Youth Horsemanship Program
Understanding Horses.
Developing Confidence.
Building Leadership.
A collaboration between
Sundquist Classical Riding
and Blue Moon Adaptive Riding
Horses have much to teach us beyond riding.
Our Youth Horsemanship Program is a ground-based program focused on practical horsemanship, communication and relationship with the horse.
Students work directly with horses through leading, grooming, handling, groundwork exercises and observation. They learn how horses communicate, how to establish clear and appropriate boundaries, how their own body language and energy influence the horse, and how trust is developed through consistency, awareness and fair leadership.
This is not a riding program. By working with horses from the ground, students have the opportunity to slow down, observe more carefully, and develop the understanding, confidence and judgment that form the foundation of good horsemanship.
Along the way, they also develop skills that extend far beyond the barn: responsibility, self-awareness, patience, communication, confidence and leadership.
More Than Horsemanship
Working with a horse asks a young person to become aware of far more than technique.
They must learn to pay attention.
To recognize another being's body language.
To communicate clearly without becoming forceful.
To establish boundaries while remaining fair.
To regulate their own energy and emotions.
And to take responsibility for the effect they have on another living being.
These are important horsemanship skills.
They are also important life skills.
What Students Will Explore
Through hands-on work with horses, students will develop experience in:
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Horse behavior and communication
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Safe handling and groundwork
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Grooming, care and basic horsemanship
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Observation and body language
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Personal space and appropriate boundaries
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Clear communication
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Confidence and self-command
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Responsibility and leadership
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Developing trust between horse and human
No previous horse experience is necessary.
Program at a Glance
Ages 13–17
Thursdays • 4:00–5:30 PM
Ages 8–12
Fridays • 4:00–5:30 PM
12-session program
$720
Phoenix North Valley area
ESA families are welcome.
A Collaboration in Horsemanship
The Youth Horsemanship Program is a collaboration between Blue Moon Adaptive Riding and Sundquist Classical Riding.
The program draws on many of the same principles that guide my work through Way of the Centaur: learning to observe before acting, developing clear communication and appropriate boundaries, understanding the nature of the horse, and building a relationship based upon trust rather than force.
For young people, the horse becomes both teacher and partner.
The goal is not simply to teach children what to do around horses, but to help them begin to understand why—and to develop the judgment, confidence and responsibility that true horsemanship requires.
Interested in Joining Us?
Learn more about dates, program requirements and registration through Blue Moon Adaptive Riding.
Questions about the horsemanship curriculum may also be directed to: