Here at Hoofbeats in Harmony, we believe that horses have way more to offer children than just riding. Our program is designed for young horse lovers who want to develop confidence, responsibility, and a true partnership with horses through hands-on learning both on the ground and in the saddle.


Students become familiar with topics such as grooming, hoof care, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, how to set up a healthy and safe living environment, how to administer medications, how to take vitals, how to recognize and treat common illnesses and injuries, and much more.
There is way more to riding than simply sitting on a horse. Students learn to communicate their requests using their weight, seat, legs, and hands in a way that is clear and kind to the horse they are riding. Riding requires a lot of multi-tasking as there are many aspects to communicating with a horse under saddle.
Working with a horse from the ground allows the rider to evaluate the horse's frame of mind before getting into the saddle. Most things we ask of our horses can and should be taught from the ground first. Students learn how to evaluate and teach a horse new skills in a safe an effective manner. This helps them develop the skills needed to safely work with and train a horse of their own someday!
During a liberty session, the horse is loose with no ropes attached. Students learn to use psychology and body language to communicate their requests to the horse. Liberty work is very rewarding and is beautiful to watch. This is likely to be one of your child's favorite dimensions!
To help track your child's progress across the 4 Pillars, we have a detailed levels program. Students work hard to complete the required tasks for each level. When they pass a level, they are awarded with a unique patch for their Hoofbeats in Harmony vest. Students are encouraged to wear their vests to their lessons to showcase their accomplishments.
The benefits of working with horses go far deeper than just a fun after-school activity. Children who work with horses regularly see an increase in confidence, determination, and patience. Signing your child up to work with horses will help develop valuable leadership and communication skills. It will teach them the value of hard work. Children who work with horses find themselves spending less time on screens and more time developing lasting friendships with other horse-loving children.
Hoofbeats in Harmony is located in Oxford, NC.
Currently enrolling children ages 6-15. If your child is outside of this age range, please still reach out as there may be other opportunities available.
No, Hoofbeats in Harmony teaches all 4 Pillars of horsemanship. It is important for your child to learn all aspects of horse care and handling as well as riding.
Lessons are held rain or shine. If the weather is poor, we will focus on indoor activities such as learning about equine nutrition, hoof care, or first aid.
Each of our horses has their own unique weight limit that ensures that they stay safe and healthy. This weight limit is based on the horse's age, condition, size, and the job being asked of them.
No, all students enrolled in Hoofbeats in Harmony's Horsemanship Academy start at Level 1. This is to ensure we catch and fill any gaps in your child's education. If your child has previous riding experience, they will likely progress through the first few levels very quickly.

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