Welcome to The Whole Horse Place Programs

Please sign a digital waiver to complete your registration. The waiver will require all sections to be completed. If you disagree with a section (such as photo usage), please print out a hard copy located on the home page of this website, and initial the parts you do agree with and bring with you. You will not be allowed to participate without a waiver. 

Saturday Horse Foster Program Details:

• Schedule: Saturdays, flexible between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM
• Cost: $100 per Saturday
• Reservations: You may reserve as many or as few Saturdays as you like. Payment must be received by the first of each month to reserve your horse for the Saturdays you choose.
• Age Range: 8+ (or families with younger children)

Program Requirements:
Participation in this program is by invitation only. Saturday Horse Fosters must be independent, able to follow directions, and willing to take responsibility for the care of their horse, tending to whatever the horse needs on that day.

Program Overview:
Foster your favorite horse for a Saturday! While you will be supervised, you’ll have the freedom to create your own schedule and work at your own pace. Chores must be completed before lunch to ensure proper feeding conditions (horses should not be fed on top of manure in the stalls). You’ll also need to coordinate riding time in the round pen with other Saturday Horse Fosters and the ongoing Ranch Hand class, which runs from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM on the same day.

Opportunities for Learning:
Based on your experience level, you may be invited to participate in the Ranch Hand class to further develop your horsemanship skills. There is always something to learn, and you are always welcome to join! However, the beauty of this Foster Horse Program is that you have control over your schedule, allowing you to focus on what needs to be done for your horse.

Additional Guidelines:

• Trail Rides: No trail rides are allowed without an instructor present, and they are infrequent.
• Horse Care: The horses in this program are geriatric and do not run. Each horse has its own specific weight limit that must be respected.

Program Details:

• Schedule: Saturdays, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Cost: $125 (Price increase starting November 2024)
• Age Range: 8+ (Age guidelines are flexible; children under 8 may be accepted on a case-by-case basis)
• Weight Limit: 180 lbs

Evaluation Requirement:
Your first session will serve as an evaluation to determine if this program is the right fit for you. Participants who are accepted typically demonstrate a willingness to listen, follow directions, take initiative, maintain a positive attitude, and treat others with respect. During the first class, an assessment will also determine whether this program or Barn Buddies is better suited for your child's success.

Program Overview:
This program promotes responsibility and teaches independence. Students are supervised and instructed in all aspects of horsemanship, focusing on hands-on experience. Participants are expected to demonstrate independence, follow directions, and complete basic tasks related to their training.

Experience Includes:

• A four-hour hands-on horse experience available one, two, or three times a month.
• Activities include horsemanship classes, some riding, basic lessons, education, and chores.
• Participants will care for the horse and learn all aspects of horse ownership.
• A typical day includes grooming, personal time with the horse, chores, tacking up, riding, and participation in horsemanship classes tailored to both the participant’s and the horse’s needs.

Important Note:
Riding is not the primary focus of this program. Although we include riding, it is just one part of the overall experience, and not all sessions will include riding. However, if you're not a regular student, we will ensure you have a riding opportunity.

Non-Refundable Payments:
All payments are non-refundable.

How to Book Multiple Days:
To purchase multiple days, select the desired date, click "Book," then repeat the process for any additional dates. The selected dates will be added to your cart, allowing you to pay for all dates in one transaction, rather than individually.

Home School Ranch Hands Program 

Details:

• Age Range: 8 and up*
• Cost: $65 per 3-hour session (reflects a 50% discount)
• Schedule: Weekdays during normal school hours. Current classes run Thursdays and Fridays, 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM. Call for availability.

Program Overview:
This program promotes responsibility and independence through hands-on horsemanship. Students are supervised and instructed in all aspects of horse care, from grooming and tacking up to riding and chores. Participants are expected to demonstrate independence, follow instructions, and complete assigned tasks.

Experience Details:

• Duration: 3 hours
• Frequency: Available 1-4 times a month
• Activities: Includes horsemanship classes, riding, lessons, education, and chores. Each session involves caring for your horse, with activities like grooming, personal time, and various horsemanship classes.

Important Note:
Riding is part of the program but not its primary focus. Not every session will include riding.

Scheduling and Payment:
Home School Ranch Hands sessions are scheduled by contacting us first to confirm availability. Once your dates are set, please make a payment on our payment page to secure your spot. Payment is required to reserve your horse, and spaces may be filled if payment is not made promptly.

Payment Policy:
All payments are non-refundable.

 Barn Buddies Program Details:

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Cost: $60 (reflects a 50% discount)
• Schedule: Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
• Age Range: 4+

Program Overview:
Barn Buddies is a 90-minute, smaller class session that focuses on one key component of the regular Ranch Hand program each week. These sessions may include riding, lessons and chores, or educational activities and chores. Each session will highlight one of these areas.

Important Note:
Riding is not the primary focus of this program. While there will be opportunities to ride, not every session includes riding.

Scheduling:
Barn Buddies sessions are available by appointment. Please contact us to schedule a session.

Payment Policy:
All payments are non-refundable.

Stable Paths Program Details:

• Duration: 4 hours
• Cost: free
• Schedule: Select Saturdays, 10:00 AM-2:00 PM
• Age Range: 11+

Stable Paths Program Overview

Stable Paths is a hands-on equine care and life skills program designed to empower youth through meaningful interactions with senior horses while promoting substance abuse prevention. Guided by experienced drug and alcohol counselors, as well as former alcoholics and addicts sharing personal recovery stories, the program provides youth with real-life examples of resilience and positive life change.

Participants take on full responsibility for horse care, including feeding, grooming, and administering basic medical care. Many of the horses in the program have unique care needs due to age, past trauma, or medical conditions. Youth learn to adapt their approach based on each horse’s specific needs, fostering patience, empathy, and problem-solving skills. The horses’ immediate, unbiased feedback helps youth recognize and regulate their emotions while building trust, accountability, and confidence.

Sessions include horse-handling exercises that focus on leadership, emotional regulation, and clear communication. Youth learn how to become trustworthy, dependable leaders—both in the barn and in life. They practice advocating for themselves, setting boundaries, and making thoughtful decisions—all essential tools for navigating life’s challenges.

Although riding is not a primary focus of Stable Paths, it may be an option if time and readiness allow. Participants must first demonstrate responsibility, respect, and understanding of horse care and safety before riding is considered. This ensures that all interactions with the horses are safe and beneficial for both youth and animals.

Scheduling and Attendance: 

Program scheduling is approved and arranged through text, email, or phone call. Once a spot is reserved, attendance is expected. Because space is limited and offered free of charge, not showing up means another youth loses the opportunity to participate. We ask that all participants honor their commitment to the program out of respect for others eager to join.

Stable Paths is offered free of charge, with scheduling dependent on available funding. Sessions are held on select Saturdays throughout the year. Thanks to the generosity of community supporters, youth gain a unique learning experience that builds resilience, compassion, and life skills through the healing power of horses.

 Adult Horse Time

• Schedule: Saturdays, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
• Cost: $65 for 2 hours (reflects a 50% discount)
• Contact: Please reach out to us for availability.

Program Overview:
Adult Horse Time offers a relaxed, teach-as-you-go experience. We’ll cater to your needs, allowing you to learn the basics quickly and then transition to a self-structured horse time.

Important Note:
Our horses are geriatric and not suited for running or extended ride times.

Weight limit is 180lbs.

Scheduling:
Contact us to check available Saturdays and schedule your session.

 Family Time

• Price: Varies (typically $150-$325)

Program Overview:
Family Time offers a customizable experience to fit your preferences. Activities may include cleaning stalls, brushing horses, and a basic lesson in the round pen. Sessions typically last around two hours, with approximately 30-45 minutes allocated for riding.

Capacity and Restrictions:
We can accommodate up to 4 riders at one time, or fewer depending on weight limits. The general weight limit is 180 lbs, but some horses may have lower weight limits. 

Additional Information:
Bring a picnic lunch to enjoy in the covered shelter next to the corral while watching your family participate. Share your interests with us, and we’ll work to create a memorable experience tailored to your needs.

This program has been suspended at this time. New summer opportunities will be posted soon!