Mindful Horsemanship:
The Art of Connection and Speaking the Horse's Language
🌿🐴 Mindful Horsemanship Summer Sessions 🐴🌿
The Art of Connection & Speaking the Horse's Language
Join us for weekly sessions designed for teens and adults seeking a deeper, more meaningful connection with horses — beyond traditional riding lessons. Mindful horsemanship will teach you to become the leader your horse seeks, practical approaches to building a strong connection, and how to communicate in a way your horse will understand.
Thursdays 4:00pm-6:00pm
LaBelle Equestrian, 2445 Centenary Church Road, Mt. Ulla NC
This course is perfect for anyone who longs for a deeper bond with horses, whether you are new to riding, experienced, or simply looking for a new approach. The focus is on feeling safe, seen, and connected — and helping your horse feel the same.
Each week, we’ll spend two hours together exploring:
✨ Mindful movement to improve self-awareness and clear communication with horses.
🌱 Grounding techniques to regulate your nervous system and create a sense of calm and safety.
💛 How touch such as Debono Moves, a modality developed by Mary Debono that is based on the Feldenkrais Method, can facilitate softness, relaxation, and a strong connection.
🐴 Speaking the language of the horse through movement, body language, position and energy.
🧘♀️ Body awareness and nervous system regulation — learning how your inner state influences your horse.
🦄 Riding with connected movement — experiencing softness, fluidity, and partnership in the saddle.
Experience the deep connection and joy that unfolds when we slow down, listen, and truly understand the language of horses.
🐴💛🌿
Instructor Stacey Carter is a PATH Certified Equine Specialist in Mental Health and Learning, Registered Yoga Instructor, Certified Debono Moves Practitioner, lifelong rider, and advocate of equine welfare. She developed these classes to help people understand what horses really need to become cooperative partners. With a focus on creating joyful and mutually beneficial relationships, this course is intended to be as much fun for the horses as it is for the people.
Each lesson at Heart-Centered Horsemanship is an. invitation to dive deeper into body awareness, and the art of subtle communication with horses, and within myself.
What I love most is that this isn’t about controlling a horse. It’s about relationship. We’re learning to listen, to observe, to communicate in their language with, as my teacher says “rhythm, straightness, and softness”. And that's now showing up in my parenting, my nervous system, and my yoga practice too.
I’ve worked with different horses, each with their own background and personality. And every week I learn something new…not just about horsemanship, but about partnership, boundaries, and presence.
It’s changed the way I show up, I am more grounded and intentional.
I’m so grateful for this class and the way it weaves boundaries and connection into every session.
-Leela Zile
Stacey is the embodiment of Heart Centered Horsemanship! It was obvious from our first encounter that her heart is in all she teaches. My relationship and connection with my horse (Dixie) has improved because of her methods. Stacey has made me a better rider and Dixie is calmer and we are more attuned to each other
-Kathy Knutson
The time spent at LaBelle Equestrian with Stacey brings a smile to my face! I remember the thoughtful depth that Stacey used to teach our mixed group of participants. She met each individual where they were at. It was a beautiful day spent outside moving and working my body in new ways with new consciousness. I remember how refreshed and calm I felt after. At the center of all of this - the reason it came alive the way it did - is Stacey. Thoughtful, kind, reassuring, she has helped me rethink the mechanics of my and my horse’s body. It has been one of the most refreshing classes I have ever taken and I hope more people get the chance!
-Kaitlin Rice
Stacey Carter of Heart Centered Horsemanship is a compassionate yoga teacher and horse trainer that heals horses and people. Her yoga classes are tied to our deep bond with the healing power of our relationship with horses. She relates yoga moves to those we do on horses but you don't need to be a rider to benefit. Stacey focuses on her students and is aware of their individual needs just as she does with the animals she works with. She is truly an amazing teacher and healer! We are blessed to have her here in North Carolina!
Brenda Bergeron
LaBelle Equestrian
2445 Centenary Church Road, Mt. Ulla NC
Thursdays from 4 - 6 pm
Pricing:
Single Session: $35
Two Sessions: $60
Three Sessions: $85
Four Sessions: $100
Dates:
June 12
June 19
July 3
July 10
July 31
FAQ's
Can I bring my own horse?
Yes! We have horses available for participants, but you are also welcome to bring your own horse if you choose.
Does this course include riding?
Yes! Participants may choose to ride, though that is not the primary focus of the course. Riding will focus on mindfulness of how our movements are interpreted by the horse, and being clear, intentional, and congruent.
Do I need previous experience with horses to participate?
No, this course is designed to accommodate participants of all experience levels. Beginners will learn the basics of horsemanship and riding while more seasoned riders will learn skills that will enhance all aspects of their relationship with their horses.
What ages may participate?
This course is designed for ages 12 and up.
