying on force, constant control, or rote technique, it invites mutually satisfying riding for which horse and human experience physical responsiveness and spiritual cohesiveness: moving at a timeless pace, listening with the body, deepening the seat, and aligning intention, focus, and purpose. The emphasis is placed on discovering, through feel and presence, how horse and human can move together free of resistance, conflict, and confusing cues, to enjoy clarity, confidence, and connection. Each experience becomes a journey together with a strong sense of partnership.

With this style of equine-guided horsemanship, riders are invited to explore a blend of refined approach and freestyle flow. Instruction emphasizes awareness of body, breath, energetic level, and clear intention as pathways to connection with the horse. Rather than teaching “control,” lessons cultivate relational wisdom — how to listen, respond, and guide with feel. Through slowing the pace, students gain clarity of communication, and strengthening focus. They discover how purposeful direction, coupled with grounded presence, creates trust and harmony between horse and rider.

Embodied experience, cohesive partnership and 360 awareness is crucial to a rider’s success and seat of power. Lessons in Equine-Guided Horsemanship & Riding are the perfect way to supercharge – or simply explore – your horse connection, somatic experience, and riding potential. This centuries-old approach informs and enhances all disciplines of riding.

LESSONS FOR AGES 12+ AND ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE

For maximized learning, both coach and horse meet the student at their personal level of learning and experience. The following is a general progression of the lessons, but keep in mind lessons are tailored to each student.

Part 1: Lessons 1-3 include groundwork begins with exercises on centering, grounding, balancing the self; observational awareness; grooming/connecting; leading exercises; practice soft mounting/dismounting; mounted balance and coordination exercises while still and in motion.

Part 2: Lessons 4-6 include groundwork reminders and practice plus mounted work in various settings (round pen and other small spaces for extra focus; use of bareback pads (girth belt attached) for extra ‘stay put’, comfort and focus; relying on balance, not leg gripping; how to follow horse’s motion; strong position in your ‘seat of power’; use of reins (bitt-less bridle) to complement your body’s direction and pace.

Part 3: Lessons 7-9 include considerable practice at the walk, jog, trot, extended trot, or lope! Each student differs with their pace of learning and comfort level and each is met exactly where they are with tiny teaches and challenges to build somatic know-how.

Advanced: Lessons 10 and beyond include honing and mastering know-how through horse time, various exercises, challenges and trail walks.