Mindful Horsemanship and Equine Assisted Learning
For individuals, professionals, and equine organizations seeking an aware and compassionate approach to Engaging with horses
Mindful Horsemanship and Equine Assisted Learning
For individuals, professionals, and equine organizations seeking an aware and compassionate approach to Engaging with horses
"This is more than just a technique for training horses; it is a way of life that involves a desire to understand and c0-create rather than control and dominate."
- Stacey Carter
Events at LaBelle Equestrian
On-site opportunities to learn with our herd
At LaBelle Equestrian in Mt. Ulla, NC, we offer a variety of learning opportunities for all ages and abilities. Our experienced herd of educators will help you develop confidence, body awareness, and a deeper understanding of how horses communicate.
From the pasture to the saddle, participants learn to listen and respond to the horse, communicate with clarity, and develop the skills that build trust, cooperation, and authentic partnership.
Whether you're meeting horses for the first time or have spent a lifetime with them, there's always something more they can teach us.
Our programs include:
Private and group lessons by appointment
Customized Retreats
Choose your adventure...
Whether you're looking for a private educational opportunity, a getaway with friends, a team-building day for your business or group, an equine-guided educational experience for your school group, or a unique excursion with your family, we can design a retreat you won't forget.
Your experience can be created around your interests, goals, and level of horse experience. Spend a few hours, a full day, or create a multi-day retreat exploring mindfulness, horsemanship, groundwork, liberty work, riding, mindful movement, supportive touch, and the unique ways horses help us develop greater self-awareness and connection.
Retreats can focus on horsemanship and riding, relaxation and renewal, leadership and communication, relationship building, or simply enjoying meaningful time together with horses.
No previous horse experience is necessary, and activities can be adapted for different ages and abilities.
Tell us what you're hoping to experience, and we'll create something just for you.
Mindful Horsemanship Clinics
Bring a clinic to your facility
Bring Mindful Horsemanship to your barn, equine-assisted services program, or equestrian community.
Clinics are customized around the needs of your horses and participants, with an emphasis on creating greater safety, connection, and cooperation between horse and human.
Through mindful movement, body awareness, supportive touch, groundwork, and practical horsemanship, participants learn to recognize tension, regulate their own energy, communicate more clearly, and respond to what the horse is communicating.
Rather than following a rigid curriculum, we work with what each horse and human bring to the experience. Participants leave with practical skills they can continue using long after the clinic is over.
Clinics can be designed for riders and horse stewards, instructors and trainers, equine-assisted services professionals, staff and volunteers, or a combination of participants. Formats can range from introductory workshops to full-day or multi-day clinics.
Host facilities can also work with us to create a clinic around specific goals or challenges within their program.
Bring a different way of being with horses to your community.
Mindful Horsemanship Online Training
A different way to be with your horse - wherever you are.
Explore Mindful Horsemanship from wherever you are, at your own pace, and bring what you learn directly into the relationship with your own horse.
The online course guides you through the foundations of creating safety, connection, and willing cooperation. You'll begin by exploring your own presence, body awareness, and nervous system before learning how to use supportive touch, movement, energy, position, and body language to communicate in ways your horse naturally understands.
This isn't about memorizing a training system or following a prescribed set of steps. It's about developing the awareness and skills to listen, respond, troubleshoot, and create a partnership unique to you and your horse.
Whether you're struggling with a particular challenge or simply know there could be more to your relationship, Mindful Horsemanship gives you a different place to begin.
Change how you show up, and discover what becomes possible together.
Registration for the online course includes access to Zoom chats where you can submit videos, ask questions, and talk about your experiences.
Private online consults are available by appointment following enrollment in the online course.
Clients consistently find that their greatest gain is the profound shift in their relationship with their horses - moving from misunderstanding and frustration to a partnership built on understanding, trust, and empathy.
Empowered Communication
Clients learn to 'speak horse' - not through words, but through a silent language of movement, energy, and mutual responsiveness. Imagine your horse not just following commands, but actively participating in your sessions with enthusiasm and trust.
Confidence and Safety
Gain the skills and confidence necessary to handle any situation calmly and effectively. Clients often express how much more enjoyable their time with their horse becomes once they've mastered these essential safety and handling skills.
Joyful Partnership
Witness the transformation as your horse becomes more engaged and connected during your time together. This change is not just behavioral but emotional, fostering a bond that is deeply satisfying and fulfilling for both.
The Heart Centered Difference
The Heart Centered Difference
You're in search of authentic, effective solutions that resonate with your values of understanding and collaborative growth. If you're feeling let down by traditional horsemanship methods and crave a deeper connection with your horse, it's time for a change. Discover what is possible when we let the horse become the teacher.
Key Benefits of Joining Our Program:
Confidence in Handling and Riding: With simple and straightforward lessons that you can implement in any setting, you will have the skills to handle situations as they arise, keeping you and your horse calm and connected in any environment.
Master skills that will empower you to connect with any horse: Based on centuries-old yoga and mindfulness practices, hands-on softening techniques such as Debono Moves, and communicating through the horse's natural language, this program teaches you far more than how to train a horse to perform to cues. You will learn skills that can enrich your relationship with all horses, regardless of prior experience.
Deep Learning Tailored for Any Age: Adults and children alike can benefit, learning patience, communication, and self-regulation through fun and interactive experiences with horses.
On-Site or Virtual Lessons: Lessons are offered at the beautiful LaBelle Equestrian Center in Mt. Ulla, NC, with your own horse or one of the herd. For those not close enough to attend on-site, distance consultations and online video classes are also available. Learn at your pace, at your level, with personalized support tailored to your individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Equine-Assisted Learning?
Equine-assisted learning differs from traditional horsemanship in that the focus is not on training the horse, but rather teaching the person through interactions with the horse. Through engaging with horses, we can develop self-awareness and relationship skills that enhance all areas of our lives. Heart Centered Horsemanship is a form of equine-assisted learning that is also highly-effective at improving behavior and cooperation in horses when their humans embrace the process.
Do I need any special equipment to participate?
No special equipment is required. We work with your existing gear and focus on enhancing communication and connection.
Can beginners join your clinics and retreats?
Absolutely! Our services are tailored to accommodate all levels of experience, from beginners to advanced riders.
What if my horse is difficult or has behavioral issues?
We specialize in working with all types of horses, including those with challenging behaviors, focusing on building trust and understanding how to address and resolve these issues.
Mastering the horse starts with our own nervous system.
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Let The Horse Be Your Teacher
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