Mindful Horsemanship Clinic
at LaBelle Equestrian
Turn frustration into flow with proven methods that
are both compassionate and effective
October 25, 2025
LaBelle Equestrian, Mt. Ulla NC
Is Your Relationship With Your Horse Feeling Stuck?
If you love your horse but something just isn’t clicking — maybe they don’t seem to want to be with you, resist your cues, or feel tense under saddle — you’re not alone.
Many caring horse owners struggle with the same things:
- A horse that’s distracted, pushy, or reactive
- Tension that shows up in riding — resistance, brace, or lack of rhythm
- A feeling of disconnection or frustration, like you’re not speaking the same language
- Hidden fear or anxiety that affects confidence and trust
But what if your horse could feel safe, relaxed, and connected to you, not because they have to, but because they want to?
You’ll learn how to create a calm, cooperative relationship by becoming the kind of presence your horse naturally wants to organize around.
- Discover how your movement, position, body language, and energy communicate more than words ever could.
- Practice mindful movement and body awareness for clear communication on the ground and in the saddle.
- Learn to notice and respond to your horse’s subtle signals — building trust and confidence in every moment.
Transform Behavior Without Force
When we understand how horses think and feel, we can guide them clearly -without dominance or intimidation -instead holding a space of safety and creating positive shared experiences.
This clinic will help you understand how to:
- Develop clear boundaries that make sense to your horse.
-Replace resistance with softness and consent.
-Maintain attunement and focus, even in the most challenging moments.
Regain Confidence and Joy
This clinic provides a supportive space to rebuild trust — in your horse and yourself.
You’ll gain tools to:
- Regulate your own nervous system, so your horse feels safe around you
- Release anxiety and self-doubt
- Rediscover the joy, freedom, and connection that made you love horses in the first place!
Stacey Carter has beautifully integrated the principles of improving awareness and fostering ease in horse and rider. She's skilled at enhancing communication and promoting harmony in equine-human interactions. Stacey’s ability and depth of experience are evident in the compassionate way she teaches and trains.
Mary Debono, Creator of Debono Moves for Horses
I have witnessed Stacey teach to all equine enthusiasts from the first ride to riding cross country or down centerline. My journey with Stacey began at her farm at her Heart Centered Horsemanship clinic. I was in search of a way of interacting with my horse that was more relationship based. Since then, I have trained with Stacey and hosted clinics here at my farm featuring her heart centered approach. I learned to “let go” in my body so I could help my horse let go. I learned to speak softly to my horses and wait patiently for the answer. Over time I have completely transformed my interactions with my horses and reached goals I could not imagine. Bareback and Bridleless riding in full trust with both my warmblood and my Arabian. If you are ready to transform your interactions with your horses and truly create a communication-based ride with harmony as the result then don’t waste another day, sign up with Stacey NOW.
Julie Luther, owner of JL Winding Road Farm
Stacey Carter of Heartcentered Horsemanship has developed a thoughtful and effective method for connecting with horses without heavy equipment, force, or pain. I own an equine assisted learning business and always strive to partner with my equines as gently and clearly as possible. Only then will they willingly partner with me to heal our clients. I booked a private session with her and am also working through her online course. Both have provided me with valuable ideas and support for my practice.
Kim Bishop, Equine Assisted Educator
Owner of Bridges Equine Assisted Services
These skills will benefit anyone who is looking to improve foundational skills for better results in their relationship with their horse, whether you're a beginner or an internationally-competitive rider.
If your horse is often tense and braced, or if you struggle with communication or safety issues, this clinic is designed to help you achieve a better partnership with your horse. This is perfect for those who seek a transformative experience rather than sticking to the same old methods.
This clinic is also ideal for professionals in equine-assisted learning and equine-assisted therapy who seek an approach to horsemanship that is congruent with educational and therapeutic objectives.
You'll learn how to...
Communicate in the language of the horse so they can clearly understand your requests without hours of training.
Become a source of calm and safety for your horse to reduce distraction and spookiness.
Create and maintain a meditative connection with your horse in which you move together effortlessly as one.
Bring out the best version of your horse in all situations.
Learn tools that will empower you to address issues and respond to your horse effectively in every moment, ensuring safer and more joyful experiences, both on the ground and in the saddle.
LaBelle Equestrian
2445 Centenary Church Road
Mt. Ulla, NC
Don’t miss your chance to have the relationship of your dreams with your horse.
All disciplines and experience levels of riders (and horses!) are welcome.
Schedule Overview
9 - 10:00
Mindful movement on the mat/chair (without horses) covering:
-Using subtle movements of your body to communicate clearly with your horse while riding.
-Mindfulness practices that instantly improve balance and body control.
-Effective ways to improve your horse's performance by improving yourself.
10:15 - 12
Group session on the ground (with horses) covering:
-Becoming a safe space for your horse through practices to regulate the nervous system
-Speaking the horse's language of movement, position, energy, and body language
-Debono Moves to encourage softness, relaxation, ease of movement, and deeper connection
12 - 1
Lunch Break
Q&A/Discussion During Lunch
1:15 - 5:15
Semi-privates with 1:1 attention
Each one-hour spot will include 2 participants with individual attention given to each.
Riders will receive instruction appropriate to their individual needs with time allowed for processing and practice.
These sessions will integrate the morning lessons into riding, as well as addressing individual needs and challenges.
For those preferring not to ride, more advanced Debono Moves and groundwork are also options.
Ongoing Support
Participants are invited to stay in touch through our online group that offers instruction, support, and connection with a like-minded community of people.
Participant Requirements
Participants should come with an open mind and a willingness to let go of old habits that aren't working! This approach to horsemanship and riding may be unlike anything you have ever experienced. Rather than addressing what the horse needs to do, this is about understanding what the person can do to consistently create the desired outcome.
All skill levels and disciplines are welcome! Riding is not required for this clinic, you don't even need to bring a horse. You are welcome to partner with one of our wonderful school horses for the day!
This clinic might not be suited to you if:
-you are committed to another method or uncomfortable trying out new ideas with your horse.
-you feel the need to control your horse and find it impossible to change what you're doing in order to get a different result.
-you want to fix the horse without working on yourself.
-you're looking to master specific skills required for competition.
Full Participants
$150
Clinic fee includes:
Mindful Movement for Riders class
Stall for your horse for the day
Lunch: with vegan, vegetarian and gluten free options available
Q&A session during lunch
Pre-clinic video training, covering:
Basics of Mindful Movement for Riders
Introduction to "speaking" the language of the horse
Developing connected movement
1 month of access to Mindful Movement for Riders Online Group:
Stay connected to like=minded community in a safe and supported environment. Virtual sessions will include short video lessons, question and answer opportunities, and interactive discussion.
Auditors
$50
Auditor Fee Includes:
Mindful Movement for Riders class
Lunch with vegan, vegetarian, and gluten free options available
Participation in Q&A sessions
Pre-clinic video training, covering:
Basics of Mindful Movement for Riders
Introduction to "speaking" the language of the horse
Developing connected movement
1 month access to Mindful Movement for Riders Online Group:
Stay connected to like=minded community in a safe and supported environment. Virtual sessions will include short video lessons, question and answer opportunities, and interactive discussion.
About Stacey
Stacey Carter grew up immersed in the horse world—riding in Pony Club, competing in combined training events, foxhunting, and spending countless hours riding bareback through back pastures with friends. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience starting horses under saddle, rehabilitating horses with past trauma, and providing therapeutic horsemanship services.
Today, Stacey’s focus is on helping people discover the possibilities of co-creating with horses in ways that prioritize mutual well-being. Whether through groundwork or riding that supports healthy, balanced movement, her approach fosters experiences that nurture both horse and human.
As a Certified Yoga Instructor, PATH Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, and Certified Debono Moves Practitioner, Stacey has developed a unique and holistic approach to horsemanship—one that invites anyone seeking a deeper, more authentic connection with horses to step into a new way of being together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I don’t ride, or if I drive my horse, can I still participate?
Yes, this clinic is ideal for both ridden and non-ridden horses. You will learn a variety of activities you can practice with your non-ridden horse to develop a cooperative and mutually enjoyable relationship.
If I have a young horse that I’m not riding yet, can I still participate?
Yes, definitely! The goal of this clinic is to provide a safe and successful experience whether ridden or in hand. This work is an excellent foundation for ridden work in the future.
My horse is a little unruly. Can we still participate?
Yes, this clinic will help you and your horse overcome behavioral and emotional challenges.
Is this clinic specific to a certain discipline of riding?
While the riding portion is based on basic dressage to encourage the horse to be relaxed, rhythmic and well-balanced, riders of all disciplines are encouraged to participate. Participants are welcome to ride in English or western tack, or even bareback!
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