CONNECTION
COOPERATION
AWARENESS
MINDFULNESS
CONNECTION
COOPERATION
AWARENESS
MINDFULNESS
Teaching you how to engage with horses in a way that honors their sentience, supports the nervous system, and creates willing, joyful partnerships.
This is not about controlling the horse, it's about awareness of how you show up, how the horse experiences you, and how to move together in ways that feel good to both of you.
IF YOU'RE HERE, YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING:
frustration when your horse resists, braces, shuts down, or avoids.
confusion about why "doing everything right" still isn't working.
a desire to move away from dominance-based methods without losing effectiveness.
a longing for real connection, not just obedience.
moments of fear, tension, or self-doubt around your horse.
a sense that there has to be a better way.
Teaching you how to engage with horses in a way that honors their sentience, supports the nervous system, and creates willing, joyful partnerships.
This is not about controlling the horse, it's about awareness of how you show up, how the horse experiences you, and how to move together in ways that feel good to both of you.
IF YOU'RE HERE, YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING:
frustration when your horse resists, braces, shuts down, or avoids.
confusion about why "doing everything right" still isn't working.
a desire to move away from dominance-based methods without losing effectiveness.
a longing for real connection, not just obedience.
moments of fear, tension, or self-doubt around your horse.
a sense that there has to be a better way.
The missing piece isn't more technique, it's awareness.
Horses respond to how safe they feel, how clearly we move, and how congruent our requests are.
When we understand this - and learn how to work with it - everything changes.
Hi, I'm Stacey Carter
I’m the founder of Heart Centered Horsemanship and the developer of the Mindful Horsemanship approach. My work integrates decades of experience as a rider, instructor, equine specialist in mental health and learning, yoga teacher, Certified Debono Moves practitioner, and lifelong student of the horse. Through a commitment to honoring equine sentience and nervous system well-being, I developed an approach that supports calm, cooperative partnership without force, dominance, or pressure. I teach people how to show up with clarity, awareness, and intention - creating relationships that feel safe, effective, and mutually beneficial.
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
"We would not have come this far without this course"
Both of my horses were adopted from a rescue; both have issues too long to list.
I was getting frustrated and ready to give up. Nothing I was doing was working. I was reading and listening to advice to no avail. Then I found Heart Centered Horsemanship and called. After a few short weeks our ground work improved, they now come up to me in the pasture, and we are strengthening our connections.
What I've learned from Stacey has made a huge difference in the way my horses and I interact together. I truly believe that we would not have come this far without this course.
Tracy Van Every, Horse Adopter
"Stacey has developed a thoughtful and effective method for connecting with horses without 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 Stacey and am also working through her online course. Both have provided me with valuable ideas and support for my practice.
Kim Bishop
Owner, Bridges Equine Assisted Services
"Wonderful results with horses and clients"
I have been trained in a trauma-informed approach to equine-assisted psychotherapy, but wanted to find a consultant for ongoing support.
Stacey has given me countless activities and techniques to use when working with my clients and horses; all in keeping with the concepts of kindness, connection, regulation, mindful movement and horsemanship. It has been invaluable. I have used her ideas in many sessions, and am having wonderful results. Learning how to implement the concepts of connection, nervous system regulation, mindful movement, etc. has helped me so much in my journey.
-Leslie Bell, LCSW
Owner, Monkey Island Equine Therapy
Teaching you how to engage with horses in a way that honors their sentience, supports the nervous system, and creates willing, joyful partnerships.
This is not about controlling the horse, it's about awareness of how you show up, how the horse experiences you, and how to move together in ways that feel good to both of you.
IF YOU'RE HERE, YOU MAY BE EXPERIENCING:
Frustration when your horse resists, braces, shuts down, or avoids.
Confusion about why "doing everything right" still isn't working.
a desire to move away from dominance-based methods without losing effectiveness.
a longing for real connection, not just obedience.
moments of fear, tension, or self-doubt around your horse.
a sense that there has to be a better way.
The missing piece isn't more technique, it's awareness.
Horses respond to how safe they feel, how clearly we move, and how congruent our requests are.
When we understand this - and learn how to work with it - everything changes.
Hi, I'm Stacey Carter
I’m the founder of Heart Centered Horsemanship and the developer of the Mindful Horsemanship approach. My work integrates decades of experience as a rider, instructor, equine specialist in mental health and learning, yoga teacher, Certified Debono Moves practitioner, and lifelong student of the horse. Through a commitment to honoring equine sentience and nervous system well-being, I developed an approach that supports calm, cooperative partnership without force, dominance, or pressure. I teach people how to show up with clarity, awareness, and intention - creating relationships that feel safe, effective, and mutually beneficial.
"We would not have come this far without this course"
Both of my horses were adopted from a rescue; both have issues too long to list.
I was getting frustrated and ready to give up. Nothing I was doing was working. I was reading and listening to advice to no avail. Then I found Heart Centered Horsemanship and called. After a few short weeks our ground work improved, they now come up to me in the pasture, and we are strengthening our connections.
What I've learned from Stacey has made a huge difference in the way my horses and I interact together. I truly believe that we would not have come this far without this course.
Tracy Van Every
Horse Adopter
"Wonderful results with horses and clients"
I have been trained in a trauma-informed approach to equine-assisted psychotherapy, but wanted to find a consultant for ongoing support.
Stacey has given me countless activities and techniques to use when working with my clients and horses; all in keeping with the concepts of kindness, connection, regulation, mindful movement and horsemanship. It has been invaluable. I have used her ideas in many sessions, and am having wonderful results. Learning how to implement the concepts of connection, nervous system regulation, mindful movement, etc. has helped me so much in my journey.
-Leslie Bell, LCSW
Owner, Monkey Island Equine Therapy
Experience softness and harmony through enhanced awareness
No More
feeling anxious, frustrated, or unsure around your horse
escalating pressure or force
bracing and resistance in response to requests
relying on gadgets, treats, or dominance
feeling disconnected or out of synch
compromising your values to get results
MORE OF
willing cooperation rooted in trust and safety
calm, grounded confidence
softness and ease of movement
clear communication your horse understands
calm, confidence, and grounded presence
connection, harmony, and flow
joyful fulfillment with your horse
HERE'S HOW THIS WORKS
Receive a new video each week for 6 weeks to watch at your convenience.
Submit your questions and videos to be reviewed in a weekly Zoom chat.
Receive personalized support and engage with a community of others sharing your journey.
Have access to one-on-one coaching to address your unique circumstances and challenges.
Ready to get started?
Mindful Horsemanship
is now officially open for enrollment
What's Inside
The Three Tiers of mindful horsemanship
build a foundation that benefits any horse
Mindful horsemanship is based on:
1. How you show up
2. Giving the horse a reason to connect
3. Communicating in their language
These lessons will empower you to feel confident with any horse, regardless of their previous experiences.
softness, harmony and unity
refine your skills to improve the quality of every moment together
With these skills you will be able to turn bracing into softness, work gently through avoidance and resistance, and unlock your horse's potential to move with lightness and ease.
riding with mindful movement
experience the feeling of flowing together in unity, lightness, and ease
All horses can feel subtle nuances of movement from their riders. This course will teach you to master the movements that will enable you to ride the horse as an extension of your own body.
The Three Tiers of mindful horsemanship
build a foundation that works with any horse
Mindful horsemanship is based on:
1. How you show up
2. Giving the horse a reason to connect
3. Communicating in their language
These lessons will empower you to feel confident with any horse, regardless of their previous experiences.
softness, harmony and unity
refine your skills to improve the quality of every moment together
With these skills you will be able to turn bracing into softness, work gently through avoidance and resistance, and unlock your horse's potential to move with lightness and ease.
riding with mindful movement
experience the feeling of flowing together in unity, lightness, and ease
All horses can feel subtle nuances of movement from their riders. This course will teach you to master the movements that will enable you to ride the horse as an extension of your own body.
PLUS, You'll Have Lifetime Access To The Following bonuses:
Mindful Movement for Riders
A guided video designed to help you improve balance, coordination, and body awareness both on and off the horse
You’ll move with greater ease and clarity, reduce unnecessary tension, and offer your horse clearer, more supportive guidance through your body.
Grounding and Regulation Guide
A practical guide to help you stay calm and centered even in stressful situations
The state of your nervous system directly impacts your horse. These tools will not only help you navigate challenges, it will enable you to help your horse stay calm and focused.
Connecting Through Touch
Additional lessons on using supportive, intentional touch to release muscular tension, encourage ease and fluidity of movement, and invite relaxation and trust
You’ll learn how to offer relief and comfort in ways that deepen connection, improve movement, and help your horse feel safe in their body and in relationship with you.
Applications for Equine-Assisted Services
A specialized guide for those working in equine-assisted mental health and education
Learn how to hold ethical, horse-centered spaces where the horse’s authentic responses are honored while supporting meaningful outcomes for clients.
By The End Of This Course You Will be able to
Recognize how your internal state directly influences your horse’s behavior, focus, and willingness to engage, and know what you can do to restore a sense of calm and safety.
Communicate clearly through movement, energy, position, and body language using an embodied language horses naturally understand, without relying on force, pressure, or treats.
Recognize signs of tension, stress, bracing, and disconnection, and respond in ways that restore softness and trust.
Offer supportive, intentional touch to help release unnecessary muscular tension, facilitate ease of movement, and calm the nervous system.
Create cooperative partnerships grounded in choice and consent, where the horse participates willingly rather than through compliance or shutdown.
Have clarity in working through avoidance and resistance without resorting to forceful tactics.
Apply mindful horsemanship principles on the ground and in riding to foster harmony, clarity, and connection across a wide range of horses and situations.
Mindful Horsemanship
is now officially open for enrollment
What's Inside
The Three Tiers of mindful horsemanship
build a foundation that works with any horse
Mindful horsemanship is based on:
1. How you show up
2. Giving the horse a reason to connect
3. Communicating in their language
These lessons will empower you to feel confident with any horse, regardless of their previous experiences.
softness, harmony and unity
refine your skills to improve the quality of every moment together
With these skills you will be able to turn bracing into softness, work gently through avoidance and resistance, and unlock your horse's potential to move with lightness and ease.
riding with mindful movement
experience the feeling of flowing together in unity, lightness, and ease
All horses can feel subtle nuances of movement from their riders. This course will teach you to master the movements that will enable you to ride the horse as an extension of your own body.
The Three Tiers of mindful horsemanship
build a foundation that works with any horse
Mindful horsemanship is based on:
1. How you show up
2. Giving the horse a reason to connect
3. Communicating in their language
These lessons will empower you to feel confident with any horse, regardless of their previous experiences.
softness, harmony and unity
refine your skills to improve the quality of every moment together
With these skills you will be able to turn bracing into softness, work gently through avoidance and resistance, and unlock your horse's potential to move with lightness and ease.
riding with mindful movement
experience the feeling of flowing together in unity, lightness, and ease
All horses can feel subtle nuances of movement from their riders. This course will teach you to master the movements that will enable you to ride the horse as an extension of your own body.
PLUS, You'll Have Lifetime Access To The Following bonuses:
Mindful Movement for Riders
A guided video designed to help you improve balance, coordination, and body awareness both on and off the horse.
You’ll move with greater ease and clarity, reduce unconscious tension, and offer your horse clearer, more supportive guidance through your body.
Grounding and Regulation Guide
A practical guide to help you stay calm and centered even in stressful situations
The state of your nervous system directly impacts your horse. These tools will not only help you navigate challenges, it will enable you to help your horse stay calm and focused.
Connecting Through Touch
Additional lessons on using supportive, intentional touch to release muscular tension, encourage ease and fluidity of movement, and invite relaxation and trust
You’ll learn how to offer relief and comfort in ways that deepen connection, improve movement, and help your horse feel safe in their body and in relationship with you.
Guide for Equine-Assisted Services
A specialized guide for those working in equine-assisted mental health and education
Learn how to hold ethical, horse-centered spaces where the horse’s authentic responses are honored while supporting meaningful outcomes for clients.
By The End Of This Course You Will be able to
Recognize how your internal state directly influences your horse’s behavior, focus, and willingness to engage, and know what you can do to restore a sense of calm and safety.
Communicate clearly through movement, energy, position, and body language using an embodied language horses naturally understand, without relying on force, pressure, or treats.
Recognize signs of tension, stress, bracing, and disconnection, and respond in ways that restore softness and trust.
Offer supportive, intentional touch to help release unnecessary muscular tension, facilitate ease of movement, and calm the nervous system.
Create cooperative partnerships grounded in choice and consent, where the horse participates willingly rather than through compliance or shutdown.
Have clarity in working through avoidance and resistance without resorting to forceful tactics.
Apply mindful horsemanship principles on the ground and in riding to foster harmony, clarity, and connection across a wide range of horses and situations.
this course is perfect if you
want more confidence addressing everyday challenges of horse handling
seek an approach that does not rely on submissive behavior or conditioned response
want to allow your horse to show up honestly and authentically while maintaining cooperation
struggle with helping a horse that has problematic behavior due to past experiences
want to ride in a way that supports the horse's well-being
dream of a fluid, harmonious union in which you and your horse move as one
provide equine-assisted therapeutic and/or educational services and seek an aligned approach to horsemanship
understand that positively influencing the horse begins with awareness, not control
mindful horsemanship
Will Transform how you engage with horses
PERSONALIZE YOUR LEARNING
core program
$147
6 weeks of membership access, including:
Additional video lessons
A weekly live Zoom discussion for integration and questions
All bonus materials, including:
Mindful Movement for Riders
Grounding and Regulation Guide
Connecting Through Touch
Applications for Equine-Assisted Services
Lifetime access to all course content and bonuses
GUIDED SUPPORT
$247
You will receive everything in the Core plan plus:
Two private 30-minute Zoom sessions with options for video review and individualized feedback
Direct written support with up to three submitted questions during the 6-week course to support clarity and integration
For those who want personalized guidance and direct feedback while integrating this work
PERSONAL MENTORSHIP
$497
You will receive everything in the Core plan plus:
Weekly private Zoom sessions for personalized feedback
Clarifying questions as they arise through email, with responses guaranteed within 48 hours
Goal setting and integration support to apply the work to your unique context
enrollment for these spaces is limited
What others are saying
"Create real safety and collaboration"
Stacey's insights into building true, relational partnerships with horses are exactly what the field needs. Her work helps create the kind of connection where horses feel safe, seen, and free to show up authentically - something every professional in equine-assisted therapy should strive for.
Cheryl Meola, PhD, LCMHCS
Author of Integrating Horses into Healing
Founder, Mane Source Counseling
"Compassionate teacher"
Stacey is a compassionate, innovative teacher who helps horses and humans develop joyful relationships. She has an exceptional ability to apply creative solutions to help horses and riders discover comfortable, athletic movement.
Mary DeBono
Creator of Debono Moves for Horses
"Stacey creates magic"
We have worked together offering
workshops and I’m always amazed and impressed at Stacey’s ability to read horses, know instinctually what they need, and help people better understand themselves through interactions with these gentle, sentient creatures. Stacey is a natural teacher; kind, patient, wise. I recommend, wholeheartedly, any training experience you could have with her.
Alita Buzel, Ph.D. LCP
Author of Beyond Words: The Healing Power of Horses
What others are saying
"Create real safety and collaboration"
Stacey's insights into building true, relational partnerships with horses are exactly what the field needs. Her work helps create the kind of connection where horses feel safe, seen, and free to show up authentically - something every professional in equine-assisted therapy should strive for.
Cheryl Meola, PhD, LCMHCS
Author of Integrating Horses into Healing
Founder, Mane Source Counseling
"Compassionate teacher"
Stacey is a compassionate, innovative teacher who helps horses and humans develop joyful relationships. She has an exceptional ability to apply creative solutions to help horses and riders discover comfortable, athletic movement.
Mary DeBono
Creator of Debono Moves for Horses
"Stacey creates magic"
We have worked together offering
workshops and I’m always amazed and impressed at Stacey’s ability to read horses, know instinctually what they need, and help people better understand themselves through interactions with these gentle, sentient creatures. Stacey is a natural teacher; kind, patient, wise. I recommend, wholeheartedly, any training experience you could have with her.
Alita Buzel, Ph.D. LCP
Author of Beyond Words: The Healing Power of Horses
Here Is What You'll Get:
6-week video course with weekly support through online group discussion
Access to membership with additional videos focusing on specific goals and challenges
Options for one-on-one sessions to address your unique needs
Bonus videos, lessons, and guides that expand on foundational lessons
Today Just $147
"A game changer"
Stacey has found a way to unlock and put into words what the great riders already know and feel within their bones when communicating on the ground or in the saddle with these amazing animals.
Danni Wojick
what you'll GAIN FROM ENROLLING IN THE mindful horsemanship COURSE
Nervous-system awareness
You'll be able to recognize subtle signs of tension and stress - and how to respond in ways that restore safety and trust.
Mindful, embodied communication
You'll learn how to influence behavior through clarity, presence, and intentional movement.
techniques for offering supporive touch
You'll learn gentle ways to help your horse release unnecessary muscular tension, find ease of movement, and experience relief; enhancing performance and connection.
Practical, EFFECTIVE tools
You’ll stop second-guessing yourself and start responding with confidence, knowing how to adjust your energy, body language, and intention in real time.
Relationship-centered approach
The horse learns that being with you feels safe and supportive, increasing their desire to stay engaged and connected.
Transferable, lifelong skills
These tools aren’t tied to one exercise or situation. You’ll be able to apply them with different horses, in new environments, and through future challenges—long after the course ends.
what you'll GAIN FROM ENROLLING IN THE mindful horsemanship COURSE
Nervous-system awareness
You’ll begin to recognize subtle signs of tension, stress, and relaxation - and how to respond in ways that restore safety and trust.
Mindful, embodied communication
You’ll learn how to influence behavior through clarity, presence, and intentional movement.
skills for offering supporive touch
You’ll learn gentle ways to help your horse release unnecessary muscular tension, find ease of movement, and experience relief - enhancing performance and connection.
Practical, EFFECTIVE tools
You’ll stop second-guessing yourself and start responding with confidence, knowing how to adjust your energy, body language, and intention in real time.
Relationship-centered approach
The horse learns that being with you feels safe and supportive, increasing their desire to stay engaged and connected.
Transferable, lifelong skills
These tools aren’t tied to one exercise or situation. You’ll be able to apply them with different horses, in new environments, and through future challenges—long after the course ends.
COMMITMENT TO YOUR SUCCESS
If, after completing the course, you feel unclear or aren’t seeing the shifts you hoped for, you’ll receive a complimentary one-on-one consultation to address your specific challenges and help you apply the lessons in a way that supports both you and your horse.
COMMITMENT TO YOUR SUCCESS
If, after completing the course, you feel unclear or aren’t seeing the shifts you hoped for, you’ll receive a complimentary one-on-one consultation to address your specific challenges and help you apply the lessons in a way that supports both you and your horse.
STILL NOT SURE?
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this different from other horsemanship courses?
Rather than focusing on techniques to change the horse, this course teaches you how to change the conditions that influence behavior—your presence, movement, nervous system, and communication—creating cooperation that feels genuine and sustainable.
How much time will this take each week?
The course is designed to fit into real life. Lessons can be completed at your own pace, and practices are meant to integrate naturally into time you’re already spending with your horse.
Is this course focused more on groundwork or riding?
Both. The course begins with building a foundation off the horse, then applies those principles to riding. You’ll learn how to create connection and clarity in multiple contexts.
What if my horse has behavioral challenges or a trauma history?
This work was shaped through years of working with horses who were reactive, shut down, fearful, or labeled “problematic.” Rather than attempting to correct behavior, the course teaches you how to create the conditions that support safety, trust, and cooperation— where meaningful change begins.
What if I am following a different training method?
Mindful Horsemanship doesn't have to be practiced instead of your other methods, it can be an enhancement to them. Developing awareness and feel will improve the quality of anything you are doing with your horse, whether it involves sport, trail riding, or engaging on the ground. While some training methods are in direct contradiction to the practices in this course, this is not a training method. It is a way of being in relationship that can be a part of whatever you do with your horse.
I’m worried I won’t know if I’m doing it “right.” What if I get confused?
That’s completely normal. This work is about developing awareness, not perfection. If you complete the course and still feel unclear or stuck, you’ll receive a complimentary one-on-one consultation to help you apply the material to your unique situation.
Imagine...
approaching your horse with calm confidence, knowing how to respond in each moment with clarity and ease. Imagine feeling grounded in your body, connected in your movement, and understood by your horse; without force, pressure, or second-guessing. Imagine relationships with horses that feel safe, cooperative, and genuinely fulfilling for both of you.
I hope you will join me to explore the possibilities.
May your journey be joyful,
Stacey
