Explore Services & Start your Journey.

There’s more than one way to find your place with us. Some come to learn the foundations of horsemanship. Some are ready to grow in their skills and confidence. Others come because they’re walking through a difficult season and need space to slow down, reconnect, and be present. Each program offers a different way to engage — with horses, yourself, with others, and with the work of becoming.

So where do you begin?

Start with what you are looking for right now. Are you ready to go and grow or slow down and reconnect? From there, consider your level of experience, time, and type of support that feels right for you. If you are still unsure, we can help you find the right place to begin.

There’s no perfect path. Just the next right step.

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The fundamentals

60 minutes | 10-week commitment (Fall & Spring) | Individual or group | Mounted and unmounted

The Fundamentals is a 10-week introduction to horsemanship for beginners, offered in the fall and spring. You will learn horse care, grooming, safe handling, leading, saddling, ground presence, and introductory riding while learning to communicate and listen to your horse.

No experience required. Come ready to learn. Good for ages 7+ (adults included).

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Horsemanship Progression

60 minutes | 8-10 weeks (Fall & Spring) | Individual or group | Mounted and unmounted

Horsemanship Progression builds on foundational skills through more focused riding instruction, offered in the fall and spring. Riders develop increased independence, balance, communication, control, and confidence while progressing from the walk toward trotting and loping.

Riding experience required, upon instructor approval. Good for ages 8+ (adults included).

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Grooming & Groundwork

30-120 minutes | individual or group | Unmounted

Grooming and groundwork sessions focus on unmounted interactions, including horse care, grooming, safe handling, leading, communication, and foundational groundwork. This is ideal for someone who wants to experience equine connection without mounted activities (e.g. saddling, riding, etc.), often without extensive instructor engagement.

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Stable Sessions

Weekly or one-time sessions | 75 minutes | Individual or partnered | Mounted or unmounted

Stable sessions are individual or small group experiences centered around presence, horses, reflection, and meaningful conversation. Through guided interaction with a horse, awareness of what is happening within you, and space to reflect, you are invited to step out of the hurry for a while.

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The Journey

4 sessions | 75 minutes each | Mounted and unmounted

The Journey is a four-session experience for adults navigating grief, loss, transition, or a difficult season. Each session offers a different opportunity to slow down, engage with a horse, reflect on what you’re carrying, and consider what may be next.

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The Equine Collective

Custom experiences | On-site or travel to location | Contact for specific pricing

The Equine Collective brings Altar Equestrian alongside counselors, educators, churches, nonprofits, organizations, and other professionals to create meaningful experiences with horses.

Programming is designed to complement the goals and objectives of the partner, like coming alongside one another.

**Includes Healing Arts & Horses

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Client Reviews

“Charli has far exceeded my prayers in asking for the perfect riding instructor for my daughter. She doesn’t just teach horsemanship. She is Spirit-led, sees and senses deeper things in my daughter (both strengths and weaknesses), and always uses the lessons as an opportunity to teach on the Lord, the Word, character, regulating, rhythms, etc. I am so grateful for Charli and all she has done for my family!”

— Katie, parent

“Life can be really loud and heavy, and being out there has become a place where my mind gets quiet and my heart can settle. There’s something about slowing down, being with the horses, and taking in God’s creation that continually turns my heart back toward Jesus. I usually leave feeling like I can breathe a little deeper than when I came. It’s become so much more than horse lessons.”

— Julie, client

“Watching my daughter come alive through horses has been one of the sweetest things. She’s found something she genuinely loves and looks forward to, and I’ve loved watching her light u[ while also being challenged. The responsibility, hard work, and confidence she’s gaining through something she loves so much has been a wish come true.”

— Julie, parent

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Short answer is no. The Fundamentals is designed for beginners. Other programs have different experience requirements, which are listed with each service.

  • No, we provide the horses and most equipment needed for our programs. However, if you have a riding helmet, you are welcome to bring it.

  • Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for movement and weather. Long pants and sturdy, closed-toe shoes or boots with a small heel are required for riding and horse handling. We ride in the weather elements, so a hat or sunglasses is also helpful.

  • Bring water, sunscreen, depending on the service. Check individual program descriptions for age requirements.

    If you are participating in services that include reflective exercises, bring a journal and pen, Bible, etc.

    Above all, bring an open mind and open heart, ready to receive.

  • Horse selection is based on the participants’ experience levels, goals, size, confidence, and temperament and abilities. Safety and welfare of the horse comes first.

  • Because most interactions take place outdoors, weather may require us to modify or reschedule a session. We will communicate any changes as soon as possible.

    Sessions can be made up on an agreed upon date/time.

  • Not all services are therapy. Our horsemanship and experiential programs are educational and experiential in nature. They are in no way a substitute for professional mental health treatment. If you are looking for counseling, please contact a licensed mental health professional.

  • Yes. The Equine Collective allows Altar to collaborate with licensed professionals, organizations, churches, educators, or other groups to create customized equine experiences.

  • Both! Check the individual program descriptions for age requirements.

  • Yes. Parents and guardians are welcome to remain on-site during youth programs. Specific expectations may vary by program.

  • Our pricing model is one that is set based on hard costs involved in equine operations, while trying to strike a balance of affordability within the area.

    We have flexible pricing available, too. These are handled on case by case basis and as additional funds are available.

  • You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly — but know you may catch us during horse sessions, so be patient as we get back to you.

    If you do not hear back within a couple of business days, reach back out.

  • Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We are here to teach the discipline of horsemanship at the pace of the student and meet their needs where they are. We welcome conversation around what you want to get out of your time with the horses.

  • Possibly. Please discuss relevant limitations or injuries with us before participating, so we can determine whether modifications are appropriate and safe.

    However, horses are live animals. We operate under the assumption that you understand there are inherent risks involved when engaging with live animals, and you take on that responsibility. We hold no liability toward any potential risks, harm, or injuries.

  • No. Everyone is welcome at AE. Our faith in Jesus Christ is foundational to who we are and how we operate, and we are open about that. Participation in our programs does not require any particular affiliation or faith background.

  • We are happy to help. Reach out before booking, and we will help you figure out the right fit.