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About the Program —
Emily Johnson with a horse

The Wholeness Through Horsemanship curriculum is inspired by the belief that a relationship is at its best when two beings, each grounded in their separate selves, form a mutually beneficial partnership. The program is designed as a comprehensive and progressive curriculum, providing students with a solid foundation upon which to build their horsemanship dreams.

At MRHT the top priority is understanding the horses' natural psychology and behavior. Emphasis is placed on establishing relationships with horses that are based on respect, trust, and understanding prior to enjoying the privilege of riding. Horse owners and enthusiasts alike will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to earn the position of herd leader both on the ground and in the saddle. At MRHT, you will enjoy a fun, approachable and encouraging environment in which to expand your awareness and enhance your confidence while connecting with horses in a profound and gratifying way.

Details and Rates

HORSEMANSHIP INSTRUCTION - Wholeness Through Horsemanship

Courses: $350 (includes overnight board for your horse or use of lesson horse). Courses are greater than one day in length and introduce progressive and cumulative skills, therefore requiring certain prerequisites. Participants are encouraged to bring their own horse or a lesson horse may be reserved. Overnight board is included in course cost, but participants must supply their own hay and grain/supplements, as appropriate. Participants must be pre-registered and the course paid for in full prior to the course start date. Class size is limited to ensure individual attention.

Clinics: $150. Clinics are one day in length and unless otherwise noted, do not have prerequisites or require previous experience or skills. Participants may bring their own horse, if appropriate for that clinic. A lesson horse may also be reserved. Participants must be registered and the clinic paid for in full prior to the clinic start date. Class size is limited to ensure individual attention.

Private Instruction: $50/hour

Auditing: $25/day

HORSE TRAINING - Wanted Horse Training Program

MRHT accepts a limited number of outside horses for training in the Wanted Horse Training Program. Horses in the program learn to be respectful and willing partners, both on the ground and under saddle.

Training Packages: Full time training - $850/month (includes board, five training hours per week, 4 lessons with owner). Part time training - $700/month (includes board, three training hours per week, 2 lessons with owner).

Training Session: $40/hour

Cancellation Policy

Courses and Clinics: Cancellations greater than 30 days from the start of the course or clinic will receive full refund, minus 50% non-refundable deposit required at time of registration; spot in course or clinic and deposit fully transferable to another individual of your choice. Cancellations less than 30 days from the start of the course or clinic receive no refund; spot in course or clinic is fully transferable to another individual of your choice.

Auditing: Auditor tickets are non-refundable, but transferable to anyone.

Private instruction: Requires at least 24-hour notice. Less than 24-hour notice will result in full charge for that lesson.

Frequently Asked Questions
  • Groundwork is learning how to read, understand and communicate with the horse from the ground. The unifying theme in all groundwork exercises is controlling the horses movement. Having the ability to influence movement is of great significant as it is how leadership is established in the horses natural language. It is of the utmost importance that we be viewed by the horse as their trusted and respected herd leader as it helps to ensure safety, success and a mutually beneficial partnership once on their back. Learn more about the natural language of the horse in Emily's collection of articles.
  • Absolutely not! MRHT has a fabulous group of lesson horses available for your learning. In fact, taking horsemanship lessons prior to owning your first horse is highly recommended and is a terrific gift to your future equine partner.
  • Yes. Students new and old to horses alike, begin with the Horsemanship 101 course as it is the foundation upon which a "sky is the limit" relationship is enjoyed with horses. New learners find that it provides them with the knowledge and skills needed to enter the world of horses with confidence. And more experienced learners often report that the course filled the gaps in their understanding of horses and increased their knowledge of the "how" and "why" in horsemanship. You may read about what past students had to say about their experience in the Horsemanship 101 course on the What People are Saying page.
  • MRHT sees riding a horse as a privilege that is earned. Groundwork is the means through which we gain our horses permission to enjoy the relationship on their backs. All students, regardless of prior experience begin on the ground with the horse with consideration for the horses instinctive need to see us as their trusted and respected herd leader. How quickly a student earns this position in the horses mind is dependent on each individuals unique rate of learning. Students may spend anywhere from a few weeks to a few months learning how to speak with their horse fluently enough to gain the horse's permission to ride.
More Information

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