Horsemanship Rooted in Relationship
“Horses think in pictures, respond through feeling, and teach us to pay attention.”
— Inspired by the work of Temple Grandin
Fall 2026
This season, we're intentionally focusing on developing our horses, investing in the riders and families already entrusted to our care, and preparing the farm for what lies ahead.
Rather than expanding our weekly lesson program, we're choosing to build slowly and intentionally; strengthening our horses, our facilities, and the foundation of UnbridledTN so we can serve families well for years to come.
At this time, we are not accepting new weekly horsemanship students. If you'd like to be part of future opportunities, we'd love to stay connected. Join our interest list, and we'll be sure you're among the first to hear when new programs, experiences, and enrollment become available.
Current Students.
Friday Morning Trail Rides are an opportunity for our current UnbridledTN students to spend more time in the saddle, build confidence, and gain real-world riding experience outside of a traditional lesson setting.
Riders will help prepare their horses before heading out for a guided trail ride around the farm. These rides are designed to strengthen balance, communication, independence, and confidence while allowing students to enjoy meaningful time with their horse and fellow riders.
Fridays | 9:00–10:00 AM
Current UnbridledTN students only
$50 per rider
Riders should wear long pants and closed-toe boots with a heel, bring a water bottle, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Space is limited based on available horses and rider experience. Trail rides are weather and ground-condition dependent and may be rescheduled or adjusted when necessary.
***Class is FULL*** This pay link is for monthly tuition.
The Mustang Training Course is a hands-on, immersive horsemanship experience for students ready to take their skills beyond traditional lessons and learn how to develop an untouched or minimally handled mustang.
Throughout the program, students will work alongside Kelci to build trust and communication with a mustang from the ground up. Students will gain experience in reading equine body language, pressure and release, liberty and groundwork, problem-solving, desensitization, handling, and preparing a horse for its future.
Rather than following a rigid timeline, students will learn to meet each horse where it is and recognize the small moments of progress that build a willing, confident partnership.
Training may include:
Building trust and safely approaching an unhandled horse
Haltering, leading, tying, grooming, and handling
Understanding equine behavior and body language
Pressure and release, draw and drive, and liberty concepts
Desensitization and confidence-building
Hoof handling and preparation for routine care
Groundwork and foundational training
Introducing tack and preparing for the first ride when the horse is ready
Conditioning, trail exposure, and real-world experiences
Developing problem-solving skills and thoughtful horsemanship
This course is about much more than training a mustang. Students will experience firsthand the patience, consistency, responsibility, adaptability, and stewardship required to earn a horse's trust.
September–March
Tuesdays | 12:00–2:00 PM
Fridays | 10:00 AM–12:00 PM
Tuition: $250/month
This is a small, committed training group with limited enrollment. Students should expect to participate in the entire training process—including the quiet, repetitive work that creates the foundation for everything that follows.
Our goal isn't simply to make a mustang rideable. It's to develop thoughtful horsemen and women who understand how to build a relationship with a horse from the very beginning.
Youth Volunteer Days give students the opportunity to spend meaningful time at UnbridledTN while learning what it takes to care for horses, animals, and a working farm.
These are hands-on service days. Depending on the needs of the farm, students may help with feeding and watering animals, grooming horses, cleaning and organizing, maintaining pastures and animal areas, gardening, preparing for programs and events, or tackling seasonal farm projects.
Along the way, students gain practical skills while learning responsibility, teamwork, stewardship, and the value of meaningful work.
Volunteer activities will vary each week based on what needs to be done around the farm. Come prepared to work, get dirty, and be part of the team!
For current and approved UnbridledTN youth volunteers.
-Feel free to pack a lunch
-Students who are here for the Friday AM trail ride are welcome to stay after their ride.
Please wear closed-toe shoes or boots, comfortable work clothes, and bring a water bottle. Volunteer days may be adjusted or canceled due to weather or farm needs.
Your Horsemanship Journey
Our Horsemanship Program is designed as a progressive pathway that helps students build confidence, skills, and partnership with horses at a pace that honors both horse and rider.
Step 1: Intro to Horsemanship
All new students begin with a 60-minute Intro to Horsemanship Session. This hands-on experience introduces students to horse safety, communication, grooming, leading, and basic riding while allowing instructors to assess readiness for the next step.
Step 2: 4-Week Horsemanship Experience
After completing the Intro Session, students continue into our 4-Week Horsemanship Experience. This immersive program focuses on building a strong foundation through herd observation, groundwork, horse care, riding, leadership, and communication. Students learn not only how to ride, but how to understand and partner with the horse.
Step 3: Ongoing Horsemanship & Trail Rides
Upon successful completion of the 4-Week Experience, students may continue with ongoing horsemanship sessions or book guided trail ride experiences. These opportunities allow riders to deepen their skills, build confidence outside the arena, and continue developing meaningful relationships with the horses.
More Than Riding Lessons
Our horsemanship program is the heart of what we do at UnbridledTN.
This is not a traditional riding lesson program. While riding is certainly part of the journey, horsemanship here begins long before a foot enters a stirrup. We focus on relationship, awareness, responsibility, and understanding the horse as a whole being.
Students spend time:
• Learning herd dynamics and observation
• Understanding equine behavior and communication
• Developing groundwork skills in open fields rather than confined arenas
• Building confidence, leadership, and emotional regulation
• Caring for and connecting with the horses before riding
Our approach is immersive and relational. Working outdoors creates a different level of awareness and partnership than traditional arena-based instruction. Students learn to become thoughtful, grounded horsewomen and horsemen who can observe, adapt, and lead with clarity.
What Makes This Different?
• Small group sizes
• 90-minute sessions
• Emphasis on character and responsibility
• Focus on feel, timing, and communication
• Open fields and trail work
• Community-centered, encouraging environment
• A slower, deeper approach to learning
This program is ideal for individuals and families who value depth over speed, relationship over performance, and character over competition.
If you are looking for a place where you or your child can grow in confidence, awareness, stewardship, and horsemanship, both in and out of the saddle, we would love to welcome you.
Mustang Training Course
FAQ
Q: Do I need to own a horse to participate?
No, you’ll be working with our on-site horses.
Q: What is liberty training?
Liberty training focuses on communicating with your horse without ropes or tack. It builds trust, respect, and connection using body language and pressure-release techniques.
Q: Is this class suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! This class is designed for those new to horses and those trying to decide if horses are a worthwhile investment for themselves or their children. No prior experience is necessary.
Q: What should I wear or bring?
Cowboy boots and comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and water bottle. We provide all the equipment you'll need for the session. (*Personal helmet optional).
Q: How long is the class?
Approximately 60-90 minutes, depending on class.