Horsemanship
our connected horsemanship program
At Pecan Creek Ranch, we believe horsemanship is more than just riding—it’s about connection, trust, and mutual understanding between you and your horse. Our Connected Horsemanship Lessons are designed for those who want to go beyond technique and cultivate a truly meaningful relationshipwith horses.
Meet Your Instructor – Carly
With over twenty years of experience as an equine professional, Carly brings a wealth of knowledge, passion, and heart to every lesson. Her journey began at the age of eight in Georgia, where her very first ride didn’t go as planned—but taught her a lifelong lesson in resilience. Since then, Carly has dedicated her career to helping both horses and humans grow through connection.
A former collegiate equestrian champion, Carly rode on the University of South Carolina’s three-time National Championship-winning hunt seat team and captained the 2007 National Championship Equestrian Team. She later built a career in Austin, guiding students and their equine partners to success at the local, national, and collegiate levels. More than just riding, Carly teaches horsemanship as a way of life, helping her students develop patience, persistence, empathy, and authenticity—skills that extend beyond the barn.
Carly is a PATH Intl. Certified Therapeutic Riding Instructor (CTRI) and a certified Equine Specialist (ES) through EAGALA. She is also trained in Natural Lifemanship and is working toward her certification. Currently pursuing her Master’s in Counseling, she blends her expertise in horsemanship with an understanding of personal growth and mental well-being.
When she’s not at the ranch, you might find her enjoying Austin’s live music scene—or stealing the spotlight at a karaoke night!
What Makes Our Approach Different?
Instead of focusing solely on perfecting cues and maneuvers, we help you develop:
✔️ Mutual Trust & Respect – Learn how to create a partnership where both you and the horse feel seen, heard, and valued.
✔️ Clear Communication – Understand how to communicate in a way that honors both your needs and the horse’s needs.
✔️ Emotional & Psychological Safety – Feel safe, effective, and confident—whether on the ground or in the saddle.
✔️ Personal Growth & Resilience – Lessons here don’t just teach you about horses; they teach you about yourself.
Why Choose Pecan Creek Ranch?
Our horses are specially trained to respond to who you are in the moment—not just how well you execute a task. Through these lessons, you’ll gain skills that extend beyond the arena, helping you build stronger connections in all areas of your life, including with yourself.
Who Are These Lessons For?
✔️ Beginners to experienced riders who want a more relational approach.
✔️ Kids who love horses and also need guidance in building strong, healthy friendships.
✔️ Anyone who has felt unseen or unheard in traditional riding lessons.
✔️ Riders who value the horse’s well-being and want to respect their physical, social, and emotional needs.
✔️ People looking for a slower, more peaceful pace in a welcoming, down-to-earth environment.
Who This Isn’t For
✖️ If you’re only interested in learning to ride and aren’t concerned about relationship-building.
✖️ If you prefer a high-end show barn with top-tier amenities.
✖️ If you want to push for results at the expense of a strong foundation of trust and connection.
✖️ If you expect horses to simply obey without regard for their own experience.
Horsemanship: Learning to Ride, Care, and Connect with Horses
Have you ever dreamed of riding a horse across an open field, feeling the wind in your hair as your horse gallops beneath you? Or maybe you just love the idea of being around horses, brushing their coats, and feeding them treats. Horsemanship is all about learning how to take care of horses, understand them, and ride them safely.
Whether you’re brand new to horses or already taking lessons, understanding horsemanship helps you become a better rider and a great horse friend.
What is Horsemanship?
Horsemanship is more than just riding. It’s about building a relationship with a horse, taking care of it, and learning how to communicate with it. Horses are amazing animals with big personalities, and when you understand them, you can ride and work with them safely and confidently.
Horsemanship includes:
- Horse care – Keeping a horse clean, fed, and healthy
- Riding skills – Learning to balance, steer, and control speed
- Communication – Understanding horse body language and how to give signals
- Safety – Knowing the right way to approach, lead, and ride a horse
By practicing horsemanship, you don’t just become a good rider—you become a horse’s best friend!
Why is Horsemanship Important?
Learning horsemanship isn’t just about having fun (although that’s a big part of it). It also teaches you important life skills like patience, responsibility, confidence, and teamwork.
1. Confidence Builder
Horses are big animals, and learning to handle and ride them makes you feel more confident in yourself. As you improve, you’ll realize that you can do more than you thought possible.
2. Responsibility
Taking care of a horse is a big job. They need food, water, grooming, and exercise. When you learn horsemanship, you also learn how to take care of another living being, which helps you grow into a responsible person.
3. Better Communication
Horses don’t talk, but they do communicate with their ears, tails, and body movements. When you practice horsemanship, you learn how to read their signals and respond in a way that makes sense to them. This skill can even help you communicate better with people!
How to Get Started with Horsemanship
If you’re interested in horses and want to start learning horsemanship, here are some great ways to begin:
1. Take Riding Lessons
The best way to learn horsemanship is by taking lessons with a trained instructor. They will teach you how to:
- Sit properly in the saddle
- Steer and stop a horse
- Ride at different speeds, like walking and trotting
- Stay safe around horses
Find a local riding school or equestrian center that offers beginner-friendly lessons. Some places even have special programs just for kids! The United States Pony Club is a great place to find fun horse programs for young riders.
2. Learn Horse Care Basics
Before you can ride, you have to take care of the horse! Here are some important horse care skills to practice:
- Brushing – Keeps the horse’s coat clean and smooth
- Hoof Cleaning – Removes dirt and rocks that can hurt the horse’s feet
- Feeding – Horses eat hay, grain, and drink lots of water
- Tack and Equipment – Learn how to put on a saddle and bridle correctly
3. Spend Time Around Horses
The more time you spend with horses, the better you’ll understand them. Volunteering at a stable, watching riding lessons, or even just feeding and petting horses can help you get more comfortable.
Safety Tips for Young Riders
Horses are gentle, but they are also strong and powerful. Following safety rules makes sure both you and the horse stay safe.
- Wear a Helmet – Always wear a certified riding helmet to protect your head.
- Stay Calm – Horses can sense your feelings. If you’re nervous, take deep breaths and move slowly.
- Approach from the Side – Never walk up directly behind a horse—they can’t see you there and might get scared.
- Follow the Instructor’s Advice – Listen to your riding teacher and always ask if you’re unsure about something.
Fun Horsemanship Activities
Once you start learning horsemanship, there are tons of fun things you can do with horses!
- Obstacle Courses – Guide your horse through fun challenges like weaving through cones or stepping over poles.
- Bareback Riding – Once you’re comfortable, try riding without a saddle to improve your balance.
- Horseback Games – Play games like “Simon Says” on horseback to practice riding skills in a fun way.
- Trail Riding – Explore nature on horseback with a trail ride (with an adult instructor, of course!).
If you’re looking for horsemanship camps and events, check out The American Youth Horse Council for programs that help young riders improve their skills.
Keep Learning About Horsemanship
There’s always more to learn about horsemanship, and every horse is different. If you love horses, keep practicing and growing your skills. You can:
- Join a connected horsemanship classes
- Read books about horses and riding techniques
- Watch online videos that show proper riding and horse care
- Attend horse shows or local riding events to see experienced riders in action
Start Your Horsemanship Journey Today!
Horsemanship is a fun and rewarding way to connect with horses while learning important skills. Whether you’re riding for fun, competing, or just spending time with these amazing animals, the bond you create with a horse is something truly special.
If you’re ready to start, click sign up button above. Also check our Natural Lifemanship Clinical Immersion Program, Consultation, Observation Hours, Webinar, Courses and Events to find lessons and experiences near you.
Have fun, stay safe, and enjoy your time with horses!