Where art meets horsemanship, and the language of the horse becomes a path to healing and grace.
At River Mountain Farm in Keezletown, VA, we offer Natural and Classical Horsemanship lessons for all ages. Our programs go beyond riding — we teach the language of the horse through groundwork, grooming, mindful riding, and emotional regulation techniques.
Our philosophy is inspired by Buck Brannaman’s natural horsemanship, the Academic Art of Riding by Bent Branderup, and classical masters like Nuno Oliveira, Pluvinel, and Podhajsky, who cultivated harmony, lightness, and partnership between horse and rider.
Through our programs, students develop confidence, empathy, emotional regulation, and life skills that extend far beyond the barn. Each session integrates mindfulness, body awareness, and classical horsemanship to create a holistic learning experience.Any age is welcome. We offer Privite lessons for individuals and groups up to 4.
Why Our Horsemanship Lessons Are Different
Unlike traditional riding programs that focus only on technique or performance, we emphasize connection, clarity, and feel. Each lesson blends:
- Groundwork & Communication: Learning the subtle, body-based language horses understand
- Mindful Riding & Somatic Awareness: Developing sensitivity, balance, and trust in both horse and rider
- Therapeutic & Artistic Process: Riding as an expressive, spiritual, and healing art form
- Classical Principles: Rooted in centuries of wisdom, from the Iberian schools to modern biomechanics
Our lessons provide more than riding instruction — they are a holistic education in partnership, confidence, and emotional intelligence.
The 10 Pillar Program NEW IN 2026
The 10 Pillar Program is a holistic horsemanship pathway that integrates mindfulness, classical training, liberty work, emotional regulation, and creative expression. Designed to support both horse and human, the program builds a strong foundation of safety, softness, balance, and connection before progressing into riding, sport, and artistic exploration.
Students learn how their presence, timing, and body awareness directly influence the horse, developing clear communication without force. Groundwork, in-hand work, liberty, and riding are taught alongside playful and creative exercises that encourage curiosity, confidence, and trust.
Rooted in classical principles and modern nervous system awareness, the 10 Pillar Program honors the horse as a whole being—physical, emotional, and relational—while guiding students toward thoughtful, embodied, and compassionate horsemanship.
Students progress through the **introductory Rainbow Levels—Red, Orange, Yellow, and Green—**much like karate belts, building skills layer by layer. Each level represents a deepening of safety, connection, coordination, and feel, rather than speed or force. Advancement is based on demonstrated understanding, emotional regulation, and the ability to perform foundational exercises with softness, clarity, and respect for the horse. This ensures that both horse and student develop confidence, balance, and trust before moving on to more advanced work.
Horsemanship & Riding Lessons – Keezletown VA
Private Lessons – $100/hour (January and February 2026 offering a special discount for $80 a lesson while spots last)
One-on-one sessions on our trained school horses. Lessons include groundwork, in-hand exercises, and mindful riding for classical riding, natural horsemanship, and somatic awareness.
Kids Group Lessons – $50/person (2–4 students)
Small group sessions where children learn responsibility, confidence, and empathy through horsemanship fundamentals.
Bring Your Own Horse – $150/90 minutes
Personalized training to deepen connection, body awareness, and trust with your horse. Includes groundwork, riding practice, and classical principles.
Extended Horsemanship Lessons – $150/2 hours
A deeper experience for students ready to immerse in horsemanship. Includes:
- Classical groundwork & in-hand exercises inspired by the Spanish Riding School
- Liberty & relational work
- Working Equitation
- Mindful riding & nervous system regulation
- Somatic and therapeutic practices for body awareness and calm
Bonus for All Lesson Students:
- Equine Yoga – Tuesdays at 5:30 PM (mindful movement among horses)
- Traditional Yoga – Saturdays at 9:00 AM (core-focused with horsemanship applications)
Lessons are typically 1 hour (1.5 hours including grooming & tack care). Sibling discounts available on a case-by-case basis. Lessons are billed monthly with a 24-hour cancellation policy.
Afternoon Group Horsemanship Sessions – Keezletown, VA
Tuesdays | 3:30–6:00 PM | $100 per person
Our Afternoon Group Horsemanship Sessions are immersive, slow-paced lessons blending classical riding, working equitation, liberty training, and emotional regulation practices. Designed for kids and teens, these sessions teach horsemanship as an art, practice, and relationship.
Each Session Includes:
- Mucking & Feeding – responsibility & care
- Brushing & Grooming – connection through touch
- Groundwork & In-Hand Work – balance & communication
- Liberty Training – trust & partnership
- Emotional Regulation Practice – calming and centering
- Riding Practice – classical & working equitation
- Vaulting – balance & coordination
- Tack Cleaning & Barn Care – respect for tools
- Meditation & Reflection – quiet moments with the herd
- Study of the Horse – anatomy, behavior, and philosophy
Spaces are limited. Message to reserve your spot today.
Equine Yoga – Keezletown VA
Tuesdays at 5:30 PM – $15/class (free for current lesson students)
Blend yoga, mindful movement, and the grounding presence of horses. Practice sun salutations, balance, and stretching alongside equine partners. Horses’ energy fields promote calm and restoration, and our intentional focus benefits both human and horse.
Equine-Assisted Emotional Regulation & Somatic Therapy – Virginia
$100/session (60 minutes)
Support your nervous system and emotional balance with equine-assisted therapy. Using HeartMath philosophy, somatic awareness, and energy medicine techniques inspired by Donna Eden, sessions help participants:
- Manage anxiety or emotional overwhelm
- Support ADHD, autism, or neurodivergent processing
- Regulate stress and trauma responses
Participants learn self-regulation, co-regulation with horses, and mindful energy practices in a safe, supportive environment.
Weekend Restore Retreats – Virginia
$400/person
Seasonal retreats focusing on yoga, meditation, art, and horse-guided self-discovery. Connect deeply with horses, nature, and your inner self through creative expression, mindfulness, and intentional stillness.
Horse Training – Virginia
$2,000/month (30-day minimum)
We offer 30–90 day training programs for horses needing foundation work, emotional rehabilitation, or classical refinement. Simon and Janine work hands-on with each horse, teaching natural and classical horsemanship techniques to build trust, balance, and responsiveness.
Equine Camps
Visit our [Summer Camps page] for seasonal horsemanship and art camps for kids and teens in Keezletown, VA.
